Established by grace

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. – Hebrews 13.9

There is a warning here that we see all through scripture. We are warned not to be carried away with strange and false teachings. In order to do that we need to have the right footing and foundation. If our foundation is not right we will not stand. The slightest wind of doctrine or false teaching will knock us off our feet.

The writer of Hebrews uses the example of the right kinds of food as one of those weak foundations. Clearly though the idea is that we can’t be established by any list of rules and regulations. They do not profit or do any good for those who are obsessed or occupied with them. When this is the only foundation the structure of our lives is quickly swept away.

But there can be no stronger or immoveable establishment than we have. There can be nor more solid foundation than is ours.

‘Being established by grace.’

I really have nothing to do with my establishment. Grace establishes me as God’s child. It is God’s amazing grace that I stand at all. It it His grace that enables me to do anything for Him. It is His grace that saved me and keeps me saved. It is His graces that give me peace of mind as I trust Him and His marvellous grace.

It is the:

Marvellous grace of our loving Lord,

grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,

there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:

          Grace, grace, God's grace,

          grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

          grace, grace, God's grace,

          grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

threaten the soul with infinite loss;

grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

           

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

What can avail to wash it away?

Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,

brighter than snow you may be today.

           

Marvellous, infinite, matchless grace,

freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see his face,

will you this moment his grace receive?

That has established me!