What is grace? Bible Grace is God’s unmerited or undeserved favor and special love to undeserving guilty sinners. No one deserves or merits the grace and love of God – No one! It was God’s grace that opened the door of salvation to all mankind. All are sinners and all are unworthy without exception. There is nothing undeserving depraved man can do to restore his fallen relationship with God (Rom. 5:12). Man’s restoration must begin and end with God. When the Jews did not receive Him, then grace opened the door to all the world, including you (John 1:12; 3:16). Grace came through the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
Christ became our substitute sacrifice for sin. Then through His death, burial and resurrection He opened the door of grace as Saviour to all the world (Eph. 3:2;Titus 2:11). No one is saved without the Gospel and the grace of God – No one! “For by grace are ye saved… not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is 100% by the grace of God. If you can do one thing to earn or work for it, then it ceases to be grace. If good works save you, then bad works unsave you. Everyone, including unmerited you and guilty me, deserve justice. But God’s mercy is given and we are justified by our faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1).
I understand why I love God, but I cannot understand why God loves me. God loves me! God loves you! It is because of grace. Illustration: “A college professor assigned the final test, stating some unknown and unassigned areas to the students. The students told him they were not required to read those sections. He stated, “You are responsible for all that is in the book, not just certain sections.” They all dreaded the test. He gave each one the test papers face down and then asked them to turn the test over and begin. To their surprise all questions were answered and they all received an A+ grade. He then asked them, “Did you earn this grade?” They answered, “No.” He then asked, “Did you deserve this grade?” They answered, “No.” He then stated, “There are different ways to learn. What you have learned today is a lesson you will never forget. You have just learned the true meaning of grace.” (Radio BBN).
It is God’s grace that changes and gives us a new life. The greatest testimony to the world is a changed consistent life that only God gives through grace. Christianity is not a religion but a personal relationship in Christ. God’s grace is still changing lives today. How do I know? Because He changed my life. Good news! He can also change your life. “Therefore if any man (including you) be in Christ, he is a new creature (person): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). God is still in the life changing business! Why? Because of His amazing grace! Selah!
Thought – GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
