GRACE IS OPPOSITE OF KARMA, KARMA Means GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE,
BUT GRACE IS GETTING WHAT YOU DON’T DESERVE.
When the world believes in the Karma theology, the Bible teaches us that we are saved by Grace and not by Works (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that’s why the Gospel is such a good news because if we had to depend on our works, none of us would ever make it, and also none of us could ever be sure if we’d done enough good works to save ourselves. Grace is often associated with God’s compassion, mercy and steadfast love towards His people, despite their shortcomings and failures.
I heard this in one of the Church sermons when I was young. GRACE – God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Such a simple phrase yet such a powerful abbreviation of Grace, which to a large extent wraps around the true essence of God’s Grace.
Let us reflect on the Life of Apostle Peter, who experienced God’s abounding Grace throughout his life.
Peter, also known as Simon Peter, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Peter was a fisherman by trade, originally called Simon, but Jesus gave him the name “Peter,” which means “Rock,” signifying that he would be the foundational rock upon which Christ would establish the Church.
Though Peter was a chosen one of his time from the thousands of people and though he was in very close proximity of every miracle, every teaching and every lifestyle of Jesus, yet Peter had his weaknesses, his attitude, his people skills and he too was a sinful man. Yet, inspite of all his negatives and imperfections, Christ called Peter to “Come Follow” him and be His Disciple.
In Luke 5:1-11, a picture of Peter and Jesus having a sincere moment at the very beginning of their relationship. Upon seeing the miracle of fish, Peter realizes his sinful state and gives glory to the Lord before him by falling to his knees and exclaiming, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). Yet Jesus looked at this wicked man and said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10). After His words, Peter and the other three drop everything, including their identities as fishermen and begin a beautiful journey with Jesus.
Peter saw himself as a sinner, but Jesus called him a fisher of men. That’s how grace works. The Lord saw Peter’s acknowledgement and his willingness to deny himself and his way of life. God’s Grace didn’t evaluate Peter’s present standing, but gave him an opportunity for a higher calling.
However, Peter didn’t transform overnight, he continued to make mistakes repeatedly, but Jesus, as is His nature, loved Peter wholeheartedly and continued to use him in His Kingdom’s work. This included Peter’s proclamation that Jesus was the Messiah in Luke 9:20.
We can learn from Peters life God’s unfailing grace, whereby even though Peter denied Jesus 3 times and disowned Him to save himself (Matthew 26:69-75), even though the promise he made to Jesus that though others may leave him he will standby Jesus (Matthew 26:35), even though he wasn’t in close proximity during the crucifixion when Jesus needed him the most, yet we see in John 21:15-19, Peter is not met or confronted with condemnation or judgement or anger or questioning, but with forgiveness and love and is reinstated with a Kingdom Mandate.
Whenever we read this section of Scripture, it brings us hope, that yes though others have written us off, with God we do stand a chance a second time around. As the Bible tells us in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That’s what God’s grace brings in for us a hope for a new beginning, even after we mess up.
Even still, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, having been restored and forgiven by His Lord, Peter becomes the spokesman for the Apostles. This uneducated man spoke with boldness to crowds of thousands. The book of Acts 2:14 onwards specifies his first Sermon where in a single day there were about 3,000 souls who received the Word and were baptised bringing them the Good News and transforming their lives towards the forgiveness and salvation that Christ offered at the Cross.
Peter’s life in the Bible exemplifies the power of Christ. As an uneducated fisherman, Peter’s journey from a disciple to a powerful servant of the Lord in the early Church is a testament to the profound impact of the Gods Grace.
Despite his strengths and weaknesses, Peter’s ultimate restoration stands as a portrayal of God’s boundless grace. Even to this day God is immutable. If something is immutable it is unchanging. He has not, does not and will never change. Even His name “I AM” describes His unchanging nature (Exodus 3:14). Every single one of God’s attributes is unchanging too, from His Grace, goodness and love to His wisdom, faithfulness, and power.
In conclusion over and above the life lessons mentioned, let us reflect on the following:
- God’s grace is not an excuse to continue sinning, but a motivation to live a holy life.
- Embrace your New Identity in Christ, which calls you to live in righteousness and freedom from sin.
- Reflect on the power of Christ’s sacrifice and its impact on your daily life, inspiring you to live in obedience to God.
- Pray for the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to make choices that honour God.
Regularly examine your heart and actions, seeking forgiveness and guidance from the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness.
