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: