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The verb Paul uses (rightwised) expresses the wide scope of God's deliverance in setting humanity free! Further, those whom He rightwised, He clothes in splendour.
"I do not believe that one can earnestly seek and find the priceless treasure of God's call without a devout prayer life. That is where God speaks. The purpose of prayer and of God's call in your life is not to make you number one in the world's eyes, but to make him number one in your life. We must be willing to be outshone while shining for God. We hear very little about being smaller in our own self-estimate." ~Ravi Zacharias
"God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!" ~MSG
We see before our eyes the astonishing fact, that all are not in the same condition as regards religious truth. Some are born in heathen countries, of bad parents, or in heresy. Again, of two men who sin, one is cut off, one lives to repent. Again, men who go on well for years suddenly fall away... The world and Catholics are not always distinguishable; they dress alike, etc. Now Scripture recognises this awful fact. It speaks about the elect being few, the flock being little. It says much of God's grace, of a choice...
Hence we cannot argue for certain that because He has forgiven our sins already, He will in future, if we sin. We cannot count that He will a second time give us the grace of repentance. Nor because He has forgiven others, therefore He will us. And so again, if we are external to the Church, we cannot rely on His always giving us the grace which He has given so far as He has, solely to bring us into the Church. And so again we have no confidence, because we are in a good way now, that therefore we shall persevere. Do not think I am putting this as a harsh speculative mystery; it is as a practical consideration. Beware of quenching grace. The grace of conversion is rare; the grace of illumination is precious. You do not know but this may be the last grace given you, if you resist it. You have claim on nothing if you are external to the Church. You may have good feelings, dare not rely on them; you may at present be in God's grace, do not conclude too easily that you will persevere. Watch against sin; for what you know, the least wilful venial sin may act upon your deathbed, and subtract from the aid which would then have been given you.
Grace is a love that has nothing to do with us but everything to do with the One from Whom it is derived: God.
It is a powerful, divine and vital piece of our existence, and it is the only reason we are able to open our eyes each morning. God's grace is more than a second chance; it is a third, fourth, or fifth. It is a love that keeps on giving regardless of the past. Today, take some time to focus on the word "grace" and allow God to reveal Himself to you in a new way.
We see before our eyes the astonishing fact, that all are not in the same condition as regards religious truth. Some are born in heathen countries, of bad parents, or in heresy. Again, of two men who sin, one is cut off, one lives to repent. Again, men who go on well for years suddenly fall away... The world and Catholics are not always distinguishable; they dress alike, etc. Now Scripture recognises this awful fact. It speaks about the elect being few, the flock being little. It says much of God's grace, of a choice...
Hence we cannot argue for certain that because He has forgiven our sins already, He will in future, if we sin. We cannot count that He will a second time give us the grace of repentance. Nor because He has forgiven others, therefore He will us. And so again, if we are external to the Church, we cannot rely on His always giving us the grace which He has given so far as He has, solely to bring us into the Church. And so again we have no confidence, because we are in a good way now, that therefore we shall persevere. Do not think I am putting this as a harsh speculative mystery; it is as a practical consideration. Beware of quenching grace. The grace of conversion is rare; the grace of illumination is precious. You do not know but this may be the last grace given you, if you resist it. You have claim on nothing if you are external to the Church. You may have good feelings, dare not rely on them; you may at present be in God's grace, do not conclude too easily that you will persevere. Watch against sin; for what you know, the least wilful venial sin may act upon your deathbed, and subtract from the aid which would then have been given you.
How does one become a member of the true church; except to confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus believing that God has raised Him from the dead? (Romans 10:9-10)
For "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
Baptism in Jesus' Name won't hurt, either (Acts 2:39-39, Romans 8:30).
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