The story is told by Phillip Yancey of a group of Christian theologians in London who were debating among themselves in search of the answer to what sets Christianity apart from every other religion, faith or belief system.
Was it fulfilled prophecy? No, there are other religions claiming prophecies fulfilled.
Was it God incarnate? Nope. Other religious leaders claimed divinity.
How about the founder of the religion dying for their cause? That wasn’t it either; there’ve been other martyred founders of a religion.
Then it must be resurrection. Surprisingly, though, other religions claimed their leader had risen from death.
The theological think tank, having reached the end of their answer rope, with perfect timing, noticed C. S. Lewis, whose office happened to be in the same building, walking past their door.
They got Lewis’ attention and posed the question to him. “That’s easy,” Lewis replied, “it’s grace.”
Every other religion or ethical system has its participants getting what they deserve. Do good, you’re rewarded. Do wrong, suffer the consequences.
Jesus Christ introduced a radically unique concept to the world: grace.
Grace is unmerited favor. To receive God’s favor through Christ, you don’t work to earn it; you’ll never deserve it. Jesus’ favor includes no requisite, other than faith in Him. Believe in Him and you are favored. It’s simple and unique.
The Christian married couple are called to this same uniqueness. As a Christian husband, my calling is to give my wife my favor without requiring her to earn it. You’ve received freely, Jesus taught, now freely give. Christians are in relay position for God’s grace, like a second baseman who catches the centerfielder’s throw and perpetuates it immediately to home plate, and who better for us to relay God’s grace to than our spouse? One of the primary ways God gets His grace to a married person is through their spouse.
Just as the London theologians found the uniqueness of the Christian faith in grace, so will the Christian married couple find their unique marital advantage. In fact, the case could be made that a really good marriage can’t be had without its inclusion of grace. If there were no other reason to be a Christ follower – and there are many, the greatest of which being the promised reality of being with God for eternity – the Christian marriage advantage would be enough.
There is no marriage like the Christian marriage. Let us live out the marital advantage we’ve been given.