12.01

Continuing in the Grace of God "When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad,
and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Now
when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul
and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts
11:23; 13:43)"

Whenever the grace of God is allowed to work in human hearts, there will be evidences that
appear. This can bring joy to those who are outwardly observing this inward work of grace.
Still, it is appropriate to exhort those who have made progress in grace to continue in
the grace of God.

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch to evaluate the reported spiritual revival, he was able
to observe the outward confirmations of God's inward work of grace. These verifications of
grace caused him to rejoice. "He was glad." However, he knew that words of exhortation
were appropriate. Thus, he began to urge them to press on with Christ. He "encouraged them
all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." It is important for
those who have started out with the Lord (through faith in His name) to go on with the
Lord. Life in Christ is basically about the most vital relationship of all. "And this is
eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have
sent" (John 17:3). The Christian life is not only about meeting the Lord and receiving
eternal life. This life-giving relationship with the Lord is to be nurtured and developed
day by day unto abundant life.

Some time after Barnabas shared this exhortation with the saints in Antioch (north of
Israel), he and Paul were visiting the believers in another Antioch (in Pisidia, in the
region of modern day Turkey). Here, they gave a similar exhortation. However, on this
occasion, their urging was related to God's grace: "[they] persuaded them to continue in
the grace of God." Yes, grace is not only the way we begin with the Lord, but it is also
the means by which we go on with Him. God's grace is to be sought every day. It is a major
error of the faith to relegate grace to days gone by. We can praise and thank the Lord for
all of His grace experienced in previous years. Nevertheless, the grace of God is
essential today—and in each new day. Also, it is so fitting that the saints in one town
were exhorted concerning continuing in the Lord, whereas others later were urged regarding
continuing in grace. Grace cannot be separated from the Lord Jesus. "For you know the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

"Lord, I want to continue with You and Your grace. I do not want my experience of You and
Your grace to consist only of days gone by. I long to know You better and to experience
Your grace more—each day!"