That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

- Ephesians 3:17-21

Is this your deepest longing and desire? Grace is a free gift of God; therefore, we must ask it of Him. Are you prayerfully and diligently using His means of grace? This is the channel through which He delights to give and strengthen His grace in the hearts of lost sinners. Was the prodigal son, the Canaanitish woman, Bartimeus, or anyone who pleaded as an unworthy sinner with the Lord for His grace ever disappointed?

God is a God of grace. His Covenant of Grace testifies of this truth. He is a God that delights to show mercy.

Imagine a judge
presiding over the trial of his enemy, one who had slandered his name, mistreated him numerous times, and frequently fought against him. As the trial proceeded it became obvious to all that the defendant was guilty.

In suspense, the courtroom hushed to hear the judge's sentence. The judge sentenced his enemy justly, with a fitting three-year prison sentence for his crimes, to begin immediately.

However, after sentencing the criminal, the judge made a startling announcement. "I wish to officially proclaim," he stated, "that I will fully pay for this man's sentence. This man is free."

Would not such a scene reveal a rich depth of gracious love in the heart of this judge toward an undeserving and guilty sinner?

The Covenant of Grace testifies of a far deeper fountain of grace than the previous example. It reveals an infinite ocean of gracious love toward guilty, condemnable sinners.

In comparison to this story:

- How are sinners' crimes against God much greater?

- To pay the full sentence for the crimes of His people, what far higher price did Jesus need to pay?

The Covenant of Grace testifies of the greatest love and forgiveness ever shown. It also speaks of justice being fully paid. How? What double responsibility does this proclaim to us?