Albert Dickson
What do you really know about the grace of God? What does the term grace mean? Do you think it means as some might say "prayer at the dinner table?" Or is there a greater significance placed on this all important concept? Such as: is it for everyone? Are there conditions to be met? Furthermore, how does one take advantage of God's grace? In any event, the proper answers and understanding of God's grace are gained through diligent studies of the holy scriptures. The theme of the theme of the Bible is centered around it. For if man does not have God's grace, then he is doom to eternal damnation after this life.
The main obstacle of understanding the grace of God has been the preconceived ideas of perverted teaching of many in the religious world. However, the serious Bible student and seeker of God is made aware of these perversions. He turns to the scriptures to understand who God is. As a result, the scriptures warn him of such perversions happening.
For example, Jude 4 gives a description of those who would be of this perversion. "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (cf. 1 Tim 3:1-3) These ungodly men exist today and continue to promote other perversions such as: God overlooks sin without repentance (Rom 6:1,2); there is nothing for you to do to obtain the grace of God; and it is impossible to fall from grace, (ie. you will be saved no matter what you do).
Many people are influenced by these perversions for several reasons: ignorance of the scriptures, trusting man, family or friends instead of trusting God, following the traditions of men instead of following the word of God. Thus, if salvation from God is to be obtain, we must rely on the teachings of God's word. Our soul's well-being depends on it. The price for it is too costly to trust man and not God.
Let us begin the discussion by defining the term grace. Vine's Expository Dictionary, defines grace as "that which bestows or occasions pleasure, delight, or favorable regard." Thayer, a Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, defines it as "goodwill, lovingkindness, favor." In brief, grace is favor, kindness or goodwill. Hence, the definitions of Vine and Thayer are according to the scriptures. For it refers to "grace" as an expression of God's kindness toward man through Jesus Christ. It is described as "the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:7,8). In other passages, the grace of God is called the gospel building one up to an inheritance among the sanctified (Acts 20:24,32). It contains the message of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection for mankind. Paul, by the Spirit, told the Corinthians that salvation is found in it (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Equally important, it teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live soberly and righteously in this present world (Titus 2:11,12). The Roman Christians were told it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16,17). In the context of these passages, the work of salvation through Christ is the central theme of God's grace.
The grace of God is important because everyone needs it whether they realize it or not. It was the sin of man that brought on this need. For it separated man from God, who is the source of life. This is what happened in Genesis chapters' 1-5. Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden for disobeying God. They were separated from the source of life. Inevitably, death followed.
When Israel violated the covenant God made with them in Mt Sinai, Isaiah said their sins (iniquities) separated them from their God (Isa 59:1,2). Sin is a transgression of law, in particular, the law of God (1 Jn 3:4). Therefore, when you fail to obey the word of God or go beyond His teaching, you have sinned. And this makes you a sinner, putting you out of favor with God. Until Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they enjoyed the favor of God in unity and harmony. As long as Israel was obedient to God, they enjoyed the favor of God in fellowship with Him. If sin affected their relationship with God, it also affects ours today. Romans 3:23 teaches that all have sinned, therefore putting all men out of favor. Since this is the situation of the sinner, being outside God's grace, death is eminent. For the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). On top of that, the wrath of God abides upon you (Eph. 2:1-4). In order to pass from death to life, the grace of God is needed.
In the grace of God, the price or penalty for sin is met in the death of the Son of God, Jesus. The vicarious death of the Son of God explains grace. However, you could pay the price for your sin but, you would die in sin. In addition, you would be forever in a state of separation from the Almighty. Since man could not save himself, God gave His Son. He bored the iniquities of man or He paid the price (Isa. 53). Thus, thanks be to Him for His demonstration of love and kindness towards man by sacrificing His Son on the cross (Rom 5:6-11). Jesus came from heaven and tasted death for everyone (Heb 2:9). And as a result, salvation is for those who believe in Him (Eph. 1:7). My friend, this truly is the gift of God.