Grace

One of the most used words in all of Christianity but probably the least understood.

A lot of times when we try to define something, we kill it. Like when the boy disected the bullfrog to see what made it jump so high. But still, we need to define and understand the meaning of this powerful word so linked to salvation and to how God deals with man.

160 times, grace is used in the Bible.

Its earliest mention is in Genesis 6:8 Where Noah was a recipient of it.

Jesus was full of it John 1:14

Romans 3:24 We are justified by it

Faith is the result of it Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 4:16

It is eternal and has nothing to do with our effort and what we deserve 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Much more could be said, and should be. Not understanding grace as a Christian will neuter your entire spiritual life and being in a church where God's grace is not realized and allowed to affect the lives of the church will be a cold, formal, empty place.

Webster says:
Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.

Not only is it unmerited, we are in every way hostile to it. But God gives us favor instead of justice. Our actions and thoughts demonstrate that we hate Him. We attempt with vigor to dethrone Him and set up idols made of plastic, glass, paper and metal.

It is one thing to show kindness to a man who robs a house, grace is where kindness is shown to the man, WHO ROBBED YOUR HOUSE. Even and especially when he is not sorry. When we look on women with lust in our heart, we are adulterers. When we get angry with our brothers, we are murderers.

I know some people who love to talk about how great it is to have birthday parties for prostitutes at 3 am as a suprise to show her about the love and 'grace' of Jesus, but opportunities to display grace occur when that prostitute has just slept with your spouse.

Some of you are probably offended I would say such a crude thing. Sin is crude.

We excuse our sins as being of the milder sort and justify it by saying that we are only hurting ourselves rather than seeing it as an assault upon the one who established right and wrong.

So after we attack the requirements that God has established breaking all 10 of his commandments in every way imaginable. He sends His Son to pay for the penalty due. Grace!

Do we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Or do we become broken for our sin, and through the promise of grace, come to God through Christ to be restored?

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We have no other plea.