GOD'S GRACE

I. GRACE DEFINED:

A. Exercise of love, kindness, or good will; unmerited favor.

B. The manifestation of the love of God in the gift of His Son. Jno. 3:16.

C. The provision by God for the salvation of mankind. Eph. 2:1-22; Titus 2:11-14.

II. GRACE CONSIDERED:

A. God's grace as manifested in times past.

1. In the tragedy of the garden of Eden. Gen. 3:1-24.

a. Sin separated Adam and Eve from the tree of life, but God determined to send Christ into the world to restore access to the tree of life in heaven. Gen. 3:15.

2. In the destruction of the wicked of the earth by the flood. Gen. 6,7; Heb. 11:7, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah."

a. Noah was not chosen arbitrarily but because of his previous life. 1 Pet. 3:18-21; 2 Pet. 2:5.

3. In the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Exo. 3; Heb. 11 23-29.

a. Not because of the goodness of the children of Israel, but because of the promise to faithful Abraham.

b. Moses was chosen to deliver them out and he was given a law and covenant to guide them to the promised land. Exo. 20:1-17; 24:3-8.

c. The tabernacle and priesthood were given to help them in their service to God as they travelled through the wilderness. Exo. 40:1-38.

4. In His attitude toward a careless and erring nation. Isa. 1:2-20; Mal. 3:7-12.

a. Though their sins were as scarlet, they would be as white as snow, if they would turn and reason together with God.

B. God's grace manifested in these days in the gift of His Son.

1. A promise was fulfilled. Gen. 3:15; 12:3; 22:18; Gal. 3:;8,16.

a. Such Scriptures as: Isa. 7:14; Mic. 5:2; Lk. 1:26-33; Matt. 1:18-23; Lk. 2:8-14, show Christ in promise and in fulfillment of that promise.

2. A mission completed: Matt. 1:21; Jno. 6:38; 17:4; 19:30.

3. We see Jesus Christ as the grace of God: Jno. 3:16; Titus 2:11.

a. As a commendation of God's love. Rom. 5:6-11; Heb. 2:9,10.

b. As a will sacrifice for the sins of the world. Phil. 2:5-11.

c. As a redeemer. 1 Pet. 1:18,19.

4. Salvation if by the grace of God. Eph. 2:4-9; Titus 3:5-7.

C. Other references to God's grace:

1. The "word of His grace" which is able to build up. Acts 20:32.

a. The gospel is a definite and important element of God's grace. Rom. 1:16,17; Acts 20:24; 2 Thes. 2:14.

1) It is that which has appeared to all men, teaching them. Titus 2:11-14.

2) It is that which has once for all time been delivered to the saints. Jude 3.

2. His grace is "sufficient" in time of need. 2 Cor. 12:9.

3. His "throne of grace" is for every time of need. Heb. 4:14-16.

III. GRACE AS GOD'S CONSTANT BLESSING UPON US.

A. We are not under the law of Moses but under grace.

1. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Jno. 1:16,17.

2. Under grace sin can no longer have dominion over us. Rom. 6:14.

a. Of course, this freedom from sin's dominion depends on how well we apply God's grace to our lives through obedience to His Word.

B. In Paul's writings to Timothy and Titus, he desired for them; "grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus the Lord." 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4.

IV. GOD'S GRACE IS A FORM OF HELP PROVIDED TO US IN OUR EFFORTS IN THIS LIFE.

A. Let us note some scriptures with this in mind: Deut. 7:6-9; 9:4-6; Job 10:12; Psa. 94:17-19; 138:3; Acts 26:22; Rom. 3:22-24; 5:1,2,6; 11:5,6; 1 Cor. 15:10.

1. The following scriptures deal with the growth of grace in our lives: Eph. 2:4-9; Phil. 3:12-15; Col. 1:10,11; 2 Thes. 1:3; 1 Pet. 2:1.

CONCLUSION:

1. Certainly, we are saved by God's grace, but through our faith.

2. Obedience is embodied in true faith.

3. Do you have access to God's grace because of your obedient faith?

4. If not, now is the acceptable time to be saved by grace through faith.

By Jim Sasser

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