12Dec2013 - Grace = Favor + Salvation

How you doin? God is good. We had a better afternoon yesterday. We continue to work ourselves to the edge and He pulls us back. His grace is sufficient. I mentioned yesterday expecting more from God like a spoiled child. I often pray for favor. Sadly enough the favor I pray for is self serving. Today's Scripture shed some light on this subject. 2 Corinthians 6.

Verses 1-2, "As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ² For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.” (reference, Isaiah 49:8)

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." I like how favor and salvation is linked together. I can remember when God first delivered me from drinking and drugging. I was so excited for that freedom from captivity. It was SO much more then enough. I believe we misuse the word salvation. To the Christians "salvation" means acceptance of Christ or receiving Christ. Which is correct, but do we truly understand what we are being saved from. "Salvation" is freedom from sin, which leads to death. It's being pardoned from a death sentence. There can't be any greater display of favor. I think about how I use that word. I say "let me do you a favor" and then extend some meaningless act of kindness or give some stupid advice. When God said "let me extend you some favor" He took me off of death row. The favor I ask for tends to be self serving favor. Like grant me financial favor or grant me understanding so I can be right in theological conversations. I can't imagine the face God makes at me when He looks at me. I picture this very loving smirk and subtle shake of His head. The one that all parents give their kids when we see them doing something that we know they will grow out of. COME ON!!!!!!! We've all received and/or given that look.
These verses create an incredible equation, grace = favor + salvation.

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.” WOW!!!!!!! That's a promise that can't be over looked. God's favor is SO much more then helping someone move or lifting something heavy. It's salvation. It's parole. It's freedom. It's life. I ask for favor as if I don't live in His favor everyday. Grace = favor+salvation. COME ON!!!!!!! I'm going to start being a better steward of the favor that He's already shown me.
Chapter 6 has a couple more mind blowing promises from the Old Testament. Verse 16,  "For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
    and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.” (reference Lev. 26:12; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 37:27) AWESOME!!!!!!!
Verse 18, And,

“I will be a Father to you,
    and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.” (reference, 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8) HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!! Don't receive His grace in vain today.
PS   Favor is salvation that doesn't end. God continues to grant me favor by freeing my from sin. He continues to free me from chains of disbelieve, discouragement, sin, and all lack. PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!! Revelation is cool.