All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
What Is Grace?
Since grace is the topic we will be exploring in this site, we must first be clear on what is grace. And 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, 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.
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 our aim on this site is to explore step by step the role of grace in our Christian life, from salvation onwards.
Consider what we have examined here. Freely make your comments and ask your questions.
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.
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, 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.
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 our aim on this site is to explore step by step the role of grace in our Christian life, from salvation onwards.
Consider what we have examined here. Freely make your comments and ask your questions.
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.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by PoiemaDei on
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Amen, Jeanette. Isn't that wonderful? religious pretensions make us so uncertain and, like it is said of Moses, we cover up lest people will see the fading glory of our vain religious efforts. But when we allow the grace of God to have its way we know the Lord produces in us what is genuine and pleasing in His sight. Thanks for your contribution.
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Thanks, Ian. This is wonderful.
There is always the temptation to leave grace at a point where the Lord forgivse us. But grace and grace alone will take us into victory and to the end of our journey in this world.
It is interesting and not without significance that the Holy Spirit puts the last verse in the Bible to read: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21).
I say Amen, too.
Thanks for your comments, Ian. And welcome to Grace To Help. -
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God bless you, samnta, for your comments. The great challenge is for us to find grace to believe. Jesus once wondered if when the Son of man returns He will find faith in the earth. But let us humble ourselves that we may be freed of the doctrines of men and devils that have bound our minds and cheated us of faith in the wonderful promises of God to make us what He wants us to be. Here is a Scripture passage along the line of believing His promise to make us partakers of divine nature.
2 Peter 1:2-4:
2: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
3: as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4: by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. -
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