His Grace to Us

"And as grace is free, so is it sure. Nothing can change, or alter, or turn away sovereign grace." - Alexander Whyte

As we read through Scripture we run across a lot of different words or terms that we might not be clear on. Some of the most commonly used terms are often just taken at face value because we don't, for whatever reason, really understand them.

So, I thought it might be helpful to examine one of these words. The word I have chosen is: "grace." You have to admit, it's a good one! The word grace appears at least 170 times in the King James Bible (131 times in the NIV Bible).

Let's start with "what is grace?" Grace is: God's good will and free, unmerited (undeserved) favor; the unmerited goodness of God shown to fallen man; free and eternal love and favor of God, the source of all the benefits we receive from Him.

It is: the moral attitude which God is pleased to accept toward man; unbought love, undeserved mercy; and the child of Love and the parent of Mercy. There isn't a word in the Bible that is more expressive of the true character of God.

Also, there isn't another word in the entire Gospel of greater importance, than the grace of God. We can look at free grace as "everything for nothing." Grace truly is the keynote of the Bible. Now, let's have a look at what it means for you and I.

There's no doubt that we all need grace (Romans 7:21-23). Every day of our lives sin walks lockstep right along side of us. Without God's grace we'd be in bad shape. Thankfully, grace is free, plentiful, and powerful for our every need (Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 4:7; Acts 20: 32).

Where do we get grace? We receive grace from one source, and that is from God through Christ (2 Corinthians 9:8; John 1:17). Who is grace given to? It's given to: those who love Christ (Ephesians 6:24); who have faith (Romans 5 1, 2); and are humble (1 Peter 5:5).

Once we have received grace, we are: justified (Romans 3:24); regenerated (1 Corinthians 15:10) and strengthened (2 Timothy 2:1) by it. And through it we have: the gift of Christ (Hebrews 2:9); salvation (Titus 2:11); forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7, 8); and joy (Acts 11:23).

I understand that I'm not perfect. But, I also understand that God's grace is proof that he knows I'm not perfect. Max Lucado summed grace up nicely, saying, "The meaning of life. The wasted years of life. The poor choices of life. God answers the mess of life with one word: 'grace.' " Amen!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:24; 2 Peter 3:18; Acts 15:11; Galatians 1:15

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for paying the penalty for my sins; and for never turning your back on me. Thank you for your grace and mercy, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey