THE GRACE OF GOD

The Gracious God

Psalm 116:5 “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.”

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

He makes His sun rise on the evil and good, and sends rain on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45), and He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil (Luke 6:35).

The Need of Grace

Turn to (1 Timothy 1:12-16)

We are sinners and we have sinned by action, inaction, and words. (Romans 3:23, 3:10)

We are slaves of sin. (John 8:34)

We are dead in our trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1)

We have wicked desires, thoughts, intentions, and motives. (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9)

Because we have broken God’s law, we are under a curse. Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.””

We are haters of God (Romans 1:30) and enemies of God (Romans 5:10).

We stand condemned and are under the wrath of God.

Romans 2:5 “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

8. Because of these reasons, we are separated from God and without hope.

Ephesians 2:12 “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

The Riches of His Grace

Acts 26:28-29 “And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.””

He took the punishment we deserve and gives us His righteousness.

Though we deserved death and hell, they no longer have any hold on us because of the resurrection life we have been given.

Though alienated and separated from Christ, we have been reconciled and brought near by the blood of Christ.

Though we were enemies and haters of God, He has adopted us as beloved children.

Though we were completely helpless, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Though we still sin, Christ is even now interceding for us.

When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit prays for us with groanings too deep for words.

Though our family and friends might let us down or leave, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Though we were poor and had nothing but condemnation, He has made us joint-heirs with Christ. Now we have an inheritance in heaven that will never fade away.

Though we live in a sin-cursed world now, we have been given the promise of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.

Though we face many difficulties and trials in this life, He is causing all things to work together for our good and His glory.

Though these sinful bodies are wasting away, we will be given new resurrection bodies like unto His.

Though we face heartache, troubles, and hard times now, there is coming a day when there will be no more sickness, death, pain, or sin. He will wipe every tear from our eyes.

And to top it all off, He has given us Himself. We will dwell with Him forever while He pours out His grace on us for all eternity.