Grace – In NT, the word usually signifies divine favor or goodwill but it also means “that which gives joy” and “that which is a free gift”. This is one of Paul’s favorite words for God’s free gift of salvation.
In acrostic fashion we can define grace as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense … GRACE
Grace is a character of God.
We worship the God of all grace (1 Pet 5:10)
We are indwelt by the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29)
We preach & live by the Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), the word of his grace (Acts 20:32)
Grace takes many forms in the Bible, and it is well to define it so that the diversity of these forms is taken into account.
Saving Grace - Act of salvation
But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:11)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Eph 2:8)
share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began (2 Tim 1:8,9)
Sustaining Grace - Sustenance thru adversity
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)
Spiritually Empowering Grace - Spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12, Rom 12, Eph 4, 1 Pet 4)
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. ( Eph 4:7)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Pet 4:10)
Sanctifying Grace - Work & Word
..God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth..Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thess 2:13,16-17)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Pet 3:18)
Strengthening Grace - against False teaching
..for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. (Heb 13:9 - Those who are experiencing God's grace in Christ have hearts and minds that remain stable)
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)
Savoring Grace (Savor means a distinctive quality)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2 Cor 8:9 – We become rich in salvation, forgiveness, joy, peace, glory, honor and majesty)
Securing Grace
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2)
Sovereign Grace
Since we have no claim on God’s grace and cannot contribute anything to it, then grace must be sovereignly bestowed.
For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (Rom 9:15-16)
The Bible ends with “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (Rev 22:21)
All of the above is described so beautifully in the song by John Newton in 1779 titled “Amazing Grace” and is the most recorded among all the songs written ever.
Saving Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Sanctifying Grace
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Sustaining Grace
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
Securing Grace
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
Strengthening Grace
He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.
Savoring Grace
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine;
Sovereign Grace
But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.