The True Meaning of Grace

The True Meaning Of Grace

Song: “His Grace Reaches Me” – Page 180

Grace, “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense,” It is Christ’s unmerited gift of salvation, and it is central to the gospel of Christ.

The Greek word that New Testament writers chose to describe God’s unmerited favor is charis, which had as its root meaning that which is beautiful, lovely, attractive, and charming. It implies the idea of favor or special kindness shown to another. Graciousness is part of the inner beauty that should mark every Christian’s life.

Colossians 4:6 (KJV) 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

“Grace” is one of the most thrilling terms in scripture.

It is a tragedy it is so perverted by the religious world.

What does the Bible really teach about this amazing favor of God?

The concept of God’s “grace” is thrilling beyond words.

It shines its brightest against the backdrop of another aspect of our Creator’s nature

That of the word “wrath”

The most common Greek word for “wrath” is orge .

Romans 1:18 (ASV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 2:5 (ASV) 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasures up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Another Greek word meaning “wrath” is thymos

Revelation 16:19 (ASV) 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Revelation 19:15 (ASV) 15 And out of his mouth proceeds a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

Most scholars make some distinction between these two terms.

Some suggest that thymos is “boiling” anger,

Whereas orge reflects a state of mind.

Perhaps the two terms together mean the intense and sustained disposition of God towards evil.

But “wrath,” as used of God, does not suggest an impulsive, emotional reaction

As the term frequently does with humans.

I watch an old re-run of Star-Treck this past week. An Alien took Captain Kurk to battle another Alien, because Captain Kurk showed an attitude of hostility when tracking down the Alien he was to battle. After winning the battle Captain Kurk showed compassion on his foe and did not kill him. Because of his passion he was allowed to return to his ship the Enterprise.

Divine wrath is a deliberate and measured reaction from God toward sin

A response that is entirely consistent with the righteous nature of a loving God.

Standing along side the sacred wrath of God

Is the marvelous concept of “grace.” Grace Defined

Wayne Jackson in an article says:

“ ‘Grace’ derives from the Greek, charis.

In secular Greek, charis was related to chairo, “to rejoice.”

As far back as Homer it denoted “sweetness” or “attractiveness.”

It came to signify “favor,” “goodwill,” and “loving kindness”

Especially as granted by a superior to an inferior.” End Quote

In the New Testament, “grace” (156 times) takes on a special redemptive sense

In which God makes available his “favor” on behalf of sinners

Us, who actually do not deserve it.

There is tremendous emphasis in the N/T that human salvation is the result of Heaven’s grace.

This beautiful truth should never be minimized.

At the same time, it must not be perverted.

Unfortunately, too often, those with only a superficial concept of “grace”

Have hijacked the term and used it a sense alien to scriptural teaching.

Let us consider some of the precious Bible truths associated with the concept of

Salvation by grace.

Encompassing Grace

God’s grace has been offered to the entire human family.

Titus 2:11 (ASV) 11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, This cannot mean that every soul will be saved.

Such a conclusion would contradict numerous other passages.

What it does suggest, is that Heaven’s grace is potentially available to all who care to access it

By means of the divine plan of redemption

Romans 5:1 (ASV) 1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

Romans 6:3-4 (ASV) 3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

This reality is in direct conflict with the Calvinistic idea that God,

Calvin said, before the foundation of the world,

God chose only specific persons to receive his grace.

The “Grace/Knowledge” Connection

The access to God’s grace is by means of an understanding of God’s complete revelation.

Paul noted:

Titus 2:11-12 (ASV) 11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

Christianity is a taught religion.

Isaiah, speaking of the messianic age: Isaiah 2:3 (ASV) 3 And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

Jesus himself declared:

John 6:45 (ASV) 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.

God’s grace is not given apart from instruction

Grace requires both understanding and obedience.

In these days when there is a tendency to “stampede” folks into the church

With minimal comprehension of what they are doing

Thus, this is a crucial matter to emphasize.

Conditional Grace

The obtaining of God’s grace is conditional .

Calvinism asserts that grace is bestowed unconditionally by the will of God.

The Bible negates this concept.

The principle is illustrated by the example of Noah:

Genesis 6:8 (ASV) 8 But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of Jehovah.

Yet, the writer of Hebrews shows, the patriarch and his family

Were saved by preparing an ark in obedience to God’s instruction

Hebrews 11:7 (ASV) 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

God offered the grace.

Noah, by faith, obeyed the Lord, and so was blessed.

While God extends grace, human beings must be willing to “receive” the favor

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ASV) 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

Grace is “Not” earned

Grace excludes merit.

We must constantly remind ourselves that humanity is not deserving of salvation.

No one can “earn” pardon by works of human merit.

If such were the case, we could boast regarding our redemption

However, that is impossible

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ASV) 8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory.

Even if one were able to perform everything God commands

He still must regard himself as an “unprofitable servant”

Luke 17:10 (ASV) 10 Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.

Jesus taught that our sins have put us head-over-heels in debt

This concept of “in debt” to God should be monumental to each of us And no person has the ability to forgive that obligation

Matthew 18:24-27 (ASV) 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

When this concept is truly grasped, our service to God

Will flow with a freshness and zeal that invigorates the soul.

A failure to understand the true significance of grace

Is the reason many church members are spiritually deficient.

It’s the reason so many Christians only attend what services they feel the “must”!

Let me stop right here: This is vital to our soul’s salvation

Obtaining Grace

Grace is obtained initially at the point of gospel obedience.

It is shocking that so many sincere people are unaware of the fact that “grace” and “obedience” are not enemies.

Paul affirmed that grace is obtained by faith

Romans 5:1-2 (ASV) 1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ASV) 8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory.

It is not, however, a faith void of a loving response to God

It is our faith that acts

James 2:24 (ASV) 24 Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.

Consider this fact, in Eph 2:8, the apostle states that one is

“ saved by grace through faith.”

Later, he says that sinners are “ cleansed by the washing of water with the word” Eph (5:26).

“Saved” and “cleansed” represent the same idea.

Further, scholars almost universally acknowledge that “washing” is an allusion to baptism.

It is clear that the reception of “grace”, by means of the “faith” system,

Includes immersion in water.

Again, note that eternal life is the result of grace

1 Peter 3:7 (ASV) 7 Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.

Life is from God’s grace.

But one experiences that “life” when he is raised from the water of immersion

Romans 6:4 (ASV) 4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

Heaven’s “grace” plan system, includes obedience.

To express the matter another way

Titus 3:5 (ASV) 5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

[acknowledged to be a reference to baptism]

Yet this is equivalent to being “justified by his grace”

Titus 3:7 (ASV) 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Obedience and grace do not stand in opposition to one another.

Continuing in Grace

The state of grace must be embraced continuously

Otherwise one will fall from divine favor

His initial reception of Heaven’s grace will have been “in vain”

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ASV) 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

1 Corinthians 15:10 (ASV) 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

It is incredible that many, who identify themselves with Christianity, should contend that it is impossible for the Christian to fall from God’s grace. If one cannot fall out of grace,

Why did Paul urge his fellow-believers to “continue in the grace of God”

Acts 13:43 (ASV) 43 Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

The Scriptures warn of certain Christians who attempted to revert to the Mosaic regime for salvation.

As a result, they were “severed from Christ” and “fallen away from grace”

Galatians 5:4 (ASV) 4 Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.

Conclusion

Grace is a soul-thrilling concept

It must be deeply appreciated, but never manipulated or distorted.

Have you been saved my the Grace of God?

Grace that has been offered to every person.

But one must do what God has said to do, in order to receive God’s grace.

Hear his word

Believe his word

Repent of one’s sins

Confess that Jesus is the Son of God

Be buried the watery grave of baptism

Raised to walk in newness of life Obtaining the grace of God – Your sins being washed away

Being added to God’s kingdom

Be faithful unto death.