Grace is one of the most difficult Godly concepts to not only comprehend, but also remember in our hearts when we are struggling. I'm going to try to tackle it on a small scale!
Grace can be used in so many ways linguistically. As a noun: elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion or action; favor or goodwill; mercy; a short prayer; consideration for others. As a verb: to add elegance or beauty to...; to ornament or decorate. As a Christian term: the free and unmerited favor of God; the divine assistance and power given to us as part of our salvation.
Let's look more closely at the grace that God bestows upon us.
Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
-Grace is offered freely to anyone and everyone by God. There are no exceptions; no restrictions; no discrimination; no qualifications (works). We have not earned this grace, nor do we deserve it. But Christ paid the price for us; he died on the cross for us so that we would all be offered God's grace freely.
Ephesians 2:4-5 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved."
-God's grace has given us a chance! We can ask, seek and knock. We can repent and be saved. We can declare that Jesus is Lord. We can live as disciples and be fishers of men. All by the grace of God. Without God's grace, we would not have this opportunity.
Ephesians 3:1-13 "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus
for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of
God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made
known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to
understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made
known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit
to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This
mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with
Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise
in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of
this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working
of his power. Although I am less than the least of all
the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the
boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the
administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in
God, who created all things. His intent
was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be
made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according
to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may
approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not
to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."
-EVERYONE is given grace by God. We are all heirs and members of one body of Christ. When we accept God's grace, like the people of the first church did in Acts 2, we can be completely confident in our salvation; our redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. This was God's plan all along, which is heart wrenching and impossible to fathom all at once.
God offers his grace freely to everyone, without exception, because he wants everyone to come to him and know the truth
1 Timothy 2:3-5 "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
I absolutely love the new Natalie Grant single For All of Us. Enjoy!
Oh grace without exception
How fortunate are we
That this love without measure
Is able to redeem
And without hesitation
Our sin is washed away
Unforgettable the moment
How glorious the day
Here at the cross
Your death, the price
Your agony means life
For all of us
You did it for all of us
Here at the cross
It’s finally done
Your victory is won
For all of us
You did it for all of us
The mystery of the ages
Unfolded on a hill
With the ringing of a hammer
Hope is now revealed
The very king of heaven
Comes a spotless Lamb
Holding all our guilt and shame
In His outstretched hands
Here at the cross
Your death, the price
Your agony means life
For all of us
You did it for all of us
Here at the cross
It’s finally done
Your victory is won
For all of us
You did it for all of us
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Worthy is the Lamb
That was slain
