RJ
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- Jun 1, 2009
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Grace is a word that is in vogue today. Grace adorns the covers of many books, and is discussed and debated on blogs, radio programs, and in sermons. This hasn’t always been the case. Years ago when Bob George was working on his second book, Growing in Grace, the publisher told him that a book with “grace” in the title would never sell. But Bob insisted, and the book became a best-seller.
Soon after, “grace” was popping up everywhere and in a very positive way. Believers were challenged to take a fresh look at the grace of God. Lives were being changed. Worn-out Christians were letting go of their legalistic ways and were embracing new life in Christ. But with the popularity came the critics.
They droned away that believers were taking grace too far, using it as a license to sin. According to them, grace needed to be balanced by law and obedience. How else would believers behave properly? The critics didn’t want grace to be removed from the vocabulary, just softened somewhat.
Today, even though the word continues to trend favorably, most view grace as nothing more than a covering for sin. For example, one blogger recently asked this, “But now I wonder if the pendulum has swung too far away from legalism and too far towards grace in the church today?”
This leads to the question; “What exactly is grace?” First, grace is wrapped up in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who is full of grace and truth. We can see grace in action through His work on our behalf.
Paul described that work in his letter to the Ephesians: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4). So what is grace? It is God’s act to make us, who were dead in sin, alive with Christ. Grace is far more than a covering for sin. It is the impartation of Christ’s life in us.
The complete Word Study Dictionary defines “grace” this way: that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance for a kindness granted or desired. It is a favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver.
God’s absolutely free expression of loving kindness to us is life, His life. That’s grace.
Bob Christopher
People to people Ministries
God said that his grace is a gift.
Being a gift, then it is free.
I have had people tell me that my idea of grace is that I can sin with out consequences, like an "Ax Murder" perhaps?
Paul did say in Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
It's not that we do look at our sin, we do but, the point is that God said he doesn't. This grace is the truth that Jesus said that would set you free.
Soon after, “grace” was popping up everywhere and in a very positive way. Believers were challenged to take a fresh look at the grace of God. Lives were being changed. Worn-out Christians were letting go of their legalistic ways and were embracing new life in Christ. But with the popularity came the critics.
They droned away that believers were taking grace too far, using it as a license to sin. According to them, grace needed to be balanced by law and obedience. How else would believers behave properly? The critics didn’t want grace to be removed from the vocabulary, just softened somewhat.
Today, even though the word continues to trend favorably, most view grace as nothing more than a covering for sin. For example, one blogger recently asked this, “But now I wonder if the pendulum has swung too far away from legalism and too far towards grace in the church today?”
This leads to the question; “What exactly is grace?” First, grace is wrapped up in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who is full of grace and truth. We can see grace in action through His work on our behalf.
Paul described that work in his letter to the Ephesians: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4). So what is grace? It is God’s act to make us, who were dead in sin, alive with Christ. Grace is far more than a covering for sin. It is the impartation of Christ’s life in us.
The complete Word Study Dictionary defines “grace” this way: that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance for a kindness granted or desired. It is a favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver.
God’s absolutely free expression of loving kindness to us is life, His life. That’s grace.
Bob Christopher
People to people Ministries
God said that his grace is a gift.
Being a gift, then it is free.
I have had people tell me that my idea of grace is that I can sin with out consequences, like an "Ax Murder" perhaps?
Paul did say in Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
It's not that we do look at our sin, we do but, the point is that God said he doesn't. This grace is the truth that Jesus said that would set you free.
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