Page 105 - GRACE

GRACE, Exploring Its Riches

appear saintly outwardly but are inwardly corrupt are what
they are – hypocrites. But show me a person who is
inwardly cleansed, that work of grace within cannot be hid;
it will shine forth and all will “perceive” the radiance of
grace outwardly. Jesus affirms this truth in Matthew 7:15-
23 where He describes hypocrites as “false prophets, who
come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are
ravenous wolves.” He went on to predict their doom when
at last He will expose their inward corruption and false or
pretentious claims.

So, there must first be a witness and peace in your heart that
you are changed, and not by yourself (Ephesians 2:7-10;
Romans 8:9, 16). This will then begin to show outwardly
when people who have known your former life begin to
testify that there is something different and good about
your new life of grace in Christ. People will see and can
testify about your change (Psalm 126:1-3). There are four
stages of this change:

i. Change of heart – Salvation by grace or being born
again.
ii. Change of worldview – Separation from
worldliness, then alignment with Christ and God’s
Kingdom standards.

iii. Change of ways – The Christian lifestyle that desists
from the habit of sinning, and:
iv. Change of works – Preaching and supporting the
cause of Christ rather than opposing the Lord or

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