• What Do We Know About The Grace of God?

• What Is Grace?
• Actually, it is many things.
• Cannot cover this subject in one sermon
• Could not cover the subject in twenty sermons
• Many things derived from one word.
• The context of each sentence and scripture will determine what usage is meant in each case.
• The Greek word translated “grace” is Charis

• Charis
• (1) To rejoice, to have joy, to give joy, to show favor, to have favor, acceptance (from others, from God), a kindness granted, a kindness desired, a benefit, an expression of thanks, gratitude, grace.
• (2) Unmerited favor, a favor done without expectation of return
• (3) The free gift of God
• We have to look at scripture to see how the word is used to determine what the meaning is.

• Why do we teach on this subject?
• There is a lot of misunderstanding on this subject.
• Much error has been taught on the subject of Grace,
• Many people have been deceived by the teaching of error,
• It is a Bible subject
• Some attribute things to grace that grace does not do.

• Two Parts Of Grace
• When we talk about the grace of God that plays an important part in our salvation , we notice that there are two parts.
• God’s part—by providing the hope of salvation and the means to having a good relationship with God.
• Man’s part—by accepting the terms of such grace, by doing the will of the Father wherein God promises to bless man.

• Grace Does Not:
• Overlook sin.
• Does not grant favor if the recipient is unwilling to submit to the terms.
• Does not block us or shield us from sin.
• Does not work alone.
• By itself, save us.

• Scriptures that use the word Grace
• Romans 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
• This usage is describing what we believe. We could also say “the faith we hold to”.
• Romans 6:14-15 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
• Once again, this describes a system of faith and belief.
• 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,
• 2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
• Both of these uses are describing the favor God has shown to various people.
• The first describes the favor upon the Corinthians to be able to hear the gospel.
• The second suggest that God has been kind to those who were able to contribute for the needs of others.
• Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
• The system of faith.
• Galatians 2:9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
• Only could the grace of God turn a person around into something different. From a killer of Christians to one willing to give his life for them.
• Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
• This grace brings us into a relationship with God in which He accepts us.
• Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
• Humans cannot do things for themselves to remove our sins. Only God can do that.
• Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
• Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
• Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
• All of these are describing the system of faith we now live by that gives us the hope of heaven.
• Ephesians 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
• This kindness which he felt he did not deserve.
• Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
• Each were given different abilities to assist the spread of the knowledge of this faith.
• Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
• Two things here by this word is meant. Kindness for sure, but also words of edification and teaching.
• Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
• This implies that we will enjoy this system f faith we live and practice.
• Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
• Once again, the kindness shown to others and the imparting of information to help people learn to live right in the sight of God.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
• Our hope of salvation is made only by what God has done for us.
• 2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
• This grace was planned from before time came into existence.
• Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
• Here we are speaking of the gospel of Christ.
• Titus 3:7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
• This justification comes not from our own doing, but by His great mercy and favor,.
• Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
• Jesus was always the means by which man can be justified to be accepted of God.
• 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
• Everything we need to know about grace is provided by the knowledge of Jesus and what He did for us.
• Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
• A common greeting and salutation, as well as parting concluding words.

• Conclusion
• There are many usages of the word with many meanings.
• The context tells us how to understand the usage of the word in each passage.
• We cannot attribute to grace more than what God attributes to grace.
• Let us not lessen the importance of God’s grace either.
• Grace, Jesus, DBR, Gospel are all one and the same—they are the means by which grace is given and we can be saved.
• Have you taken advantage of God’s grace?

By Carey Scott

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