All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
What Is Grace?
Since grace is the topic we will be exploring in this site, we must first be clear on what is grace. And of course we feel safe with no other definition but one that we derive from the Scriptures.
Grace is actually a New Testament term, although the concept it represents is found in the entire Bible. In the Old Testament the concept is represented by words like lovingkindness and favor.
The word grace is used widely in the New Testament, which is described in the Scriptures as the dispensation of grace and truth introduced by Jesus Christ. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).
So how is grace defined in the New Testament? Two New Testament Scripture passages give us a plain and concise definition of grace. One is Romans 4:4-5: “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” The other is Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
In these two Scripture passages, the Holy Spirit is clear in giving us a plain and straightforward definition of grace. Grace is a totally free gift or favor. If one receives something by even a bit of work, it cannot be said to be received by grace. When something is received by grace, it means it is received unconditionally, excluding every bit of works, merit, or right to it.
We should note that both Scripture passages in defining grace used the definition to reveal that salvation or the righteousness of God is given to man by God by grace. In other words, all who have been saved have been saved by grace. So, in this light, we can admit that we are not saved today because of our works or our right to salvation. We are saved by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
So, that’s it about grace for now. We will take it up from there next time. But our aim on this site is to explore step by step the role of grace in our Christian life, from salvation onwards.
Consider what we have examined here. Freely make your comments and ask your questions.
Father, we thank you for reminding us from the Scriptures what grace really is. Help us to appreciate the fact that you began your work in us, even through salvation, by grace, in Jesus name. Amen.
Grace is actually a New Testament term, although the concept it represents is found in the entire Bible. In the Old Testament the concept is represented by words like lovingkindness and favor.
The word grace is used widely in the New Testament, which is described in the Scriptures as the dispensation of grace and truth introduced by Jesus Christ. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).
So how is grace defined in the New Testament? Two New Testament Scripture passages give us a plain and concise definition of grace. One is Romans 4:4-5: “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” The other is Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
In these two Scripture passages, the Holy Spirit is clear in giving us a plain and straightforward definition of grace. Grace is a totally free gift or favor. If one receives something by even a bit of work, it cannot be said to be received by grace. When something is received by grace, it means it is received unconditionally, excluding every bit of works, merit, or right to it.
We should note that both Scripture passages in defining grace used the definition to reveal that salvation or the righteousness of God is given to man by God by grace. In other words, all who have been saved have been saved by grace. So, in this light, we can admit that we are not saved today because of our works or our right to salvation. We are saved by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
So, that’s it about grace for now. We will take it up from there next time. But our aim on this site is to explore step by step the role of grace in our Christian life, from salvation onwards.
Consider what we have examined here. Freely make your comments and ask your questions.
Father, we thank you for reminding us from the Scriptures what grace really is. Help us to appreciate the fact that you began your work in us, even through salvation, by grace, in Jesus name. Amen.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by MandyJ on
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I thank God for His wonderful grace in sending His only Son here to die for all of us! Grace is one of the most beautiful and purest things we can offer each other, yet it can be the most difficult thing to offer when we don't have the right frame of mind. I try to offer grace the best way I know how to people in my life. I know I still need much work though.
Grace truly is a gift from God. By praying to Him for the ability to use grace to its fullest capabilies is something we all would benefit from, not only for ourselves but by being able to help others in the way they need grace too.
I think grace means having an open heart towards God and others. It is only with an open heart that we can truly give of ourselves without any kind of pretense. I struggle because I really want to have a pure heart. I admit that I can get sidetracked from listening to this world. I find the world to be warped in what it tries to teach us about love. It teaches us about earning more money and having nice things, but it really doesn't teach us much about real love. I find that to be so sad.
I pray all of us will be able to have an open heart and mind with each other. From this, grace will flow. Please, God, let all of us learn how to have a pure and untainted heart toward you and others. In Jesus Name. Amen. -
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Permalink Reply by Pastor Bob B on
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G-God's
R-riches
A- at
C-Christ
E-expense -
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Permalink Reply by Wally on
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Thank you for your comments. Grace is something that in my 55 years I have only recently begin to understand and appreciate. I can't explain why I had never understood until I recently began meeting with a christian counselor. I recently read a sermon, which I have attached, by D. L. Moody on Grace which has really helped me in my understanding.
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Grace by DL Moody.doc, 52 KB
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Permalink Reply by Dr. Cheryl Durham on
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Generous Redemption, And Complete Embrace
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I love it Dr cheryl, never heard that one. thanks for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by Jesse James on
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I love your short and profound statement, Dr. Durham
God Bless You
Jesse James -
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Grace has been taken out of context in different ways, but the true grace is that of receiving unconditionally from our Father in Heaven. He is the greatest teacher of all in displaying what grace really is. I have put thought into this, and everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and Savour, has had the opportunity to do so because of the Grace God has shown to us when He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us. When God did this, it was done unconditionally for us at the expense of His Only Son, and after He died on the cross, we still had that choice to receive Him or not. So when Grace is unconditional, it is given to us to do with it as we choose. Jesus freely died on the cross for us, and with still no conditions to receive Him or not. However, if we fail to receive Him, our eternity will not be with Him. However, when we do receive Him, we are granted so much grace as we fall and get back up in the attitude of being sorry if we are guilty for something we did to make us or another fall out of grace. If we fall unintentionally, or out of ignorance, God's grace will carry us through. At some point, we may find that what our actions did needs repair, and at that point we must do what we can to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ by surrendering up the thing that caused us to fall in the first place. This is why we must show grace to those who struggle, regardless of how long they have been saved. It is a continuous effort in learning until the day we bow before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Overtime, I have met some who have fallen under the message of grace where they believe they are free to do what ever they choose to do, and this is not grace when it can include coarse jokes, continuous profanity, premarital sex, and etc. and after we have been informed of how our Father stands on such issues. For example it says, "Colossians 3:8 (NIV), "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips". Furthermore, Ephesians 5:4," Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving"(NIV). How many of us take for granted that any form of foul talk in conversations are the norm in these days, and some will say they are only words.
We must continue to have a repentant heart, and until we know something must be confessed under repentance God's grace will be upon us. Please forgive me, but I can't remember where the scripture is that says we will be judged accordingly to what we did with what we knew. Until the day we go to judgement, our efforts in sincerity to move forward in Him will be under grace. I pray that each and everyone will grow in Him and that we all apply ourselves to the best of our abilities to further the Kingdom of God, and His Grace will be upon us. We are not perfect, but we can be committed to Him in our actions, faith, love and by giving others Grace as He does with us. Grace has nothing to do with being perfect at all, but by giving grace to those who we may not like or care about, or to those we know and love, and by modeling His Grace He has given to us.
Love you all,
God Bless
Jesse James -
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Permalink Reply by PoiemaDei on
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Thanks for your comment, Jesse. This is exactly the reason why we need to have an understanding of the full nature of grace. Grace accepts us as we are, but also changes us into what God wants us to be. We will be moving into this area of grace in our coming discussions.
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ML, thanks for taking time to research and share this informative article on grace with us. It will certainly bless us in this group. We are unfolding the concept of grace step by step. I have just begin to introduce discussion on the active grace of God. This will help us focus on the work of grace in us to change us and empower us. This will include much of what you have shared with us here. So I appreciate it. God bless you.
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Permalink Reply by Jeanette B on
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One great book I read a number of years ago that helped me understand about grace, was "The Grace Awakening" by Chuck Swindol.
From memory, one thing he shared was about people with "yes" faces (those who had received God's grace, and shared it) and those with "no" faces (those who were religious and caught up in works). I'm sure we all encounter both in our day-to-day lives. May we have the "yes" faces!! -
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