Matchless Grace

Words go begging when we seek to describe the word “grace.”  We know that grace is one of the fruits of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer and He is there to manifest His fruit.  We need to manifest the grace of Christ.  Christ dwells in every believer.  He is there to manifest His grace and power.  We have many definitions for grace.  Grace is God taking upon Himself the responsibility of Man’s sin, and its consequent guilt and punishment, for all of time and eternity.  Examine that statement carefully and when you do, you will see something of the matchless grace of God.  (Ephesians 2:8)

 

Saving Grace

The Bible is clear about this.  The Apostle Paul rejoices to say it, and said it twice, “By grace are ye saved.”  Divine inspiration seems to have endeavored to exhaust itself in an effort to express the glory of His grace.  Notice the language used in Ephesians 2:4-7: “Rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” – “exceeding riches of His grace.”  What language the Holy Ghost uses to express the Divine fullness!  Grace is the source of our salvation.  “For by grace are ye saved” (Ephesians 2:8)  Grace purposed salvation, purchased salvation and proclaimed salvation.  It is grace that applies it to our souls.  From first to last, salvation is “by grace.”

“Oh, the love that sought me,

Oh, the Blood that bought me,

Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold.”

 

Sanctifying Grace

Grace brings salvation and sanctification.  In Acts 11:26 we read, “And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”  The word “Christian” means, “ “anointed one.”  Christ was the Anointed One.  That is the meaning of the word “Christ,” and we are the anointed ones.  Some believe you are saved by grace, but sanctified by human effort.  They feel that you are justified by faith, but sanctified by struggling and fighting.  God does not save us from the pit and then send us out to walk alone.  No, He orders our steps.  Grace does not improve the old nature; no, it overcomes it.  Grace provides and produces what the believer needs for holiness of life.  The Gospel of grace is for life, not death.  It provides a chariot and not a hearse.  Grace gives to the believer a good soul, a sound mind, and strong nerve.  Grace does not subtract from anything in a man’s life; it adds (II Peter 1:5), and multiplies (vs. 2), and provides abundantly (Romans 5:17).

 

Sovereign Grace

We are thinking about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The word “Lord” suggests that the grace of Christ is sovereign.  The word “sovereign” has to do with rule and mastery.  That is just what we want grace to do in our hearts and lives.  Paul speaks about grace reigning in Romans 5:17.  This is possible because Jesus Christ enthroned in the believer’s heart, is made Lord.  Christ is to be Lord of our lives, and as this is realized, His grace is seen to be sovereign in us and our soul is humble.  There is nothing so humbling as grace, for it can only be ours in proportion as He is Lord of our lives.  Paul said, “By grace I am what I am.”