28 Jun The Limitless Grace of God, Do You Truly Understand It?

In early 2026, Contemporary Christian artist Andrew Ripp released the song “I’d Do It Again.” It presents Jesus telling us that if He had to, He would die for us again. One verse contains a truth that should, as Christ-followers, rock us to our very core:

Oh, I still remember the spear in My side

And the last thing I said before I died

And, “Father, forgive them, ” as I took on their sin

And, child, if I had to, I’d do it again

Take a good, hard look at that and then understand this: Jesus died for those who killed Him. Yes, He died for you, He died for me, He died for all humanity. Yet, it freezes me in my tracks: Jesus took on the sin of his murderers, and he would do it again! What does that mean for us? Probably a lot more than you imagine.

First, how do we know what I just wrote is true? Because Peter told us in his sermon on Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2 by Luke:

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him…36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:22-24, 36-39 (NIV)

No, Peter doesn’t specifically mention the Romans who crucified Jesus. But it’s clear that Peter’s invitation to repentance was open to all who heard it. So, lesson #1 for us: No matter what we’ve done to offend God, Jesus will always seek forgiveness on our behalf. Lesson #2: This gift comes with an awesome responsibility. We must extend the grace to others that Jesus extends to us:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)

People often misread this. Jesus isn’t warning against being judged by other people in the way you judge them. They will, but who cares? He’s warning that God will judge you the way you judge others. Oswald Chambers put this in stark terms:

Which of us would dare to stand before God and say, “My God, judge me as I have judged my fellow human beings”? We have judged our fellow human beings as sinners. If God were to judge us like that, we would be in hell. God judges us through the marvelous atonement of Jesus Christ. (My Utmost for His Highest Devotional for June 22)

Please don’t let all of this scare you. Rather, let it encourage you! There is nothing you can do that God can’t or won’t forgive if you follow Peter’s instructions in Acts 2. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, you’re blessed with the ability to extend that grace to others. Yes, Jesus really meant everybody. Let’s rejoice in that reality today!

Pastor Jerry Bader