Grace

[Resource Manager]

Grace

 

The word “Grace” is a word that means different thing to different people. It’s a word found in many songs and books. It’s a word used by Ministers and Priests of religion, by Christians and by Christadelphians.

 

But what does it mean? How does it work? Who does it affect?

 

Answers to these questions will vary depending on whom we ask.

 

Some suggest that:

 

• ­ it is a physical power that assists us as a force in life.
   
  
• ­ it is God’s overarching principle effective to all who confess the Lord Jesus and who believe that God raised him from the dead, regardless of the lives we lead and/or the details of what we believe.
   
  
• ­ it is something that a person receives, even without a belief of the gospel and regardless of our response.
   
  
• ­ there is nothing we can do to alter God’s grace toward us. That it is infinite, demanding nothing from us. That it is a gift that costs everything for the giver and nothing from the recipient.
   
  
• ­ we are already saved by it and therefore we can feel assured that God loves us just as we are.

 

These are just some of the comments you will hear and read concerning grace. But the question is, what does the Bible say?

 

The Aim

 

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate as briefly as possible, what the Bible means when it speaks of Grace and come to understand how we receive God’s grace and how it operates in the life of a believer.

 

The Importance of the Subject

 

1. Grace is part of God’s character (e.g. Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:5; Psalm 103:8-14)

 

Therefore to better understand grace, is to better understand our God! It is not honouring to our Father to say or imply things about Him that are not true.

 

2. Grace pays a vital role in our salvation (e.g. Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11-14)

 

This involves us in better understanding how God saves. Some believers of the past, like the Galatians, had difficulty appreciating this and as a result were told that they had “fallen from grace”.

 

3. Grace is to be a motivator in our lives (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 3:16)

 

As we begin to understand the grace of God, we will be motivated to respond to God in gratitude and a way of life that shows our gratitude.

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What does the word “Grace” Mean?

 

Let’s first of all look at some dictionary meanings and then breath some life into the meanings, by looking at some real life examples given in Scripture.

 

Hebrew “Chen” - Strongs = “graciousness, i.e. (subjective) kindness, favour or (objective) beauty” - related to the word “Chanan” to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior”.

 

Greek “Charis” - Strongs = “graciousness (as gratifying) of manner or act”.

 

The two words are equivalent, as is indicated by James when he uses the word “charis” in quoting an Old Testament passage which used the word “chen” (see James 4:6 and Proverbs 3:34). The Septuagint translation of the Old Testament also uses the word “charis” for the Hebrew word “chen”.

 

The basic meaning of the word is “favour”

 

The context in which the word is found will provide us with the particular sense in which it is being used. For instance: - “favour” in the sense of gratitude that we have toward God, :favour: in the sense of what God has done for us et cetera.

 

The Old Testament has some wonderful illustrations of the meaning of the word “grace” which help us to understand the basic concept of the word. Consider the following examples:-

 

Genesis 32:5 Jacob seeks grace from Esau

 

Genesis 39:4 Joseph finds grace in Potiphar’s sight

 

Genesis 47:25 The Egyptian people asked for grace in Joseph’s eyes

 

Genesis 50:4 Joseph seeks grace from the house of Pharaoh

 

Ruth 2:2,10,13 Ruth sought and found grace in the eyes of Boaz

 

1 Samuel 1:18 Hannah seeks grace in the sight of Eli

 

1 Samuel 27:5 David seeks grace in the eyes of King Achish

 

Esther 7:3;8:5 Esther seeks grace in the sight of King Ahasuerus

 

These examples serve to illustrate the basic meaning of “grace” (i.e. favour). However they also pick up the additional idea mentioned by Strongs (above) i.e. to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior. This becomes particularly relevant in looking at the word grace as it relates to God.

 

Note the following points from the examples:-

 

1.

The stronger shows favour to the weaker. The weaker stands in need of help because of their circumstances or natural weakness.

 

2.

The stronger acts by a voluntary decision, although he is moved by the feeble actions or the request of the weaker party.

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How has the Grace of God been Extended to Mankind?

Well God is certainly the “stronger” and we the “weaker” and the Bible declares that God has extended His grace - he has shown us favour, he has stooped in kindness to an inferior. How has He done this?

God’s grace has been seen in a variety of ways in the past:-

• ­ God’s grace was seen when he brought Israel out of Egypt.
• ­ God’s grace was extended in the Law given to Moses.
• ­ God’s grace was seen in the granting of the spirit in the first century.

His grace is also seen in an ongoing way, through the giving of the necessities of life and in his providential work amongst the saints.

Annexure 1 provides a little more detail concerning these examples of God’s grace in action.

However these wonderful acts of grace are overshadowed, when compared to the grace extended in the work of Jesus Christ.

God’ Grace is offered through the work of Christ by the means of the Gospel

The overwhelming use of the word “grace” in Scripture, relates to God’s offer to mankind to save them from sin and death. When we think about it, what greater favour could God give, than to provide a war or our eternal salvation?

The table provided in Annexure 2 shows a list (albeit not an exhaustive list) of New Testament passages, which speak of God’s grace being offered through the work of Christ and the gospel message.

A summary of key points extracted from the passages is a follows:-

1.1 The Scripture highlights that there is “none righteous, no, not one” and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Man is unable to extricate himself from this position. Therefore God’s salvation available in Jesus Christ, represents the grace of God being offered to mankind.

1.2 The grace of God was seen at the conception of Jesus Christ. God himself was to act and to provide a way of salvation, through his only begotten son.

1.3 The grace of God was demonstrated in Christ’s life, death and resurrection. He was the “Word made flesh” and he was full of “grace and truth”.

1.4 The apostles taught the gospel and in doing so preached the grace of God.

They spoke and wrote of the good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Here was God’s invitation to stand in a position of grace before Him. God had worked. He had provided a way through His so, by which sinners could be forgiven on the basis of their belief in this grace. It was now up to mankind to respond to His act of grace.

1.5 All are able to respond to God’s invitation, regardless of what they have done in the past. The Apostle Paul is a classic example. He persecuted the Ecclesia of God. Yet he accepted the call of the gospel and the salvation offered in Christ and came into a position of favour before God.

1.6 The result of a persons belief and response to this act of grace, is that such a person:-

 

- Is said to be “in Christ: and therefore stands in a position of “grace” before God.

- Is “Justified” (God declares us righteous on the basis of the work of Christ and our belief in it and our identification with it. We are able to obtain forgiveness).

- Is in a position of hope of salvation from sin and death.

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Who receives God’s Grace?

 

It is clear from our survey of the scriptural passages summarised above, that a person must first believe the gospel (which is styled the word of grace) and also be found “in Christ”, before they are said to be standing in a position of grace.

 

There must be co-operative work with God on the part of man!

 

When we respond to God’s grace in the way he requires, we are “in Christ” and we stand in a position of grace (e.g. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand” Romans 5:2)

 

In this position, if we are “confessing our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins”. We stand in a position of hope - as Titus 3:7 says:-

 

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life”.

 

What a position of favour!

 

How wonderful is the grace of our God!

 

God’s Grace Offered to all - but not embraced by all

 

This grace of God is offered to all mankind through the work of Christ by belief of the gospel. However while it is offered to all, not many have responded to accept the offer and therefore they stand outside of Christ and not in a position of grace.

 

As brother Carter put it, although grace “embraces all, all may not embrace it”

 

(Romans - page 63)

 

An example of this is found in the very first passage where the word “grace: is used in Scripture. It says “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).

 

God’s grace may well be infinite (as some claim), however in this case it only saved eight! Why? Because of the behaviour, attitude and lack of responsiveness of the rest of the world’s population. None listened to the preacher of righteousness and so only eight found grace and salvation in the ark God provided.

 

Having Received God’s Grace is our Salvation Assured?

 

Some Church writers suggest that there is nothing that we can do to alter God’s grace toward us.

 

If, by this is meant that our position before God doesn’t change irrespective of our behaviour or what we believe, then it is clearly incorrect and reflects badly upon the goodness and righteousness of our Father.

 

This is not a God honouring teaching.

 

The Scriptures indicate, that having received the grace of God, our salvation is not assured. We can receive the grace of God and then we can loose it!

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The problem is with us, not with God.

 

Consider the following:-

 

1. Grace can be lost because of what we believe

 

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4

 

There were those in Paul’s day who believed that by keeping the law of Moses they were in some way earning their salvation. They were attempting to be justified by law.

 

Now note the affect of this belief:-

 

• ­ Christ was of no effect to them (they were severed from Christ” - Discovery Bible)
   
  
• ­ The had fallen from grace

 

Hebrews 10:25-29 records believers turning from a faith in Christ, back to Judaism.

 

They had received “the knowledge of the truth”, but had now “forsaken the assembling of themselves together” and had “drawn back to destruction”. They no longer believed in the way that God saves through His son.

 

In this they:-

 

• ­ were insulting “the spirit of grace”
   
  
• ­ and made the sacrifice of Christ ineffective in their lives.

 

2. Grace can be lost because of how we behave

 

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” (2 Corinthians 6:1)

 

The Corinthian believers stood in a position of grace. They were “in Christ” and had therefore “received” the grace of God. Yet the Apostle pleads with them not to receive it in vain!

 

In other words God’s grace could be ineffective for them. How? If they didn’t work in God’s service and show themselves as faithful ministers, “workers together with him” (see verses 3 to 10)

 

In Jude 4 we are told that some amongst the believers actually turned the grace of God into a “licence for immorality” (NIV). As believers they stood in a position of grace, however they used this as an excuse for evil behaviour. Jude condemns them and predicts God’s judgement would fall upon them because of their behaviour.

 

Works and Grace - are they opposed?

 

This seems to be a key area of difficulty. Does God’s grace require anything of us?

 

Some suggest that there is nothing that we can do or are required to do, except to confess in the Lord Jesus and to truly believe that God has raised him form the dead.

 

The suggestion “that there is nothing we can do or are required to do” - is often founded on such passages as shown below.

 

Are works opposed to grace? The first several passages appear to suggest so, whilst those following suggest that works appear to be important.

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Works opposed to Grace?

 

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

 

Romans

 

Romans 4:4 “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

 

5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

 

Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

 

Romans 11:6 “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.”

 

Works Important?

 

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

 

Romans 2:6 “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

 

Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

 

Romans 6:15 “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

 

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

 

What are we to make of these apparently conflicting ideas?

 

It is clear from a quick review of the above (and you will find lots more) that works are vitally important. Living under grace means just that! Living!

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Faith, grace and works are inseparable in the life of a saint.

 

We should remember what we saw in the previous section:

 

We can fall from grace because of what we do!

 

So what does it mean - “Not by works”?

 

The “works” refer to a particular type of works.

 

They are works generated from a sense of trying to earn salvation. They are works motivated by a spirit that says “if I do all these things then God owes me a reward.” Note this idea in the use of the word “debt” in Romans 4:4-5.

 

If we are motivated by the thought that we are earning salvation by the things we do, then what would we think if God gave us eternal life at the appearing of his Son? We could say we had been rewarded because of our will power and strength of mind. We could boast of our achievement. Any reward received on such a basis would not be to God’s glory, but mans.

 

That this is what is meant by the use of the term “works” in the above passages (and others) is clear by considering the use of the words “boast” and “glory” in the relevant contexts (see Ephesians 2:9; Romans 2:17-19; 2:23; 3:27; 4:2).

 

So it’s not a question of whether or not works are a necessary part of how God saves us. Works are clearly essential. However, they are works generated by a totally different motive.

 

Under Grace we are God’s Workmanship

 

The attitude and actions required under grace are really God’s. We are God’s workmanship and our lives should demonstrate that work. Consider how this works:-

 

1. We must believe

 

We must believe in what God has done for us. We also must realise that there is nothing we can do to add to or take away from, what God has done. Christ came, he died, he rose again - we cannot do that - God has done it in Christ.

 

God says, I will account you as righteous, if you believe that.

 

Now here is where a problem is sometimes encountered. People put a full stop at this point. But there is more required, God says...

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2. Show me that you believe

 

In response to our belief in what God has done, we obey God’s word. Our lives are changed. We act differently. We speak differently. We treat each other differently.

 

We don’t obey God’s word or do any of these things, because we think we are earning salvation. We obey because we truly appreciate what God has done and we show our gratitude in a way of life.

 

In fact, it’s the spirit of grace that calls upon us to do more that the man trying to follow a book of rules. The reason is because we have a far greater motive for our actions.

 

In annexure 3, there is a list of passages that illustrate how an appreciation of God’s grace should be a motivator in our lives. It should change our actions and thoughts toward God and towards others.

 

As the Apostle Paul says in Romans, we are now “dead to sin”, “our old man (our old way of life) is crucified with Christ”. We have a new master and a new life. Our heart, soul, mind and strength is now God’s.

 

Brother Carter, in commenting on the question posed by Paul in Romans 6:1 (i.e. “shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”) said this:-

 

“The objection really shows a failure to understand the basis upon which divine favour was bestowed. It is only in union with Christ, the last Adam, that man is accepted to friendship with God. Only by his obedience were life and immortality brought to light, and union with Christ involves personal association with him and a desire to be like him. A voluntary surrender to sin is incompatible with such association. Moral harmony with him must be its outcome, for it has for its aim eternal fellowship with a holy and righteous god.” (Romans page 65-66)

 

The apostle Paul brings it all together when he speaks of God’s grace being offered in Christ, of our hope of salvation and of good works.

 

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hop, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

 

We can be assured that if we believe and continue to show in our lives that we do believe, then we can place our confidence in God to fulfil what he has promised to those who love and obey him. As the Apostle Paul says, the work to save is God’s and in the end we must recognise that it is only...

 

3. By Grace ye are saved

 

In Christ we now stand in grace and in the way of salvation. In the end it is certainly by grace that we are saved from sin and death. We will not have to earn it.

 

God has already offered Christ as the way to salvation. His grace is sufficient to save us. However, whether this is a reality for us, is going to depend entirely on our faith in it and our actions which will show we really do believe it.

 

The position of grace in which we stand in Christ today, is a position of hope. We look for the fulfilment of God’s purpose in us, when “we shall all be changed”. Our ultimate salvation from sin and death, will be the final wonderful act of grace in our lives.

 

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)

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Conclusion

 

Our salvation depends on the grace of God.

 

The more sensitive we are to our failings and weaknesses, the more we are led to the conclusion that our salvation depends on His grace.

 

We cannot earn salvation.

 

Look what God has done:

 

• ­ He provided His only begotten Son so that we may have forgiveness and a hope of salvation.
   
  
• ­ He provided the gospel, which invites mankind to participate in the way of salvation. He has done all that is necessary to save.
   
  
• ­ He has offered grace to all.

 

Yet not many have responded to His gracious offer. Not many stand “in Christ” and therefore in a position of grace.

 

God wants people to believe in the work of His Son. He wants people to identify with His Son.

 

He wants people to believe in what He has promised in the Gospel. In other words, God wants people to respond to His offer of grace. Our response is our belief and our heartfelt gratitude fro what God has done. Our belief and gratitude is demonstrated by our way or life.

 

There are valuable exhortations to be taken from consideration of God’s grace.

 

The grace of God must become a motivator in our lives.

 

It should be galvanise us into action. Not in order to earn our salvation, but rather because we are full of gratitude for all God has done!

 

Our singing, our reading, our speech and our actions should all be motivated by the salvation that God has made possible.

 

It is possible to “fall from grace”. Therefore let us encourage one another to appreciate God’s grace and work together in gratitude for what He has done.

 

Remember, living under grace means just that! Living!

 

FAITH, GRACE AND WORKS ARE INSEPARABLE IN THE LIFE OF A SAINT

[Resource Manager]

Annexure 1

 

1. God’s Grace is seen in bringing Israel out of Egypt

 

Israel were helpless slaves in Egypt and God acted to bring them out. He was with them as they went. This was all God’s grace in action.

 

“For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us?... (Exodus 33:16) - see also Exodus 3:21;11:3;12:36

 

2. God’s Grace was extended in giving the Law of Moses

 

This may be surprising, yet it is true. The Law given by God to Moses was in fact “holy and the commandment holy, and just and good”. the Law was the “oracle of God”.

 

The Apostle John says:-

 

“And of his (Christ’s) fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16,17)

 

John defines the meaning of the phrase “grace for grace” by commenting on the Law given to Moses and then contrasting that to the grace revealed in Christ. As Brother Carter comments “There was a grace connected with Moses, but it is surpassed by the grace in Christ Jesus. Mark the precision of John’s words: the law was given: grace came.” (the Gospel of John pages 26-27)

 

3. God’s Grace resulted in the granting of the spirit gifts in the first century

 

There is one passage that clearly refers to the spirit gifts in the first century, as being the result of God’s grace.

 

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;” (Romans 12:6)

 

Note: Another related Greek word “Charisma” is used 17 times in the New Testament. It is always translated “gift” (never “grace”) in the King James Version. Vine describes it’s meaning as “a gift involving grace on the part of God as the donor”. It is used on 9 occasions to clearly refer to the Holy Spirit gifts given in the first century. One of these occasions is in the quotation above (see also 1 Corinthians 12).

 

What’s the point of this? The Holy Spirit gifts were and expression of God’s grace, they were not in themselves “God’s Grace”. The Scriptures never indicate that God gave gifts of grace to cause men and women to appreciate His grace.

 

4. God’s Grace is seen through giving the necessities of life and his providential care

 

Some passages also indicate that God’s grace is seen in the giving of the necessities of life. such as food and seed to the sower and in the providential care of the saints.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 “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: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

 

Acts 4:33 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” - Note the Discovery Bible and Rotherhams both suggest the underlined section should read “for there was not a needy person among them”. In other words this was how the grace of God was being experienced in their lives.

 

God is interested in the lives of the saints. He says that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. His work in our lives may not always be “joyous but grievous” (Hebrews 12:11), but it will always be for our good if we love our God. This is also the grace of God.

[Resource Manager]

Annexure 2

 

God’s Grace offered through the work of Christ, by means of the Gospel. The ultimate giving of Grace will be in the future age.

 

For ease of reference - these quotations are loosely grouped under:-

 

• ­ those which emphasise grace being offered through the work of Christ,
   
  
• ­ those which show the means by which this grace is offered through the Gospel
   
  
• ­ those which show that the ultimate giving of grace will be in the future age.

 

In reality of course, these key ideas all go together

 

God’s Grace offered through the saving work of Christ

 

Luke 1:30 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”

 

John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

 

John 1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

 

Acts 15:11 “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

 

Romans 1:5 “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:”

 

Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”

 

Romans 5:2 “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

 

Romans 5:15 “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”

 

 

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1 Corinthians 1:4 “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by (i.e. in) Jesus Christ;”

 

Ephesians 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

 

Ephesians 2:5 “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)”

 

1 Timothy 1:13 “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”

 

2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

 

2 Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

 

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

 

Hebrews 2:9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

 

Hebrews 4:14 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

1 Peter 1:10 “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”

 

2 Peter 1:2 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,”

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God’s Grace offered by means of the Gospel

 

Acts 14:3 “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

 

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

 

Acts 20:32 “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

 

Philippians 1:5 “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”

 

Colossians 1:3 “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;”

 

(Note the context - the grace of God was something taught)

 

God’s Grace ultimately given in the future

 

1 Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

 

Ephesians 2:7 “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

[Resource Manager]

Annexure 3

 

God’s Grace a motivator for our actions and thoughts towards God and others

 

For ease of reference - these quotations are loosely grouped under:-

 

• ­ those which show how God’s grace motivated action and thoughts toward God
   
  
• ­ those which show how God’s grace motivated action and thought toward others

 

Motivator of Actions and Thoughts toward God

 

1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

 

2 Corinthians 8:16 “But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.”

 

Galatians 6:18 “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. ~To the Galatians written from Rome.~”

 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

 

1 Timothy 1:12 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”

 

Hebrews 12:28 “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”

 

Hebrews 13:9 “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”

 

Motivator of Actions and Thoughts towards Others

 

1 Corinthians 15:10 “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.”

 

2 Corinthians 6:1 “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”

 

Luke 4:22 “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?”

 

2 Corinthians 1:12 “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”

 

2 Corinthians 8:1 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; ... 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints... 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”

 

(they had received grace and so responded with generosity to others)

 

Ephesians 4:29 “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.”

 

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

 

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

 

GracePSW.pdf

 

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From the Information and Day held by the Sydney Ecclesia’s

2 June 2001

Punchbowl Hall