Don't Fall Short

There are two things in the Bible where we fall short - glory and grace. At first glance, they appear to be two unrelated issues, but they are very much linked:

Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,


Heb. 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Both of these (glory and grace) are too important to do half heartedly. They require our utmost dedication. 

Grace is an inescapable expression of God's glory...and glory is a reflection of grace.

The glory of God is the ultimate goal of our existence. Paul says that all mankind has sinned and fallen short of glory. We haven't fallen short of salvation...or missions etc. sin has caused us to fall short of the glory

and... 

Grace the way to reach God's glory. The writer to the Hebrews insists that we must not fall short of grace.

I am in pursuit of these two expressions of God's great favor and love...I long for more of both in my life - come Lord!

Special Commands To Believers

I have been looking at all the commands that are given to Believers in the New Testament:

Peter gives 10 commands to Believers:

Lay aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking 1 Pet. 2:1

Desire the pure milk of the word 1 Pet. 2:2

Abstain from all fleshly lusts 1 Pet. 2:11

Honor all people, love your brothers in Christ, fear God, honor rulers 1 Pet. 2:17

Be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you 1 Pet. 3:15

Have a good conscience 1 Pet. 3:16

Cast all your cares upon God 1 Pet. 5:7

Be sober and vigilant 1 Pet. 5:8

Beware of backsliding 2 Pet. 3:17

Grow in grace 2 Pet. 3:18

James adds 4:

Count it all joy when you face trials James 1:2

Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger James 1:19

Submit to God, resist the devil James 4:7

When you are suffering – pray; when you are cheerful sing psalms James 5:13

…and the writer to the Hebrews adds 12:

Come boldly to the throne of grace Heb. 4:16

Do not be lazy, imitate those who are filled with faith and patience Heb. 6:12

Do not forsake gathering with other believers, but exhort one another Heb. 10:25

Lay aside every weight, and every sin - run with endurance Heb. 12:1

Look to Jesus Heb. 12:2

Strengthen those who are weak and feeble Heb. 12:12

Be content with what you have Heb. 13:5

Do not be influenced by strange doctrines Heb. 13:9

Continually offer the sacrifice of praise and give thanks Heb. 13:15

Do not forget to give and share with others Heb. 13:16

Obey your spiritual leaders Heb. 13:17

Pray for your leaders Heb. 13:18