Grace Baptist Church of Springs Valley

 

IN EPHESIANS 2:8, 9 WE READ THAT we are saved by grace through faith and that salvation is not by our own efforts. It is God's infinite grace that saves the needy sinner who exercises faith in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Living God. We are not saved by any thing we may possess, whether material or inherent, or by any thing we do, but by God's grace only. Salvation is God's gift to fallen man.

     Upon being saved, as a result of placing our faith in Christ, God instructs and expects us to grow in grace and in knowledge of His Son. The Christian is not to remain a "babe in Christ" but we are to grow from spiritual infants into mature Christians. We are to increase our faith through the study of God's Word which is the Bible.

     Let us now read a portion of God's Word as a basis for the discussion of this subject. We are reading from the book of Ezekiel chapter forty-seven:

 

     This message is neither an attempt to explain this passage of Scripture nor an effort to interpret its prophecy but rather to draw from it a picture of the Christian life and to apply it to our individual life.
Immediately upon being saved a Believer is brought, as it were, to the River of Grace. Since he is newly born (spiritually) he is a mere "babe in Christ" (1 Cor 3:1) and is taken first to

WATERS TO THE ANKLES

     Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor 12:9). God's grace is limitless. This means that there is never a 1ack; neither is there ever too much. God knows just how much grace is needed for the new Believer as well as for the mature Christian.

     Perhaps the following illustration will help us grasp this point. When parents take a very young child to the beach he is not permitted to go out into the deep waters where adults and more mature youth are. His activities are limited to the shallow waters along the shore. He doesn't understand the danger of playing in water "over his head". He has no realization of the many dangers lurking in the waters that seem so quiet and peaceful. So it is needful for Daddy and Mother to restrict him to the shallow water until he has learned how to cope with the things he must experience there. When he stumbles they are there to take him by the hand and set him aright again.

     Likewise, God knows every need in the new Believer's life. He knows that living by faith seems to be mere theory and He understands that "grace" is foreign to those who have all their lives relied upon themselves. So He brings the new Christian to the shore to play in the sand and splash in the shallow "knee deep" waters of Grace.

     When the sun shines hot upon him and his skin is burned he finds the grace of Jesus soothing. When he stumbles he learns that the grace of Jesus means forgiveness. When his heart is cut by the sharp words of some well meaning friend he discovers that the grace of Jesus means sympathy. Yes, in every experience of life he learns of the all sufficiency of Jesus' grace.
God, seeing the growth and progress of His child, is well pleased and, desiring that His son (or daughter) continue to grow, measures off another course for him. Then God brings His beloved child to

WATERS TO THE KNEES

     This is a precious time in a child's development. I remember, when as a small child, I would go with other boys to the old swimming hole. I still couldn't get out into the deep water but I had fun! In the "knee deep" water one could do more than just splash with the hands. We could "mud crawl' and pretend to be swimming. Sometimes there would be a minor cut or bruise which seemed much more severe at the time. Occasionally, whether just devilishness on their part or whether we "had it coming", a bigger boy would shove a little face under the water and we would come up spitting and gasping. But we kept going back and were persistent in our efforts to become "grown" boys.

     I believe it is somewhat the same in the Christian experience. This stage of our spiritual growth is very enjoyable but, more than that, it is also a time of great growth. Things learned during this time, whether good or bad, are not easily forgotten. It may be at this time that God, just as parents who see the normal development of their children, will give His children additional privileges and increased responsibilities. Whereas they only pretended to help mother with the dishes they now begin to help with the real "church chores" in Sunday School or wherever there is a job they can do. There are mishaps and mistakes but they learn to trust Jesus more and more and begin to realize that His grace is, indeed, sufficient for their every need. Thus, God's children grow and mature.
Once again, as they are enjoying even greater blessings, God sees their love and devotion and measures out still another course for His children. They have grown so much that He brings them to

WATERS TO THE LOINS

     I trust it is becoming more and more evident that the portion of grace God metes out to you, the individual believer, is determined by your active faith.

     Again, recalling childhood days, it was in "loin deep" waters that I learned to swim. We had no inner tubes or water wings to aid us as we learned to stay on top of the water. 'Loin deep' waters are shallow enough for the feet to touch bottom in case one goes under. For the Christian this is that stage of growth where he begins to gain new light on the Word of God from his own studies. He still enjoys the help of others, however, and is happy for their suggestions. The Believer, at this point, has grown tremendously in spiritual stature and is eagerly seeking for maturity in his Christian experience.

     In the 'loin deep' waters there are also dangers present. Perhaps the greatest pitfall is that of pride of accomplishment. Forgetting that we still sometimes start to go under and must catch ourselves by putting our feet to the bottom, we think only of our growth and progress. Then Satan appears on the scene and, before we realize what is happening, we fall. I believe this is what happened to the Apostle Peter (Matthew 14:29, 30). By faith in Christ he was walking on top of the water. Then, in pride (I believe), he took his eyes off Jesus. He began to sink immediately! We must ever be aware of this: Nothing we may accomplish for God is done in our own strength but it is Christ in us "which strengtheneth" us. (Phil 4:13) So then, we have nothing to boast of. Rather than to boast, we do well to thank God for the privilege of being used by Him to accomplish His will in the lives of men.

     Finally, as a result of the Believer's growth, God brings him to

WATERS TO SWIM IN

     These waters are so deep that the feet can not touch bottom. This means that, in the 'River of Grace', we are completely dependent upon God. We are submissive to His will in every area of life and we are obedient to His voice. We can now say with Paul, 

     I believe it is the heart's desire of every Christian to get out into the "waters to swim in". Not a single one, I am sure, will say he is genuinely satisfied to remain year after year in the wading pool or even in the "loin deep" water. After all, doesn't it seem foolish for an adult, who is otherwise normal, to remain at the water's edge. Yes, I am sure you want to grow and serve your Lord. But even now you may be wondering just how this abundant life can be yours.

     In seeking this abundant life in Christ it is good, first of all, to check your salvation experience. If there was a time in your life when you genuinely repented of your sins and, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, received Him as your personal Saviour, you were born again at that instant. Being born again, you were brought by Him to the River of Grace. If you now have doubts as to your salvation it is a good indication that you have never grown in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. You have, in fact, remained a spiritual baby.

     With the question of your salvation answered affirmatively we can proceed to outline the means of growing from "ankle deep" grace to GRACE "to swim in".

     The first point on this list is one considered of little importance by a great many Believers. You should be identified with a sound Bible believing, Bible teaching, New Testament church. In such a church you become associated with Christians who have already grown in spiritual stature. You will, also, find those who, like you, are just beginning to venture out into the waters of grace. In this kind of church you will also find good instruction in the Word of God. Remember, the church is the body of Christ of which you are a part. You can not grow properly apart from the church.

     Secondly, although not necessarily in order, your own daily prayer and Bible study is indispensable to sound spiritual development. The Bible is God's Word. He speaks to us through the Bible. We talk to Him in prayer. This may seem very simple but its importance can not be over emphasized. Without this communion with Him one just doesn't grow.

     Third, witnessing for Christ is vital to spiritual maturity. The Christian can not, must not, wait until he feels mature to witness but must begin now. You may feel you don't know what to say, but witnessing for Christ is letting others know you are a Christian; it is telling what Christ has done for you.

Last on this present list is that of service other than witnessing. The Christian experience of growth and development is somewhat like 'on the job training'. We grow and learn as we do something for the Lord. This training is a lifetime deal. Don't expect to finish this training until God calls you to your heavenly home. You'll receive no diploma or certificate of achievement here, but your reward awaits you yonder. So be busy!

     Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9) Can it be that the word "you" in this verse means YOU? Yes, that is just what it means. Jesus speaks to each of God's children personally. No matter how bitter the way or how great the burden, His grace is all you need. No matter how inadequate one feels or how weak he may be. Jesus is all one needs. His strength is perfected in "my" weakness.

Let me share briefly with you of my own experience in the River of Grace with a prayer that it may encourage and help you.

     In WWII I woke up in a hospital in England with no knowledge as to how I got there. In fact, I didn't know anything - not even my own name. I was unable to discern light from darkness, for I was blind. My speech was impaired and my right arm didn't function properly. And, I was in great pain.

     A few weeks prior to this, while on the battle field near the German border, a rifle bullet found its mark in my right eyebrow and going through my head tore out the whole back of it. Yes, it even took a bit of the brain!
I was saved while just a boy in a little country church. For a brief while I enjoyed the "ankle deep" waters of grace but, for some reason, turned back. Then came the war and the incident related above. I believe you can imagine some of the moods - depression, loneliness, frustrations, and so on - that accompanied a long convalescence. But to make a long story short, after quite some time had passed, as I talked with my father one day, he said, "Why don't you come to the Baptist Church and see?" Soon I was out in the waters of grace again. It's true, I wasn't in very deep waters but I was there! Before long my wife was saved and we began to grow as we learned and served. My life had gained meaning and purpose.

     When God called us to go to Taiwan I responded immediately. With only a high school education and no formal Bible school or seminary work it seemed foolish to a great many people. But I found the grace of Jesus sufficient. Totally disabled and with slightly less than one-fourth vision, I found His grace was all that I needed. The first year stretched ' into five and one-half years before our first furlough. Ten young men had been taught and trained to preach and establish churches in the mountains. The Emmanuel Baptist Church had been started. A Chinese preacher had received help in starting three chapels. The work of another missionary had been my responsibility for one year. Yes, many souls had come to know Christ. I have found the grace of Jesus to be more than enough!

     Then His grace saw us through the hard work of a year's deputation. And another tour of five years during which our home became home to twenty-eight homeless children. Yes, His grace is sufficient for me. It is sufficient for you, too!

     Dear Friend, the Bible says, "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." (Eph 2:8,9). If you are not a Christian you should ponder these words for they tell us a lot. You may be trying or hoping to save yourself by doing some thing or by adhering to certain standards of conduct. But salvation can by no means be earned. It is a free gift received in response to our act of faith. Again the Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31). So then, as we place our faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ, He extends His grace to us. He honors our faith in His Son and responds by freely forgiving our sins and imparting life eternal to us.

     Christian Friend, are you experiencing the blessings of God in your every day life? Progress in the River of Grace is not determined by your own strength or merit, but by God himself. Three times in our text it is said, "He brought me through the waters". The Christian life is not lived by the Christian but it is Christ living His life through us!

     Last of all, we should notice that the Believer's service for his Lord is not done in his own strength; neither is it done at his own discretion. Nor does the Christian remain in "waters to swim in". In verse six we read, "he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink (bank) of the river". Again it is significant that God does it. We may by now love the deep waters and the sense of complete dependence upon Jesus that we are very reluctant to return to the bank. So God "brings" us and "causes" us to return! Why?

     Yes, we may ask "Why" but I believe that once: in the deep waters we no longer question God. He does have a reason, however, for making us return to the bank. In verse seven we read, "-at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other". Sometimes the word "trees" in the Bible has a symbolic meaning. Whether or not it does here I do not know, but for the sake of the lesson we will use it as if it does carry that meaning. "Trees" sometimes indicate or symbolize people. Thus, on either side of the River of Grace are multitudes of people. They are lost souls! For their sake God makes the Christian who has grown in grace and in the knowledge of Christ return to the shore. Has our Lord not said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature"? (Mark 16:15) We are not to remain out in the beautiful, peaceful waters "to swim in" but we are to witness for Christ to people where they are. The limitless waters of Grace are for our refreshing; they are to sustain us.
Here are two more very familiar Scriptures given to you and to me by Jesus: "All power :is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt 28:18-20) and "'But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8).

     Surely, we must readily admit that this task of evangelizing the world is far greater than man is capable of doing. But Jesus commands us to do it. Since He has so ordered we recognize that it is possible for He would not ask us to do the impossible. The answer to this question, "How can I do it", is found in Him. With the command 'to go and witness' is His promise, "Lo, I am with you always."(Matt 28:20). Relying upon Him we "can do all things"! We can say with all assurance, as Paul did, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me .” (Phil 4:13)
Where are you, Christian, in the River of Grace? I feel as if I've at least gotten my feet wet. Wherever you may place yourself there are yet unexplored waters for you. Many wonderful blessings and thrilling experiences are yet to be had. All we need to do is listen and believe as He says to each of us individually, "My grace is sufficient for you; my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness".

 

 

 

 

 

Dale H. Breeden, ©1974,2007

Used by permission of owner