I do not frustrate the grace of God • Deshen Daily

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain (Galatians 2:21 KJV)

Paul makes the remarkable comment in the verse above that he does not frustrate the grace of God. He then explains what he meant in this context: if he tries to get righteousness by observing the law, Christ died in vain.

As used above, the word “frustrate” means to nullify, invalidate, or defeat the purpose of God’s grace. It implies doing something that makes God’s grace essentially useless in our lives. What is most concerning about this statement is the truth that we can frustrate God’s grace. We can make it to be ineffective.

God has saved us by grace and given us righteousness as a gift, not based on what we do but based on what Christ has done for us. The purpose of grace then is to provide to stubborn and unworthy sinners the precious gift of the very righteousness of God freely once they believe in Jesus. However, when we obey the law to prove to God how good we can be or attempt to earn His favor by their merit, we make grace useless. Jesus did not need to die on the cross.

Finally, grace has brought more to us than just the gift of righteousness. What about other blessings, such as healing, the fullness of the Spirit, or freedom from bondage and sinful lifestyle? The purpose of Christ’s death is void when we do not enjoy what He suffered for. Do not frustrate God’s grace. Press on to be all Christ paid for you.

What does it mean to frustrate God’s grace? Is it possible for us as believers to thwart God’s grace? Could there be an aspect in our life where Christ suffered for something to enjoy, a benefit that we are not enjoying?

Many believers are not aware of how we could be practically invalidating God’s grace in our lives without noticing it. Be watchful to ensure you do not frustrate God’s grace in any area of life.

Thank the Father for the blessing of grace.