A. The meaning of Grace
The most common understanding of the word "grace" is "GOD'S UNMERITED FAVOR". In other words, even though we were sinners, deserving of judgment, God looked upon us in love and forgave us. This, however, is only half of its meaning. It also means "God's enabling power". Not only does His grace make us accepted into the family of God, but it also provides the power we need to live the Christian life.
1. GOD'S UNMERITED FAVOR
We didn't deserve to be saved, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not through works.
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Rom 3:21-24 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Praise the Lord for His Amazing Grace! We cannot thank Him enough for what He has done for us. But the Bible warns us to stay in that Grace and to reject all teaching that is against it.
Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
Gal 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
2. GOD'S ENABLING POWER
It is through God's grace that we can be transformed and walk as a New Creation.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
And this principle of Grace continues in our walk with God. In every area of our lives, it is God's grace that causes us to grow and to be strong. We need His Grace every moment.
2 Pet 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
B. Grace given to the Heroes of Faith
This operating force of Grace is revealed in the lives of the men and women throughout the whole Bible. Every hero of faith began his walk with God aware of his own weakness and inability. It was only through allowing God's grace - His enabling power - to work in his life that he was able to become the kind of person that God wanted him to be, and to fulfill the plan and purpose God has for his life. See for example the Apostle Paul
1Cor. 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed of how he builds on it.
1Cor. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
C. Jesus Christ - The Grace of God
In the four Gospels, we see that the word Grace only appears in the Gospel of Luke and John and always has a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor (grace) with God.
Luke 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor (grace) with God and men.
Luke 4:22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"
John 1:14 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 1:16-17 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
D. Two important promises
1. WE HAVE THE BOLDNESS TO COME BEFORE THE THRONE OF GRACE.
Hebr. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2. GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARD YOU.
2Cor. 9:8 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.
