What Says the Scripture about the Grace of God?

This week I’ve been participating in a lecture series with three other brothers at the Southside Church in Pasadena, Texas, speaking on the theme “What Says the Scripture.”

Yesterday morning Jordan Shouse spoke about “The Grace of God.” You would benefit from listening to the entire 45 minute lesson. It was powerfully presented with Biblical principles that answer many of the challenges people have regarding grace.

While we often define grace as “unmerited favor,” I like Jordan’s definition. “A deliberate decision to give something good to someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

There are two extremes regarding grace, Jordan observed. One, is using grace as a licence to sin, which is clearly condemned in Jude 4. Some say “don’t worry about doctrine, just rely on grace.” Others excuse their sinful actions claiming to be covered by grace. Such an attitude is contrary to Paul’s rhetorical question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” His succinct answer: “Certainly not!” (Rom. 6:1-2).

The second extreme is Christians who believe that we are saved by grace, but live like we’re saved by works. Often, we’ve heard folks say something like, “I know the Bible says we’re saved by grace, but….” Then they must add a qualifier, as if the works they do somehow merit their salvation.

To help us better understand God’s grace Jordan emphasized four points from Titus 2:11-3:8.

#1 God’s Grace Declares Our Worth.

The Bible teaches that we’re created in the image and likeness of God Himself. We’ve been given a spark of the Divine nature. As a result we inherently possess worth, value and dignity.

But if there was ever any doubt, just look to Calvary’s hill. Contemplate those six hours one Friday when the Creator in the form of flesh hung from an old rugged cross. His excruciating , vicarious death to atone for our sins is the ultimate in grace. And declares that people are important to God.

#2 God’s Grace Provides our Identity.

Paul said that we are “a people of His own possession.” Who we are is wrapped up in Him. You are a Christian. You belong to the Lord. You’re identified as a part of His Family. This knowledge ought to prompt two responses. (1) Avoiding those sinful actions and attitudes that bring spiritual death. The past life in sin is depicted as living foolishly, disobedient and deceived. “Serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”

The grace of God teaches us to be different. Separate. Set apart. Holy. Thus, secondly, we pursue those things that bring about an abundant life. Good works. Peace. Gentleness. Humility. These traits identify us as recipients of God’s grace.

#3 God’s Grace Motivates Our Obedience.

Because of what God has done for us we want to “live soberly, righteously, and godly.” Obedience doesn’t invalidate grace. Good works doesn’t nullify grace. Rather grace compels us to submit to His authority. To respect His Word. To obey His commandments.

When we “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12), we haven’t earned our reward. Instead we’ve allowed grace to spur us on and incite within us the zeal to serve God to the best of our ability.

#4 God’s Grace Assures Our Salvation.

Salvation is used in three ways in the Bible. Salvation from past sins. Salvation we currently enjoy. And our future salvation when we receive our heavenly reward. Indeed, we are “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

No wonder Paul refers to his ministry as testifying about “the gospel of the grace of God.” The grace of God teaches us so much about the Divine Three, and about God’s plan and purpose for us in Him.

Thank God for His grace. Grace that redeems. Grace that reforms. Grace that rewards.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman