Salvation – 333 Words of Grace

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 25, 2026

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #3

Monday, May 18, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Mark it well! No amount of education, no amount of money, no amount of social connections, no amount of business success, no amount of trophies and awards, no amount of romance, no amount of religion, no amount of self-effort and self-esteem, no amount of entertainment, no amount of legislation, no amount of scheming, no amount of pacifism or war, no amount of philosophy, no amount of activism, no amount of denial or skepticism, no amount of soul-searching, no amount of experiments or scientific research, and no amount of promises can solve the greatest dilemma of our species—the sin problem. Look around at our world. We are naturally flawed. If human history has proved one fact, the deliverance we need cannot and will not be found in ourselves or anyone like us! The sooner we learn this, the better off we will truly be. In fact, the Bible confirms what we already know by experience, but we are most reluctant (and too stubborn) to admit it.

The problem does not lie with or in the Holy Bible; it lies within us. Behold! The Bible’s solution to sin is what is known in Acts 20:24 as “the Gospel [Good News, Glad Tidings] of the Grace of God.” Here is that Gospel message: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Only a few weeks prior to my seventh birthday, I was most fortunate in life to see how I needed to trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone as my personal Saviour. Almost 31 years later, I have come to see He is still the only answer to our sin problem. Dear reader, I would strongly encourage you with, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Friend, perhaps you have already noticed that people disappoint you. Why should you expect this? Remember, you disappoint yourself, and they are just as human as you are! Therefore, you ought never trust yourself and you should never trust people. You should, however, trust Jesus Christ in Christians, for He alone will never let you down….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special (but, related) study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

To Kneel or Not to Kneel in Prayer? #3

Saturday, April 25, 2026

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…” (Ephesians 3:14 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture insinuate the “proper posture of prayer” is kneeling?

If one argues that kneeling to pray is somehow “more spiritual” than standing to pray, he or she encounters difficulties in the Bible. For instance, Hannah, the mother of Prophet-Priest-Judge Samuel, stated this to Priest Eli: “Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:26). She prayed while standing—and, if you read the context, she was anything but arrogant.

Luke chapter 18, verses 9-14, poses another obstacle for someone who insists prayer should be done kneeling: “And he [Jesus Christ] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased [lowered]; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Both Pharisee (self-righteous religious snob) and publican (humble tax-collector) stood as they prayed in the Jerusalem Temple. Jesus never made any critical remark about physical posture. Instead, He pinpointed how the attitude of both men was the significant issue. The Pharisee bragged about his works and how he was “superior” to others, whereas the publican confessed his sin problem and recognized his entrance into God’s presence was only because of the animal blood applied on the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Christ declared the publican “justified,” right in God’s sight, even though the man stood to pray! What mattered was the posture of the inner man, and only the publican met God’s standard of righteousness there….

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #12

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

“Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 9:5 KJV).

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

Commoners, pastors, and teachers can all learn something from today’s Scripture. Inflated egos—the same in the Israelites’ hearts—can easily dominate and ruin us. Graduates of “Christian” institutes of higher learning might conclude that they “deserve” to be in ministry because they are brilliant scholars, loyal denominationalists, and articulate speakers. Even the most spiritual believers are not immune to adopting the erroneous supposition that they are “God’s gift to man,” “Heaven’s favorite.”

Sure, we can lift our noses high and sniff, and stick out our little chests and bellow, but let us remember the people who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion were… extremely religious. See for yourself in Matthew 27:20-22; Mark 15:9-15; Luke 23:20-24; John 18:39,40; John 19:12-15; Acts 3:12-18; Acts 4:8-12; Acts 5:26-32; and Acts 7:51-53. Those chief priests and commoners were the products of 1,500 years of mindless works-religion instead of heart faith in JEHOVAH God who gave them that Mosaic Law system!!!! It was their self-righteousness that led them to believe they had no need for the Saviour. Saul of Tarsus was one such “goody-goody” (see Philippians 3:1-9 and 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Believe it or not, Hell abounds with “good” people—and countless billions more souls have yet to arrive. The underlying supposition is how their limited, insubstantial works in the energy of their flesh somehow supplement or replace Jesus Christ’s sinless blood. Regardless of what they do, once they leave this life upon physical death, they will always be “in Adam.” That nature will remain with them throughout the endless ages to come, and their punishment is hence without end (see 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 and Revelation 14:9-11).

“For he [Father God] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we [through faith in Him alone] might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is not our righteousness, but God’s righteousness in Christ!

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #10

Sunday, April 19, 2026

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

On the one hand, there is “righteousness” or “right standing before God, the condition of justification.” On the other hand, there is “wickedness,” or “the condition of being evil or morally wrong” (interestingly, the root “wicked” is derived from “witch!”). Every human, except the God-Man Jesus Christ, is born in wickedness rather than righteousness.

Ephesians chapter 2 reviews this individual history of believers in Christ: “[1] And you hath he [Father God] quickened [given life to], who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit [attitude/mentality] that now worketh in the children of disobedience [unbelievers, lost people]: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation [manner of living] in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

“God’s Grace Factory”—as it has been so aptly titled—removed us from such a wretched, wicked position in Adam and placed us into a glorious, righteous position in Christ: “[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; ) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

This is not our righteousness, but God’s righteousness….

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #9

Saturday, April 18, 2026

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

“Behold, he [God] putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight” (Job 15:15). “Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight” (Job 25:5). “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [heavenly] places” (Ephesians 6:12). The Scriptures declare how Satan has defiled outer space with his plan to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Such polluted Heavenly Places will not be cleansed until the ages to come.

Here is the ultimate removal of evil from the Heavenly Places, which realm we subsequently occupy as members of the Church the Body of Christ: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-9).

“And [Father God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6,7). God in His grace wanted to save (rescue, deliver) people from sin, so Christ died for those sins. This bridges the gap between us and God, qualifying us believers to receive “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

To repeat, this is not because of our righteousness, but God’s goodness and the fallen angels’ wickedness….

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #8

Friday, April 17, 2026

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

It was the Gentiles’ wickedness in the land on Earth, not Israel’s righteousness out of the land, that caused Israel to inherit that land; remember, Israel did not naturally have righteousness anyway. In an interesting parallel, it is the angels’ wickedness in the Heavenly Places, not our righteousness on Earth, that results in we (the Church the Body of Christ) inheriting those Heavenly Places; remember, we did not naturally have righteousness either.

Colossians 1:16-20: “For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Whether Heaven or Earth, creation is currently in rebellion against its Creator. Satan’s sinful plan has been put into effect quite masterfully. So as to bring Earth back to Himself, Father God wisely creates the nation Israel to glorify Jesus Christ in the Earth. From Paul’s ministry, we learn how Father God prudently creates the Church the Body of Christ to glorify Jesus Christ in the Heavenly Places, thus bringing the Heavenly Places back to Himself. In the ages to come, Satan’s work in both realms of creation is overthrown, undone, reversed. For this to be to God’s glory, whether in Heaven or in Earth, it must be God’s righteousness alone and never, ever man’s….

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Thursday, April 9, 2026

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.

The Bible’s Season of New Life

Monday, April 6, 2026

“God that made the world and all things therein… he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24,25 KJV).

May we never forget the true meaning of Eastertime!

Satan is the master counterfeiter: from Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures reveal how the devil schemes to “be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Whatever God does, Satan defiles that work by introducing false doctrine, distracts mankind from God’s truth by mimicking His actions, discourages God’s people from His ministry by using incorrect thinking patterns, and so on. Why? Satan wants the worship that God alone deserves (Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8).

Consider Christmastime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping the birth of the sun god in early winter—near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) took upon human flesh in the virgin Mary’s womb! Now, consider Eastertime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping fertility deities and new life in early spring, near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) died for our sins and resurrected victoriously over sin, death, hell, and Satan to give us new life! (To Satan’s delight, today’s average church member is not mindful of relevant sound Bible doctrine during Christmastime and Eastertime—the devil’s distractions have never lost their efficacy!)

The God of the Bible instituted in Israel a festival, Passover (the killing of a spotless lamb and its bloodshed in early spring), while they were still in Egypt (Exodus chapter 12)—Passover’s annual observance reminded them of JEHOVAH delivering them from Egyptian slavery unto new life. Israel did not understand its meaning until 1,500 years later. The true Passover lamb, Jesus Christ, died and shed His sinless blood during that annual Passover feast (early spring), and He resurrected in new life to give them spiritual life and liberty.

Yes, the pagans may have “hijacked” this time of year for the devil’s glory, but we can disregard their ignorance: spring is God’s season for new life. We can still use this season to bring the God of the Bible glory by remembering that He has given us physical life (today’s Scripture), and He offers us new life (that is, spiritual life) through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection! 🙂

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: