Attributes of God = grace
Notes
Transcript
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations (2092 Unexpected Gift in Paris)
2092 Unexpected Gift In Paris
Just before Christmas in 1974 four Paris garbage collectors were working along the Avenue Marigny behind the Elysee Palace when their truck was stopped by a policeman who told them they were being offered breakfast by President Valery Giscard d’ Estaing. The president gave each garbageman a Christmas present of a turkey and a bottle of champagne, and wished them an enjoyable day.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations (2094 Knox’ Terrible Dream)
2094 Knox’ Terrible Dream
During his last hours, John Knox woke from a slumber sighing, and told his friends that he had just been tempted to believe that he had “merited Heaven and eternal blessedness, by the faithful discharge of my ministry. But blessed be God who has enabled me to beat down and quench the fiery dart, by suggesting to me such passages of Scripture as these: “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” “By the grace of God I am what I am.” “Not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” ”
—Christian World Pulpit
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations (2095 Three Wonders in Heaven)
2095 Three Wonders In Heaven
John Newton said, “When I get to heaven I shall see three wonders there. The first wonder will be, to see many people there whom I did not expect to see—the second wonder will be, to miss many people whom I did expect to see; and the third and greatest wonder of all, will be to find myself there.”
Proposition - As we continue our study of the attributes of God this day we will focus in on the Grace of God. We will look at 1) the Grace of God, 2) the Grace of Jesus Christ, 3) the Work of Grace, and 4) the Response to Grace.
Interrogative question - What steps can we take to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace in our lives?
Mercy = not receiving what you deserve - (that is hell)
Grace = is receiving what you don’t deserve -
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Chapter 6: God’s Grace)
Its meaning is close to, but not the same as, mercy. Just as mercy flows out of the goodness of God, so grace flows out of the goodness of God.
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace Flows from God’s Goodness)
Mercy, however, is God’s goodness confronting human guilt, whereas grace is God’s goodness confronting human demerit. (There is a difference between no merit and demerit. No merit is simply a lack; demerit means that there is not only no merit there but that there is the opposite of merit.)
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace Flows from God’s Goodness)
Grace is that in God which brings into favor one justly in disfavor. I’m actually staying very close to the Hebrew and Greek definitions. Grace and favor, incidentally, are often used interchangeably in the English Bible. There is four times as much said about mercy in the Old Testament as in the New. But strangely and wonderfully there is more than three times as much said about grace in the New Testament as in the Old.
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace Is Released at the Cross)
If I want to know this immeasurable grace, this overwhelming, astounding kindness of God, I have to step under the shadow of the cross. I must come where God releases grace. I must either look forward to it or I must look back at it. I must look one way or the other to that cross where Jesus died. Grace flowed out of His wounded side. The grace that flowed there saved Abel—and that same grace saves you. “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” said our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). And Peter said, “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” except the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace Flows from God’s Goodness)
“The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Christ is the channel through which grace flows.
The Great Doctrines of the Bible (Grace)
The dictionary defines grace as the unmerited favor of God toward men. This does not do justice to the richness of the biblical use of the term, which appears scores of times. Grace is the favor God is able to show to men because Christ died for them; “by grace are ye saved,” Eph. 2:8. Because of His holy character, God could not save men simply because of His mercy and love. The claims of divine righteousness had to be satisfied before He could save sinful men, therefore Christ died in the place of the ungodly, Rom. 5:6.
Grace is distinguished from the law, John 1:17; from works, Rom. 11:6; and from debt, Rom. 4:4. Salvation cannot be earned by law keeping or by good deeds of any kind. Men are chosen by grace, Rom. 11:5; justified by grace, Rom. 3:24; continue in grace, Acts 13:43; approach God in prayer at the throne of grace, Heb. 4:16. They grow in grace as they grow in the knowledge of Christ, 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18. Men do not fall from grace by sinning, but by putting the law in the place of grace, Gal. 5:4.
A remarkable summary of the teaching of grace is found in Tit. 2:11–14. It includes the denial of wrong things, and the positive instruction that we must live soberly, righteously, and godly as we look for the blessed hope of the Lord’s return.
The Moody Handbook of Theology (Glossary)
GRACE, COMMON. God’s unmerited favor to all mankind in providing sunshine, rainfall, food, and clothing. It may also denote God’s withholding judgment and restraining sin.
GRACE, EFFICACIOUS (IRRESISTIBLE, SPECIAL). God’s sovereign work in effectively calling some to salvation. None of those whom God calls can reject His call; hence, it is also termed irresistible grace.
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Common Grace > Introduction to Soteriology)
Another preliminary matter is the treatment of the doctrine of common grace. It is not, strictly speaking, soteriological, because common grace is not saving grace. As an expression of the universal goodness and benevolence of God (Ps. 145:9), common grace is experienced by all people without exception, including those who will never receive salvation (cf. Pss. 33:5; 52:1; 107:8; 119:68). It stands in distinction to special grace, or saving grace, by which God rescues his elect from the penalty and power of sin (Eph. 2:5; Col. 1:13–14), regenerating and sanctifying them through the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 5:17; Titus 3:5). Common grace, then, does not impart forgiveness for sin, nor does it regenerate unbelieving hearts. Though it reveals truths about the Creator (Rom. 1:18–20) and brings conviction of wrongdoing (Rom. 2:15), it cannot lead to salvation on its own, apart from saving grace. For this reason, it could just as well have been treated in chapter 3, “God the Father,” as an expression of God’s attributes of grace and mercy. Nevertheless, because common grace is preparatory for the enjoyment of saving grace, it is treated here.
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Common Grace > Introduction to Soteriology)
God’s common grace provides the human race with at least three benefits.
First, it temporarily restrains sin and militates against sin’s damaging effects.
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Common Grace > Introduction to Soteriology)
Second, common grace enables unbelievers to enjoy beauty and goodness in this life (Ps. 50:2).
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Common Grace > Introduction to Soteriology)
Third, common grace affords sinners time to hear the gospel so that they might be motivated to repent.
1. The Grace of God -
1. The Grace of God -
The quality of God’s character whereby He forgives them, and bestows on them His righteousness so that they can live and grow in faith and obedience.
God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ -
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
The riches of God’s grace -
14 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”
13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come.
4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
God’s grace is always undeserved -
7 “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
5 “It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 6 “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people.
22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.
18 “O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.
16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
God’s grace is a source of blessing -
1 Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. 2 So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.
11 “Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.” Thus he urged him and he took it.
21 The Lord visited Hannah; and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord.
God’s grace revealed in the covenant relationship -
6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;
9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
12 “Then it shall come about, because you listen to these judgments and keep and do them, that the Lord your God will keep with you His covenant and His lovingkindness which He swore to your forefathers.
17 “They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not forsake them.
4 Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
3 “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.
3 The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
2. The Grace of Jesus Christ -
2. The Grace of Jesus Christ -
The quality of Jesus Christ revealed by His compassionate, accepting and generous behavior. In His ministry, Christ demonstrates these qualities towards those whom He encounters.
The grace of God made known in Jesus Christ -
40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
The Grace and Mercy seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ -
Jesus Christ responds to pleas for mercy and grace -
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: “See that no one knows about this!”
22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.”
29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
6 For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ 14 “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
10 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26 “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 31 “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. 32 “Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35 “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace: The Only Means of Salvation)
The first truth is that no one ever was saved, no one is now saved and no one ever will be saved except by grace. Before Moses nobody was ever saved except by grace. During Moses’ time nobody was ever saved except by grace. After Moses and before the cross and after the cross and since the cross and during all that dispensation, during any dispensation, anywhere, any time since Abel offered his first lamb before God on the smoking altar—nobody was ever saved in any other way than by grace.
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace: The Only Means of Salvation)
The second truth is that grace always comes by Jesus Christ. The law was given by Moses, but grace came by Jesus Christ. This does not mean that before Jesus was born of Mary there was no grace. God dealt in grace with mankind, looking forward to the Incarnation and death of Jesus before Christ came. Now, since He’s come and gone to the Father’s right hand, God looks back upon the cross as we look back upon the cross. Everybody from Abel on was saved by looking forward to the cross. Grace came by Jesus Christ. And everybody that’s been saved since the cross is saved by looking back at the cross.
3. The Work of Grace -
3. The Work of Grace -
Grace is exemplified pre-eminently in Jesus Christ and the work He came to do.
God’s promise of grace has been satisfied in Jesus Christ -
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Grace was communicated in Jesus Christ’s life and ministry -
10 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
13 Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.
40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
22 And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Grace is revealed in Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross -
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you,
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
4. The Response to Grace -
4. The Response to Grace -
Redemption through Jesus Christ is the result of accepting God’s undeserved favour.
Salvation is all God’s work -
19 And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”
12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
24 “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
There is nothing humanity can do to save themselves -
9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Salvation is achieved not by keeping God’s law -
20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.
4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
Salvation must be accepted as a free gift by faith -
7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 “And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation. 16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The Implications of God's grace and mercy -
God’s grace and mercy are to impact the character of believers -
23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
Believers humble reliance on God’s grace and mercy -
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
8 “Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness,
4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—
21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,
7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
SO WHAT?
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Grace: The Only Means of Salvation)
Before Moses nobody was ever saved except by grace. During Moses’ time nobody was ever saved except by grace. After Moses and before the cross and after the cross and since the cross and during all that dispensation, during any dispensation, anywhere, any time since Abel offered his first lamb before God on the smoking altar—nobody was ever saved in any other way than by grace.
How can we actively cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace in our daily lives?
In what ways does recognizing God's grace impact our relationship with Him and with others?
What specific biblical passages can we meditate on to internalize the concept of grace?
How can we demonstrate grace to others in practical terms, reflecting the grace we've received from God?
What steps can we take to remind ourselves daily of the grace that is available to us through Jesus Christ?
How does the understanding of grace influence our responses to failures in our own lives?
What actions can we take to root out any legalistic tendencies in our faith, ensuring we rely fully on grace?
In what ways can we better share the message of grace with those around us, particularly with those who may feel undeserving?
How can we apply the principle of grace in our everyday conflicts and relationships?
What role does grace play in our understanding of forgiveness, both given and received?
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart (Where the Grace Is)
If you’re out of the grace of God, do you know where the grace is? Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and there’s the grace of God flowing free for you—all the grace you need. If you set your teeth against Him, the grace of God might as well not exist for you. And Christ might as well not have died. But if you yield to Him and come home, then all the overwhelming, incomprehensible plentitude of goodness and kindness in the great illimitable reaches of God’s nature are on your side. Even justice is on the side of the returning sinner: “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). All the infinite attributes of God rejoice together when a man believes in the grace of God and returns home.
