God's Boundless Grace

A man can no more take a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs to sustain life for a week to come. We must draw upon God's boundless stores for grace from day to day, as we need it. —D. L. Moody

There is a word that conveys wonderful hope and comfort to the Christian. The word is "grace." It is a word that Paul loved to use. In fact, every epistle that he wrote (with the possible exception of Hebrews), begins and ends with mention of this word (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 5:28). But, what does this word actually mean? How is it used in the N. T. scriptures? What important things should we keep in mind concerning "grace"?

We shall spend a few moments focusing our attention on this wonderful word, and its relationship to the Christian. First, let's begin by noticing the definition of “grace.”

THAT WHICH GIVES JOY, PLEASURE, DELIGHT...This is the original idea of the Greek word "charis" It’s used in the N.T. in this way in reference to “speech.” The words of Jesus were spoken with grace (Luke 4:22). The words of the Christian are to impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6).

GOOD-WILL, LOVINGKINDNESS, FAVOR... In this way, it is used: Of the kindness of a master towards his inferiors or servants; and especially of God towards men. Thayer points out that: "Charis contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved.”The N.T. writers use ‘charis’ preeminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offenses, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ." (Ephesians 2:5). It’s this particular definition of grace that prompts us to think of it most often as "unmerited favor."

A SPIRITUAL STATE OR CONDITION IN WHICH ONE ENJOYS GOD'S FAVOR... When one accepts God's grace, they are in a "state of grace" (Romans 5:1-2; 1 Peter 5:12).

AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR FAVOR BESTOWED... As in (1 Timothy 1:12) where the English word is "thank" ("I thank Jesus Christ..."). This is what is meant when people ask someone to "say grace" before eating a meal.

Such are the main ways the word GRACE is used in the N.T. In connection with this word, there are some things that Christians should always keep in mind.

First, we are saved by grace! Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace. (Ephesians 2:5-8). God doesn't owe us anything. What we deserve is eternal damnation, because all are sinners (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Salvation is a gift, which God in loving- kindness offers to man (Romans 6:23; Titus 3:3-7). No matter what God may call upon us to do in order to receive His grace, when we do those things (believe, repent, confess Jesus, be baptized) in no way can we ever say that we earn or merit salvation. We are still "unworthy servants" (Luke 17:10). We must forever remember that only by God's grace is salvation possible!

Secondly, God’s grace requires holy living! Some people reason that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish. Yet, Paul wrote that the "grace of God...teaches us" to: deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, live soberly, righteously and godly, and look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). As he continues, Paul explains why Jesus in grace gave Himself for us: a) that He might redeem us from every lawless deed; b) That He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). The unmerited favor of God is no excuse to go on sinning!

Also, holy living requires God’s grace! To live "soberly, righteously and godly" requires the grace of God. Try as we may, we cannot do it on our own, but with God's help we can! After all, He works in us to do His good will (Philippians 2:12-13). And by His strength we can do all the things He desires of us (Philippians 4:13).

Additionally, we must grow in grace! This is especially true if we are going to live holy lives. Peter commands us to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). Remember, it is not enough just to experience God's grace in forgiving our sins. God has so much more to share with us, both in this life and the life to come (Ephesians 2:7). This explains Paul's salutations and benedictions (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 5:28). We can grow in grace through heeding the Word of God (Acts 20:32) and drawing near to God in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

Finally, we can receive God’s grace in vain! Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that they might not receive God's grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). Having received God's grace, it is possible for it to have been in vain by seeking justification for sin elsewhere (Galatians 5:4), by using God's grace as an excuse for being lewd and immoral (Jude 4), and by willful and impenitent sinning, thereby despising the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:26-31).

For such a person there no longer remains a sacrifice of sin, only a fearful expectation of judgment. Why? Because through such willful and impenitent sin one tramples the Son of God underfoot, counts the blood of the covenant (i.e., Jesus' blood) by which he was sanctified (i.e., saved) a common thing, and insults the Spirit of grace.

In the end, what a terrible thing it would be, to have received God's grace in vain! In other words, to have received God's grace at one point but then to make it all vain (useless). But it is just as terrible not to receive it all, or having received it, not to grow in it! So, my dear friends, I ask, "Have you received the wonderful grace of God in your life?"

Prayer: Merciful Lord, you are never weary of speaking to my poor heart. Grant me grace that, if today I hear your voice, my heart may not be hardened. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Joni