Grace Of God:
The word “grace,” occurs frequently in Scriptures. This word needs to be fully understood, without it, we cannot make any progress in the knowledge of Scripture, nor can we ever comprehend God’s revelations.
Grace is free favor, and unmerited kindness. God’s grace stands in direct opposition to our works and to our worthiness; this to the highest degree!
1. Romans 4:4-16, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
Verse 16, “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace.”
2. Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
3. 2 Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.”
Grace in the strictest sense always knows beforehand the unworthiness of mankind. God’s grace is separated from our merits and values. In no way can it be connected to the acts, deeds or works of men; nor can they both work for the same end. Our importance, or worth must step aside for God’s grace.
Romans 11:6, “if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace in no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
God’s word represents His blessings, these flow from His Divine grace. And in the case of a person who remains under law, and attempts to claim blessing, they cannot. Why?
1. Galatians 3:10, “as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
2. Romans 3:19-23, “them who are under law: — every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
Grace defined is the favor of God manifested in the granting, doing and giving of spiritual and eternal blessing to the guilty and to those who would otherwise be unworthy: This through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace will then proceed to be carried on to perfection in us.
Grace is not as a fringe of gold bordering a garment; nor like the embroidery of gold decorating a king’s robe; but is like the mercy-seat of the ancient tabernacle, which was made of pure gold.”
The work of salvation and the giving of grace is once done, and will never be executed again. One sacrifice, one death, one resurrection, one baptism, one life. In these, His grace is everlasting and glorious. The motto, inscribed in time forever, on the hearts of His children is, “to the praise and glory of His grace.”
Saving grace must come from Sovereign power; this power having the highest authority, must supersede the rule of Satan, and counteract the destructive work of sin. If not, grace could not bring sinners to God. The Holy Spirit has compared man’s sin to a ruler whose reign will terminate in death.
Grace is majestic, it shines, it makes a noise like a trumpet. It provides, bestows, works in us, and is necessary for eternal life.
Sin becomes weakened, Satan looses his grip, the world looks less attractive, and we are less attracted to it. We will then keep our eyes on the heavenly things of God. To grow in grace, is to make progress in the understanding of our Creator, and in our lives.
Growth in grace discovers itself with the increase of spiritual light, knowledge and understanding. In this we become more dependent on Jesus Christ. Our testimony, our love for neighbor, our work for Christ, our humility, submissiveness and thankfulness will then increase.
Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com