REMEMBER…

GRACE, GRACE, GOD’S GRACE

God’s grace changes things, but it’s not a thing. Grace is not some kind of spiritual substance, energy, or fuel that God gives to us. We sometimes talk as if grace is something that can be measured out, poured out, or dispensed. Grace is not a commodity that Jesus gives to those who don’t deserve it. There is no such “thing” as grace! In Titus 2:11, the Apostle Paul tells us that “the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all people.” When he writes, “the grace of God has appeared”, he is referring to the appearance of Jesus. Paul is saying that God’s grace, God’s favor, God’s love to His people is a person. Grace is Jesus in redeeming action. Grace is a gift to the undeserved, but God is not only the Giver, He is the gift.

The Lord said to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” God Himself was the blessing Abraham received. We read in John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” God graces us with Himself in the person of Jesus Christ when salvation comes to the soul. To say we need grace is to say that we need Jesus. We need His love, His strength, His protection, His tenderness, His assurance, His presence, His forgiveness, His comfort. Grace is Jesus and all that He is for us as those who have trusted in Him. Jesus is God’s great undeserved gift of grace. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).

—Pastor S. Henry