THE PRESENT POSSIBILITIES OF GOD’S GRACE FOR ALL PEOPLE
Matthew 19:25-26; John 1:16
A man once came to Jesus and asked about eternal life, and Jesus told him the way to eternal life but in the man’s mind he thought that wasn’t the way, so he left without having eternal life. Afterwards, the disciples asked a significant question, “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26). They thought of the difficulty or impossibility of some people being saved. Today, some people look at themselves and others and they begin to wonder if they can be saved. ‘Saved’ in the Greek language implies being whole, healed, and delivered. As we look at the condition of man, we are plagued with sin, tormented by sickness and vexed by Satan. None of the disciples could answer the question and you may not be able to answer the question, but Jesus the Son of God, who has the answer to every question, gave them a fitting response. With man, it is impossible to get saved, just as a leopard cannot change its skin. No one can deliver himself from the hands of Satan or be cured of what is termed an incurable disease but with God, all things are possible. You can be saved, and healed, your life can be turned around by a great change and transformation because “with God all things are possible.” Yesterday is gone but today, at this present hour, there are endless possibilities of God’s grace for all people. As you think about your situation, remember the words of Jesus, “with God all things are possible.”
1. THE GRACIOUS POSSIBILITY OF SALVATION FOR THE PENITENT Ephesians 2:1-5,8; Luke 19:5-10; Titus 2:11-14
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). We are saved by grace, not by money. You may not have as much money as others and may not be able to afford what they can, but salvation is by grace for all. Salvation is not by human merit because heaven does not recognize your earthly merit. There are many religions in the world, and if salvation were by religion, many would not have salvation. Praise God, His grace is available to everyone. Faith is leaning on the Lord, and knowing that we do not have a mouth to ask for salvation from heaven but we have a Mediator who can ask the Father for my salvation. It is not what you have done but what He has done that grants you salvation. No matter how bad and sinful you are, understand that you don’t merit salvation, but by His grace, you will be saved. Salvation is the gift of God, something we can never pay for. Even if you had the money, you wouldn’t
pay because it is a gift from God. The gift of salvation is for the penitent. “ And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:5,7-8). Zacchaeus knew that salvation could only be obtained from Christ. He was dirty-rich, a public and notorious sinner, and people even commented that Jesus had gone into the house of a sinner. Jesus is a friend of penitent, pleading, praying sinners. Jesus is not a friend of Pharisaic, proud, persistent sinners. One of the thieves on the cross was very proud and impenitent but the other thief who was praying and penitent received eternal life. Zacchaeus showed his penitence in his readiness to make restitution for his sins. If you plead, pray and are penitent, salvation will come to you.
2. THE GRANTED POSSIBILITY OF SOUNDNESS (HEALING) THROUGH PRAYER
Mark 2:2-5,9-12; 5:25-30,34; 9:21-23,24-27
God still answers prayer because that’s His unchanging nature. He answers prayers not because you shout, weep, roll on the floor, or sacrifice but because of His nature that remains the same yesterday, today and forever. From the first day Jesus began his public ministry, He began to heal the people up till the last day when He healed the ears of the man whom Peter had cut off. Those who were blind, He gave sight, those deaf, He made to hear, He made the dumb to speak and gave life to the dead. That healing power is still the same today. He heals in diverse ways, by a touch, by His word, and by the recipient’s faith. “And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:21-24). You need to be assured that Jesus can do anything because “He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him.” When you know that Jesus can do anything and everything, then you will be a recipient of His compassion and help. Jesus is love, and what He can do He does in compassion. In response to the man’s prayer, Jesus pushed the condition and responsibility of ‘if’ to the man.
3. THE GRAND (GENEROUS) PROVISION OF SUPPLY FOR ALL PETITIONERS
Psalm 84:11-12; 145:9,19; Acts 10:38,43
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8). All who pray, ask, seek, and knock at the door of the mercy of God, He grants gracious provision. A petitioner is one who has a pressing need and makes a strong request to one who has the ability to answer the request. The petitioner does not run away after making his requests, he stays there until the answer is given. “Ask and it shall be given, seek…” “The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” (Psalm 145:9). There is no partiality with God, and whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The Lord will give you salvation, and forgiveness and supply all that you need.
