His Grace Runs Through All!

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

How can one define grace? The usual definition of grace, "unmerited favor," is not broad enough in scope to fully define all that is meant by the term. With this in mind, I refer you to a few examples: Luke 2:40 and Ecclesiastes 10:12.

W.E Vine defined grace this way..."That which bestows or occasions pleasure, delight, or causes favorable regard;...on the part of the bestower, the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds, graciousness, lovingkindness, goodwill generally...especially with reference to the Divine favour or grace, e.g. Acts 14:26..." (Expository Dictionary of NT Words, 509-10)

This is a good time to turn to the Biblical definiton. Grace, in respect to salvation: is a summary of all God has done to effect the salvation of man. This includes all of God's acts which show favor to undeserving mankind. God's grace is more than mere passive pity. It expresses itself in real, concrete acts of love (Romans 5:8). His grace runs through all He has done for man's salvation. By grace: He sacrificed His Son (Hebrews 5:8-9).

He revealed His plan of salvation, as seen in: 1 Corinthians 2:9-12; Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-5; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 1:1-2; Ephesians 2:4-7; Romans 6:4-5; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27. We also see that grace excludes salvation by meritorious, or noble works (Romans 4:4; 11:16).

So what is the necessity of grace? Why do we need it? The reason that grace is needed is SIN: ALL HAVE SINNED (Romans 3:10, 23)! As evidence of this, the spiritual state of man is seen in many passages, such as: 1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 14:2-3. We can also include here the fact that since man sold himself into the bondage of sin (John 8:34), and since all sinned (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23), all are under the sentence of death (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23).

Certainly this all sounds dark and desperate, however, God, in His matchless love, provided the ransom price for man's sins...His Son to die in man's place (2Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19). While the grace of God is demonstrated in many ways, none is greater than its manifestation in His Son (Romans 3:23-24).

Now, as comforting as this may all sound, make no mistake that salvation is not merited! Man has sinned and deserves hell and no works he could do would earn or merit his salvation. Salvation is that which is given by God's grace. This is a favor that man has not merited. For that reason, salvation is the gift from God!

In closing, here are some things to consider. First, we ought to be grateful for the lovingkindness, favor and grace of our God. Secondly, without God's grace we would all be condemned for all of us has sinned. And lastly, look to God's grace, obey the gospel for the salvation of your soul.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

Let's pray:

May the grace of Christ our Savior,
And the Father's boundless love,
With the Holy Spirit's favor,
Rest upon us from above.

Thus may we abide in union
With each other and the Lord,
And possess, in sweet communion,
Joys which earth cannot afford.
Amen.

May God bless you,

Claire