The concept of pure grace atonement is unique to Christianity. Other religions enforce a strict religious code to satisfy the wrath of angry gods. The more obedient a person is to that code, the more righteous that person is perceived to be.

Sadly, some Christians believe the same thing. They believe one must perform and complete certain acts or works to obtain salvation. They believe God's salvation must be maintained by constantly performing good deeds, and refraining from bad deeds. They teach an adherence to some strict (written or unwritten) moral code. If one fails to do certain deeds, God removes his salvation and condemns him to hell. He will also be condemned to hell for things like cussing, dancing, or drinking alcohol. He must maintain his salvation by attending church, visiting the sick, tithing, praying, etc., (the list is endless).

This explains why some Christians have no problem converting to Islam, or Christian cults. They simply exchange one form of legalism for a more rigid form. They take on a stricter set of rules to feel (or appear) more righteous, more saved. This rule-keeping has a form of religion and self-righteousness, but it promotes a system whereby one obtains God's salvation and acceptance through human effort.

God’s salvation is not earned. God’s salvation is not maintained through pious human acts. God bestows his salvation, freely. He decides upon whom he wishes to convey it, based on faith in Jesus Christ. He is obligated to save no one. He desires all to come freely.

There is no doubt that we, as believers, have obligations. Just like marriage brings certain obligations and responsibilities. Yet, we do not earn or maintain our salvation through keeping these obligations. We are saved by the blood of Christ. Payment was made one time, for all time. The debt is paid. Jesus' last words were,

"It is finished."

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home..."

GAD!

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is defined as “excessive uncontrollable worry about everyday things.” GAD is constant worry affecting daily functioning. Its physical symptoms include muscle tension, nausea, swallowing difficulty, irritability, uneasiness, stomach problems, and diarrhea. GAD is difficult to diagnose. It lacks some of the more dramatic symptoms such as unprovoked panic attacks. Most experts agree that for a diagnosis of GAD to be made, worry must be present more days than not for at least 6 months.

Sufferers shift worry between issues like job, finances, and health. Worry also includes mundane matters, such as chores, car repairs and simply being late. The worry is not in proper proportion to the issue. There may be no real reason for the worry at all. GAD affects performance and concentration. Sufferers complain of feeling on edge, tiring easily, and trouble sleeping.

GAD invaded my life at age 17, when I suffered my first anxiety attack. Later, personal failures and betrayals by close friends intensified my worry. I was diagnosed properly recently. Through treatment, counseling, and direct intervention of the Holy Spirit, I am better. I have good days and bad days. The good now seems to outweigh the bad. For some reason, God has chosen not to deliver me.

We all struggle. Our struggles are merely different. GAD keeps me close to God. It keeps me seeking his constant peace and presence. Learning to love better, and allowing others to love me, has lessened my fears.

Scripture encourages GAD suffers with statements like, "Be anxious for nothing", and “perfect love casts out all fear.”

The trick is learning to love perfectly and letting God have full control.

As a small child, I found myself extremely frustrated when I wasn’t allowed to do what I wanted to do. I often lost control. I expressed frustration through temper tantrums. At times, when I was very small, Mother could distract me with toys or other items. Later, she used spanking and “time-outs”; sometimes both. She had many ways of helping me control myself. She helped me learn that I couldn’t always have my way.

Mom also rewarded me when I calmed down. She gave me smiles, soft words, milk, and a cookie. Her kindness softened my angry heart. Her loving discipline helped me achieve self-control. Later, the Holy Spirit helped me in areas I couldn’t control myself.

Time outs can be effective. Good parents encourage good choices and punish bad choices. They apply appropriate consequences to help a child think before he acts. This helps the child learn to walk away instead of acting out frustration. Some parents remove items from a child’s room until they learn to control themselves. They reward good behavior by replacing those items, one at a time. This teaches them that society will isolate (imprison) them if they do not learn to control their anger and frustration.

Older children may also be reasoned with if adequate consequences are applied consistently early in life. Parents can encourage older children to “talk out” instead of “act out” frustration. Feelings should be examined and identified properly. A child can learn to distinguish disappointment from frustration and anger from rage.

Christian parents also help their children learn that the Holy Spirit produces self-control when our will is inadequate for controlling our passions. God resides in us to specifically help in areas we cannot control.

Thank you, Jesus, for good parents. Thank you, Jesus, for the fruit of self-control.

John 13:2 chronicles a defining moment in Judas’ life. He will lose everything this night. Nothing will ever be the same.

Judas had followed the Lord for nearly three years, but, evidently, still continued to give audience to the Devil. In that upper room, he obeys a prompting from the Devil to betray Jesus. It is a fatal error in judgment. Jesus later confessed to the Father, “I lost none you gave me, except one.”

Satan has real power. He can kill us, if we listen to him. He can destroy all our relationships. We must stay awake and aware of his power, his opposing voice.

If we accept that there is a resident evil power in this world, then we accept that there is a resident good in us; God in us, empowering us to do right; God in us, empowering us to refuse wrong.

Later that evening, Jesus promises not to abandon his children. He sends the Holy Spirit fifty days later. They are never the same. They go from frightful children to fearless witnesses. Their transformation is so complete that they reach the entire world with the gospel in one generation.

This is a testimony to God's power! It is a testimony to what we can accomplish with God in us, reigning over our hearts and lives. We can live and love like God. We can overcome our addictions and compulsions, sin and Satan.

“For He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.”