Grace is defined in the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as: help given to man by God [as in overcoming temptation] 2. Freedom from sin through divine grace. 3. A virtue coming from God. 4. A short prayer before or after a meal. 5. A temporary respite [as from paying of a debt]. 6. Approval, Acceptance e.t.c
Among Christians, grace is believed to be unmerited favor. Wayne Jackson wrote this: Grace Defined “Grace” derives from the Greek, charis. In secular Greek, charis was related to chairo, “to rejoice.” As far back as Homer it denoted “sweetness” or “attractiveness.” It came to signify “favor,” “goodwill,” and “lovingkindness” — especially as granted by a superior to an inferior.
In the New Testament, “grace” (156 times) takes on a special redemptive sense in which God makes available his favor on behalf of sinners, who actually do not deserve it.
Now this is what God’s Grace means to me:
Grace and truth came by Jesus: John 1:14 gives the following description of Christ; “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”. John 1:17 further states; “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Grace is not earned on merit or your good works; it’s a gift from God. Eph. 2:8-9. Jesus Christ performed the work for our salvation. His death, His suffering, His blood earned the Grace (check) for us. No matter if you believe that you must live like the Amish with the absence of virtually all-modern luxuries. Or live in as a monk, priest, or nun. No effort you put forth will increase the value of the check.
Grace can only be accessed by faith. Eph 2:8-9
Grace should be a continuous process because you grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18, 2 Cor. 6:1, 1 Cor 15:10
Grace means living in obedience to God’s will. This divine influence is a gift or favor of God. When God’s grace is truly working in a person’s life it will be obvious.
God’s grace is available to every man and they have a choice to accept or reject it. Titus 2:11, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." It is interesting to note that God’s grace has been extended to all men, yet all men are not saved! That is not God’s fault though. For he came "to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10. This was the whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth. God purchased our salvation with his own blood, Acts 20:28. The price paid at Calvary is the ONLY price able to purchase our salvation. There are not enough good deeds available for any one of us to do to ever deserve God’s grace. Christ did the work to make salvation available to us.
Grace teaches us how to live righteously in this world: Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Grace teaches us how to live pleasing in God’s sight. Heb. 5:9 Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
God’s grace is exhibited and expressed in love: That same grace should be extended to people around us, remembering that God is still at work in individual lives and He does not work according to our timetable. Remembering that we are not the Holy Spirit who reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment. John 16:7-11. John 3:16, Heb. 2:9
God’s grace promotes abundant living: John 10:10 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work 2 Cor 9:8
Comments and contributions are welcome.
[Next time we will talk about what God's Grace is not]
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