God Loves humanity with a constant, unmerited grace that does not depend on human performance or achievements. [1, 2]
The View of Unconditional Love
- Unearned Grace: God’s love is rooted in His character rather than human merit. Proponents point to scripture like Romans 5:8, noting that Love was shown while people were still considered sinners.
- Universal Presence: Many Christian teachers emphasize that God’s love is steady, unshakable, and free from the need for human approval or perfection. More details can be explored via Finds.Life.Church and Touching Lives.
A WHISPER FROM HEAVEN!
The Parable of the prodigal son taught by Jesus illustrated a vital truth about salvation: as a son, he betrayed his father’s trust in him but then he acknowledged his love and acted on it – that was the turning point for him!
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
11And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to2 one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
LK. 15:11-24.
Reflection: Our best is like a filthy rag before God – we don’t earn His Love.
The phrase “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” comes from the Old Testament book of Isaiah 64:6.
What the Verse Means
- Human Inadequacy: In its original context, the verse emphasizes that human effort, moral posturing, or self-righteousness cannot save people or earn God’s favor on its own.
- The Role of Grace: Traditional Christian theology stresses that salvation is a free gift from God through grace and faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), not something earned by human achievement.
Different Theological Views on Good Works
- Hypocrisy vs. Sincere Faith: Many theologians and biblical scholars point out that Isaiah 64:6 is addressing hypocritical, self-serving religious acts or people who rely on their own merit rather than God.
- Pleasing Offerings: Christian doctrine generally teaches that once a person is united with Christ, their genuine acts of love, obedience, and service are viewed by God not as filthy rags, but as fragrant, pleasing sacrifices (Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:16) made possible by Christ’s righteousness.
Though God wants us to change, but He won’t discard us if we don’t, He will continue to call us unto repentance. The turning point begins when we respond to reciprocate His Love; when we choose to seek or pleases Him. Noteworthy!
The truth? God’s Love doesn’t change us automatically like a robot, it only releases the grace to change when we choose aright to acknowledge the Love with obedience… So, let’s constantly hold on to His Love!
May we maximize God’s Love and Grace.
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