However, we cannot speak of salvation without mentioning grace. For the Scripture says, " For it is by grace that you were saved through faith." (Ephesians 2:8a). Meaning that salvation was made possible by grace and that without grace, each of us would have carried our own crosses (Punishment for sin). In another way, it can also be said as initially stated, that celebrating salvation could as well mean celebrating grace to the saved.
Speaking of grace, it is very important to understand what that is all about. Without understanding grace, you definitely won't value it. For example, you are accused of murder of which you personally pleaded guilty to, in a court of law. For justice to be done, you deserve to be sentenced according to the provisions of the law. But on the other hand, grace will say, "Man, your are without a doubt guilty as charged, but deserves to be pardoned on the ground of the finished work of Christ." Grace speaks mercy not condemnation. It gives hope to the sinner that no matter the magnitude of his sins, he can be forgiven and declared innocent and free of any punishable offense. Now isn't that great? That's what grace does. But how did grace came about? It did as a result of God's love for fallen man, by choosing to send His innocent and begotten Son Jesus Christ who is greater than all, to receive the punishment for our sins, and become our righteousness before God. Meaning whoever believes and accept Christ, is seen as righteous before God because of Christ, not because we are actually righteous. "Grace and Truth came into existence through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17 GWT). Meaning the credit for grace goes to Jesus Christ who personally, " carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God's approval." (1 Peter 2:24) to the glory of God.
However, in as much as we thank God for grace, it is very important to note that grace on it's mere self does not save nor means that once saved repentance for subsequent sins are no longer necessary. Grace only opens the door or makes salvation possible. It also means pardon is readily available on the ground of confession and forsakening of sin as the scriptures says, "Whoever covers his sins does not prosper. Whoever confesses and abandons them receives compassion." Proverbs 28:13). It is also Important to note that grace isn't only available for salvation,but also for maintaining one's salvation. The Scripture says, " My grace is all you need" (2 Corinthians 12 :9). Meaning that by His grace we can do all things, we can live right.
But as it is today, most believers live their lives as though they were never Saved, and as if grace to live right isn't available. Some even sin deliberately believing that grace has covered it. Such believer's lifestyles raise the questions on whether or not they were actually saved. For the Scripture says, "Those who have been born from God don't live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can't live sinful lives. They have been born from God." ( 1 John 3:9). Meaning as a person who truly accepted Christ,you are not suppose to continue sinning. But even if you do sin though not deliberate, you must sincerely confess and forsake it to obtain forgiveness. But taking God's grace for a ride simply because He is merciful, is like putting God to test, and the consequence will be dreadful.
Grace is the greatest privilege you could ever have, but which won't last forever. Taking advantage of it now is the greatest good you can do for yourself until the day God has appointed to vex his fury on those who ridiculed Him, reject His pardon, or uses His grace to keep on sinning.
So dear friend, what are you doing with the grace freely given to you? Are you using it against the giver through a continuous life of sin, or for the giver through obedience and righteous living? Remember that you didn't save yourself, Christ did, and wishes that at the end of the day, you share in His glory, " Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory." (Romans 5:2 NLT) What you do with the privilege given to you now, will determine your fate on the day of the Lord. Don't waste it!