The apostle Paul has much to say about the grace of God in his letters. He recalls a time when he persecuted the church of God. He writes, “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9). And then he declares, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
It is noteworthy that Paul says it is the grace of God that has changed him to be a Christian, and it also helps him in his endeavors to serve His God. How marvelous!
Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God as manifested in the salvation of sinful mankind. There’s absolutely no other way to be reconciled to God. The Scripture says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
God loves us, saves and forgives us; not because of who we are or what we have done or not done. Salvation can never be earned, no matter our best efforts. Salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ Jesus alone, as a result of His death and shed blood on the Cross.
Titus 3:4-7 explains grace. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Being “justified by his grace” means God declares those He saves as being righteous. Through grace, God gives righteousness to man. Therefore, man is “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
“Grace is the method of divine dealing in salvation and in the believer’s life and service. As saved, he is “not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Having by faith brought the Christian into the highest conceivable position (Eph. 1:6), God ceaselessly works through grace, to impart to and perfect in him corresponding graces (Jn. 15:4-5; Gal. 5:22-23).” (C.I. Scofield, D.D.).
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured —
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
—Julia H Johnston, 1849-1919
It appears that Paul regarded the grace of God as a great influence and inspiration in his life. It enabled him to do God’s perfect will, which nothing could not hinder or interrupt his labors for the Christ of God who saved him. No wonder he could declare, “His grace toward me was not in vain.”
At another time the Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Because of the sufficiency of God’s grace, the believer in Christ lacks absolutely nothing. This is a blessed assurance for the Christian, “My grace is sufficient for you.” And indeed should be front and center of our thought processes.
Peter’s exhortation to Christians, as he concludes his second letter, says, “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 Peter 3:18). To grow in grace simply means work toward maturity as believers in Christ.
We cannot stand still or remain self-satisfied in our faith. Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect “ (Philippians 3:12). Also in view of the imminent return of the Lord. There must be progress in spiritual things. The growth is both in grace and knowledge. Knowledge means being conversant with the holy Scriptures.
It should be noted and understood that God deals with us in grace, rather than what we deserve or what we may be passing through. He also calls us to his eternal glory in Christ, which enables us to look beyond the present and instead, look to future glory with Him in heaven.
Peter, in giving the benediction and greetings at the conclusion of his first letter, writes: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10,11). Amen.