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The Attributes of God: Grace

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through (Jesus) we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations
(Romans 1:5)

and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
(Romans 3:24)

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – (Romans 5:20-21)

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
(Ephesians 4:7)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:16)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God
(Ephesians 2:8)

Grace is the bestowal of blessing unearned or unmerited. When we speak of God’s grace, we speak of those wonderful gifts (e.g., salvation) that no man deserves but God grants anyway. There are several methods by which God demonstrates His grace to us. There is what we call “common grace” — this is that grace that God shines upon the elect and the wicked alike. This kind of grace is God’s bestowal of non-eternal blessings (e.g., health, prosperity, good weather, the Sunday comics, &c.); in fact, life itself is a gift of common grace to the non-believer since sinful man deserves nothing but death (cf. Genesis 2:15-17 & Romans 6:23).

Fact is, he does not have to give life to any one, no one can demand it from Him, and He can take it when He pleases. The other kind of grace is that special grace which God demonstrates on those whom he inexplicably chooses to be His people. Just as He did with national Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6-8), God chooses His children not because they are more powerful, wise, intelligent, charismatic, pious, handsome,  etc., but simply because that is what He wanted. This grace is amazing for it relies not at all upon us, but solely upon God and His will, rather than any service or good we are capable to render. This grace also causes us to throw ourselves at the feet of the Lord in praise and rejoicing for His pleasure in granting us salvation.

“Spiritual growth always involves understanding, appreciating, receiving and enjoying the grace of God.”
–Sinclair B. Ferguson, Grow in Grace

Other attributes we’ve discussed so far:

Comments

  1. Paul said, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He was right. Without grace we could not even exist. I have to ask forgiveness every day.We were born sinners and but for the grace of God we stay sinners and are doomed to hell for ever. I thank God daily for his loving mercy,grace and love. His love is like no other. For who among us would give our only son to suffer and die for people who have done nothing but hate and despise you. God is the ultimate grace and example of love.

    • God the Father, Christ the Saviour, Emperor of Existence … we wait in time, humbled by your creation, striving to walk the line as your word cammands !

  2. This is a dispensation of blessedness, where God has caused to be blessed with heavenly blessings that the time and peoples on the other side of the cross never saw yet only hoped for. God new our wretchedness would be great in the earth! His righteousness, love, blood, forgiveness, wrath removal, eternal life, protection, provision and just being or God is all worthy of Gods grace for mankind and who God is “Gracious”

  5. What astounds me aside from “common grace”, is that God’s grace is all sufficient for believers!! It is ongoing, endless, not ever lacking. In our weakness and afflictions, it is available (2 Cor. 12:9), In ministry (Titus 2:11,12)it is available. Jesus is the very manifestation of grace!! We have all received grace upon grace!! Praise be to God!!

  6. So common grace has nothing to do with salvation? Is it just a way that God is kind to those who will be lost forever as He has not chosen them? Is there no other purpose than to make folks comfortable until they die and burn for eternity?

  7. This a great piece on the election of grace! God is so good to us who so don’t deserve it. Thank the Lord for choosing to us be conformed to the image of His Son. And for the grace to able to do so. Who is the author of this piece? I would like to quote it and give proper credit.

    By His Grace,
    Ben

  8. This Christian walk is all about faith. God has chosen to give us grace. For those who believe on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved. We can’t earn our way to Heaven. I choose to believe every word in the Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.