"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
God’s Grace
The word “grace” is not used as much these days as it has been in the past. Few take note that they are even experiencing it; but when needed, grace is one of the most important gifts anyone can receive.
Noah Webster defines “grace” as “the free unmerited love and favor of God; the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him; favorable influence of God”. Without this undeserved gift from God, we would be most miserable; which may explain the sad, without-hope condition of many. Too many are missing “God’s grace” in their lives!
To understand more clearly about “grace”, this brief word study on the subject may help you know what it is we can or do have:
We can only have God’s grace because of Jesus. We cannot receive God’s grace because of anything we have done. Our good works and deeds will not merit us any grace. We must be part of the family of God by accepting Christ as Saviour.
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Rom. 3:24 Also: II Cor. 8:9, Eph. 1:7, Eph. 2:7
It is God’s undeserved merit (His grace) to us that any of us can be saved.
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:11
“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7 Also: Rom. 5:15, Gal. 1:15, Eph. 2:5-8
A saved person can have access to God’s grace!
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Rom. 5:2
Grace is a free gift from God!
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think …” Rom. 12:3 Also: Rom. 12:6, 15:15, I Cor. 3:10, Eph. 3:2, 3:7, 4:7, James 4:6, I Peter 5:5
God’s grace is still available when we are involved in sin. Fortunately, because of God’s grace, we do not always get what we deserve!
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Rom. 5:20
Just because we are not chastised by God every time we sin, does not mean we can sin whenever we want. It is His grace that often spares us what we do deserve.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Rom. 6:1-2
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom. 6:14 Also: Rom. 6:15-17, Gal. 2:21
We are no longer held to obey God’s Old Testament laws as a means to earn His favor.
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Rom. 11:6
One can lose God’s grace!
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Gal. 5:4 Paul was addressing saved people that were also trying to obey the Old Testament laws. It is not saying one can lose his salvation. Also: Heb. 12:15
If we are anything, we are what we are because of God’s grace.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” I Cor. 15:10
God’s grace will meet all one’s needs and help one through any difficulty!
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” II Cor. 9:8
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Cor. 12:9 Also: II Thes. 2:16, Heb. 4:16
Grace is a gift we should desire for all to have. Many times the New Testament writers wished and prayed for God’s grace to those to whom they were writing.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Rom. 16:24 Also: I Cor. 1:3, I Cor. 1:4, I Cor. 16:23, II Cor. 6:1, II Cor. 9:14, I Thes. 5:28, II Thes. 1:2
We enjoy God’s grace. We should have mercy on others like-wise and extend grace to them, even if we think they do not deserve it.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Eph. 4:29 Also: Col. 3:16
Some foolishly never give God’s grace a moment’s thought or mutter, “I can do just fine without God’s grace.” Before they even think such thoughts, they should wait until they suffer the loss of a loved one. It will be then that they will need God’s grace to stand next to the coffin and to help them through that heart-break. They should wait until they have a difficult time; it will be then they would long for God’s taking them by the hand and guiding them through the trial. They should also wait until confusion overcomes their lives, and indecision dominates their thoughts; it will be then they would wish for the comfort of God’s grace helping them through the difficulty.
Grace is a gift from God we constantly need to get through our time on this earth. We do not always recognize its presence in our life, but His grace is one of the added blessings of being a child of God. We cannot get successfully through this lifetime without God’s matchless grace!
“Grace means ‘undeserved kindness’. It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees he is unworthy of God's favor!” — D. L. Moody