The Grace of God

I thank God for the precious opportunity to be with you in this group and to begin once again to make some contributions on the subject of the grace of God. Thanks for your prayers, comments, and discussions.

Since grace is the topic we are exploring in this group, we must first be clear on what is grace. So let us review the definition of grace. Of course we feel safe with no other definition but one that we derive from the Scriptures.

Grace is actually a New Testament term, although the concept it represents is found in the entire Bible. In the Old Testament the concept is represented by words like lovingkindness and favor.

The word grace is used widely in the New Testament, which is described in the Scriptures as the dispensation of grace and truth introduced by Jesus Christ. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).

So how is grace defined in the New Testament? Two New Testament Scripture passages give us a plain and concise definition of grace. One is Romans 4:4-5: “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” The other is Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

In these two Scripture passages, the Holy Spirit is clear in giving us a plain and straightforward definition of grace. Grace is a totally free gift or favor. If one receives something by even a bit of work or self-merit, it cannot be said to be received by grace. When something is received by grace, it means it is received unconditionally, excluding every bit of works, merit, or right to it. “If by grace, then it is no longer of works.... If it is of works, it is no longer grace.” In other words, by definition, grace excludes all works on the receiver's part.

Therefore, to live and function by the grace of God is to live and function in absolute dependence on God. The concept of grace as defined in the Sciptures inspires us with boldness to "come before the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need" whatever is our condition or situation.

We should note that both Scripture passages in defining grace used the definition to reveal that salvation or the righteousness of God is given to man by God by grace. In other words, all who have been saved have been saved by grace. So, in this light, we can admit that we are not saved today because of our works or our right to salvation. We are saved by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, that’s it about grace for now. We will take it up from there next time. But my hope is that our discussions on grace in this group will enlighten and inspire you to depend fully on God.

Father, we thank you for reminding us from the Scriptures what grace really is. Help us to appreciate the fact that you began your work in us, even through salvation, by grace, in Jesus name. Amen.