“The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deuteronomy 7:7-9)
Into every corner of Scripture one theme consistently shines: the boundless grace of God. Our salvation, our understanding of Christ, our ability to believe, and even our perseverance in faith—all are gifts of this grace. Elisha Williams said, “The fact that Christ was given as a Savior is due to grace.”[1]
Consider the high thought that our very Savior, Jesus Christ, was given to us purely out of grace. This wasn’t a mere reaction to our mistakes or a last-minute rescue plan. Rather, the Lord, in His abundant love, chose to send a Savior. Despite our transgressions, instead of giving us the punishment we rightfully deserved, God showcased His mercy, reflecting His love as depicted in 1 John 4:9 and John 3:16.
However, this grace doesn’t stop at Christ’s sacrifice. It is by this same grace that the Savior is unveiled to anyone. The revelation of Jesus Christ isn’t a right; it’s a privilege—one that no human has earned. We, in our natural state, are undeserving sinners destined for wrath. Yet, in His magnanimity, God chose to shed His light upon some nations and not others, not due to their merit but simply out of His sheer benevolence.
Taking Israel as a poignant example, they were chosen not because they were superior but solely because of God’s sovereign will. This reality highlights the sheer magnitude of God’s grace. His choices aren’t based on human effort or righteousness but on His unwavering mercy, on his own divine intentions and will.
This same truth extends to the Gentiles who were previously steeped in idolatry. Though they didn’t seek God, His grace found them, drawing them out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Paul eloquently emphasized this in his epistles, noting that the grace given to the Gentiles, a group once estranged from God’s promises, showcased the vast scope of God’s favor.
In essence, the Gospel’s reach, whether to Jews or Gentiles, is not about merit but is based in God’s great grace. Remembering this should prompt gratitude and a deeper commitment to living in His light, recognizing that our very faith is a gift born not of our worthiness but of God’s boundless love.
Contemplations:
- Lord, thank You for the boundless grace You shower upon us. We are humbled by Your love that extends to us, even though we don’t deserve it. May we always remember that our salvation is purely a gift born of Your love, mercy, and grace.
- Heavenly Father, Your choice to love us and reveal Christ to us is an act of pure grace. Help us to never take this privilege for granted. Let us always cherish and share the Gospel, knowing it’s a reflection of Your immense love.
- Dear God, in moments when we feel superior or deserving, remind us of Israel and the Gentiles. Remind us that everything good comes solely from Your grace. May our hearts be ever grateful and humble before Your majesty.
- Lord, as Your grace found the Gentiles, let Your grace find all those who are still lost today and yet, will become your people. Use us as instruments to share the love of Your Gospel. Guide our steps to lead others to the path of salvation.
Further References for Deut. 7:7-9:
Deut. 4:37; Jer. 31:3; Isa. 43:4; Luke 1:73.
[1] Elisha Williams, Divine Grace Illustrious, in the Salvation of Sinners, (N London i.e., New London, Conn.: Printed and sold by T. Green, printer to the governour & Company, 1728) 1.
