“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9
Grace is the central theme of the Holy Bible, encompassing God’s forgiveness, mercy, and favor. While the Old Testament is often seen as ‘law-focused’, the New Testament is filled with ‘grace’. Grace is a gift freely granted by the Divine Father to the most undeserving. It is not something one can boast about or earn, much like grace marks awarded to a student on the verge of failing. Grace is a favor bestowed upon those who are not worthy of it, a gift from God demonstrating His never-ending love and compassion in both spiritual and material senses.
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17
The Essence of Grace
Grace is the essence of God’s very nature. Jesus is the source of grace because He shares God’s nature. God describes His own character as gracious toward all human beings. Through Jesus Christ, grace reigns, forgives all the sins of those who trust Him, and frees them from the clutches of sin and death. Grace IS the foundation upon which the Gospel message is built. The word ‘grace’ appears almost 128 times in the New Testament, with nearly 97 occurrences in the Epistles by Apostle Paul, who was transformed from a prideful Pharisee into a humble servant of Jesus, all by grace.
Holy Living through Grace
Holy living is the result of God’s amazing grace. All the blessings we enjoy are the blessings of God’s grace, which saves us, makes us spiritual, and enables us to live for Christ. Earthly blessings such as a lucrative livelihood, a luxurious home, or a lovely life partner are also by the grace of God. However, our discussion here focuses on our spiritual journey beyond material well-being. When we believe in Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection in our hearts and confess our faith, we are saved by grace through Jesus Christ. Though we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard, God, with undeserved kindness, declares us righteous through Jesus Christ, presenting Him as a sacrifice for our sins.
‘Amazing Grace’ – A Testament of Salvation
‘Amazing Grace’ is a hymn penned by John Newton in 1772, expressing the joy of salvation through the gifts of God’s grace. Newton’s personal testimony of salvation is reflected in this hymn. His autobiography is a touching tribute to the amazing grace of God to a wretched sinner. Newton was miserable for having committed terrible crimes. In the following stanza, he expresses his gratitude for the amazing grace he received:
“Taws Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d.”
The Responsibility of Receiving Grace
God’s grace to us in Christ is a wonderful gift, motivating us to please and glorify Him. When we receive grace, we need to be gracious and magnanimous in sharing it with others. Besides experiencing God’s grace, we must comfort others by pointing them to the ‘God of all grace,’ so they too can receive the grace and comfort they need. Our Lord is a gracious God, choosing us to experience and witness the power of His graciousness.
“Let us, then, approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
May the living God’s umbrella of grace be upon you as you witness the power of His grace.
