The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Revelation 22:21 (NIVUK)
The final verse of the New Testament encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and the heart of Jesus’s message to humanity. The grace of Jesus is not earned by our actions or merits, it is freely given to us as an expression of God’s infinite love. This grace is a transformative power that cleanses us from sin, empowers us to live as a Christian, and draws us into a deeper relationship with the triune God.
In our header scripture, John concludes the canon of scripture with the reassurance that the grace of Jesus is always available to God’s people, which is encouraging and reassuring because we need this grace daily to reflect the character of Jesus, and to live in accordance with God’s will.
As recipients of Jesus’s grace, we are then called to extend this grace to others. This involves showing compassion and kindness even when it is difficult to do so (Colossians 3:12-14), being light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16), and bringing reconciliation where there is division (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). By living in grace, we become dispensers of God’s goodness, spreading his light and reconciliation to those around us.
The final word of the New Testament: Amen – ‘so be it’, is a declaration of affirmation and agreement signifying our acceptance of God’s grace and our commitment to live by it.
Before we close the Bible, having read the last words of the last verse, of the last chapter, of the last book of the Bible, why not take some time to meditate on the impact of God’s grace, through Jesus, on our lives. How has his grace shaped our walk as a Christian, and in what ways can we share his grace with others?
Revelation 22:21 is more than just a closing verse: it is a call to embrace the grace of Christ and to live as his faithful servants. As we go about our lives, let us remember that his grace is with us always, empowering us to reflect his love and light to the world.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for your boundless grace that covers us and draws us closer to you. Help us to live in the fullness of this grace, showing love and compassion to all we encounter. May your grace be our strength and guide as we navigate the challenges of life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church