This is the eleventh in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? In this week’s article, we will study the Bible’s teaching on The God of Grace. Any study of God’s nature would be incomplete without addressing this facet of His person. It is the grace of God that makes our eternal salvation possible.
The Scriptures make reference to “ . . . the God of all grace . . . who . . . will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you“ (1 Peter 5:10). This designation points to the source of saving grace—God! It is His grace that serves as the foundation of the work of redemption—the design and purpose of which is to perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish those redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
The word grace has been defined as unmerited favor. Within the context of a discussion of God’s will to save man, this definition helps us to see that we do not deserve to be forgiven of our sins. Salvation is an act of grace—”For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The opportunity extended by God to receive eternal life s a gift—it is an unmerited favor granted by God—one in which we can not boast.
It should be noted that, while grace is a gift, it does require a response on man’s part in order to receive it. That response is faith. We can be saved through faith thereby demonstrating our desire to receive the gift freely given by God. Note the teaching of the apostle Paul on this matter: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand . . . “ (Romans 5:1-2, emphasis added). There is an inseparable connection between grace and faith in the redemptive plan of God.
As we reflect upon The God of Grace, it should be our motive to come to know more about the impact of His grace upon our lives. It is empowering to learn about the blessings bestowed upon us as the result of God’s unmerited favor. How can coming to know The God of Grace enrich the lives of those seeking to know Him? Consider the following . . .
We Are Freed From The Guilt Of Sin. Sin produces agonizing guilt in the heart of those who truly love God. Oftentimes, we seek to restore our broken relationship with Him by some system of perfect law keeping. Thanks to the grace of God this is not necessary! The Bible is clear on this point—” . . . knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Galatians 2:16).
We Can Approach God With Confidence. The work of Jesus on the cross has made it possible to have free access to God. Jesus is truly a bridge over the troubled waters of life. We see The God of Grace acting on our behalf in the giving of His son for our sins. Thus, we can approach our Father in heaven with confidence knowing that He wants to deliver us through trials and difficult circumstances. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
We Learn Of A Better Way Of Life. This is an interesting point that is not often emphasized. Consistent with the previous points made in this article, the Bible teaches us, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men . . . “ (Titus 2:11). This same verse goes further to state that grace serves the purpose of “ . . . instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age . . . “ This is a better way of life that can be ours as we faithfully respond to The God of Grace.
Do you know The God of Grace? Do you desire to be freed from the guilt of sin? Do you want to approach God’s throne with confidence during time of need? Do you seek a better way of life? Come to know The God of Grace today!