Reflections of Grace

Scripture: Romans 15:7

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

In this scripture Paul encourages us to accept one another regardless of ethnic or racial distinctions, for the purpose of the Glory of God.

Paul distinctly pointed out that Christ accepted not only Jews but Gentiles (those that were not Jewish by birth). In order to explain this to the Jews Paul quoted citations from different parts of the "Old Testament," (I Chron 16:31; Ps 22:27; 96:10; 102:22; Is 49:23; 60:3, 9-14). His last citation, Isaiah 11:10, was a clear prophecy of Gentiles turning to the Messiah and being saved in the end time (Keener, 1993).

The grace of God is for everyone, not just a select few. It does not matter what race or ethinic background that someone comes from. It does not matter if someone is rich or poor. It does not matter what a person believed in the past. The only thing that matters, is the willingness of a person's heart to receive the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. 

Reflection:

Therefore, it is important for us to remember when we were in our sins and separated from God, that He graciously made a way for us to be engrafted into the family of God with no distinctions whatsoever; and to appreciate the extension of God's mercy and grace towards us and others, through His lovingkindness and His tender mercies. 

• How can we thank God for the goodness that He has shown to us?
• How can we express the love of God to others?
• How can our lives be an example of Grace? 

Strong's Concordance:

Accept - 4355

1) to take to, take in addition, to take to one's self
a) to take as one's companion
b) to take by the hand in order to lead aside
c) to take or receive into one's home, with the collateral idea of kindness
d) to receive, i.e. grant one access to one's heart

1) to take into friendship and intercourse
e) to take to one's self, to take: i.e. food

One - 240

1) one another, reciprocally, mutually

Just - 2531
1) according as

a) just as, even as
b) in proportion as, in the degree that

2) since, seeing that, agreeably to the fact that
3) when, after that

Christ - 5547

Christ = "anointed"

1) Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God
2) anointed

Glory - 1391
1) opinion, judgment, view

2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
3) splendour, brightness
a) of the moon, sun, stars
b) magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace
c) majesty

1) a thing belonging to God
a) the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
2) a thing belonging to Christ
a) the kingly majesty of the Messiah
b) the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty

3) of the angels
a) as apparent in their exterior brightness

4) a most glorious condition, most exalted state
a) of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after he had achieved his work on earth
b) the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour's return from heaven


References:

Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - Romans 15 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 3 Dec 2009. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=15&t=NASB >

Higgins, S. (2009). Reflections of Grace. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://devotionsforthought.blogspot.com

Keener, C. (1993). Christ as a Minister of Racial Reconciliation. IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament, p. 444. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.