Ephesians 2:8- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Grace is not a reward, it’s a gift. We earn rewards and in turn, can boast on them. But not for Grace. We receive the gift of Grace as we respond -in its enabling of faith; One example is, that we believe in the promise of Christ for our salvation. We can do nothing to deserve it and we can do nothing to lose it; we simply receive it. It is a gift. We can nurture our capacity to receive Grace; the closer we walk with God the more capacity we have. It’s not something that is just in us. It is in Christ, receive Him and receive grace.
However, there is what is referred to as common grace, This is given to all humanity and the world. These are the sun that shines on all, the rain falls on the just and the unjust. This earth and all in it, though in a fallen state, is a common grace for all and from the Creator of all. But, for us, it is our lifeline to His power for our lives.
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.”
Grace exists in God and is extended to us. There is no grace apart from Him. It is His Character.
My first Pastor, when I became a born-again believer, is now living in Heaven; I remember him saying “Grace is getting what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we deserve.”
Grace is what God gives to us – enabling us to have victory over personal sin, receiving forgiveness when we fail, and moving us to go on with God.
“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever.” 2 Peter 3:18
Sometimes people get stuck in failure and Grace is what they need to grab hold of. It humbles us, in the way of reminding us of His Love and sacrifice, and His desire for us to go on. A true Papa, when you fall down, bends down to wipe the dirt off and says “Let’s go”. Sometimes we think we have to clean up before going forward- forget that, let Him do the cleaning, get up by faith, and get going. Grace will always feel great because you’re walking with your Dad — the King!
By the way, Grace is 1st mentioned in Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Lol, well that’s a mouthful! I hope my thoughts help a little. I know the Bible is always the greatest resource, so dig in!
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever, Amen. 2Peter 3:18