What is GRACE?

Have you ever noticed how many times the word “grace” occurs in the New Testament? Scripture abounds with references to grace, love and faith, for these three are major ingredients of our salvation. Most Christians can expound at length on the importance and properties of faith and love, but very few have a deep appreciation of the grace of God. I have noticed how often older saints, those who have been through battles and who have grown in spiritual stature over their lifetime, place such great emphasis on grace. I believe this is a normal consequence of growing to know Christ and His ways better. I remember as a young believer, I saw grace simply as God’s condescension to save me; and once saved, it seemed to express His permissiveness for what I would be allowed to do within my testimony as a Christian. However, grace is not related to what I can do, it is related to what I am not able to do. God’s grace expresses His willingness to provide all that we will ever need, either “to become” or “to do”what He has commanded us. The better we understand His purpose and plan for us, the more we will see our need for grace; the clearer we see the greatness of God and the weaknesses of our humanity, the more we can grasp the dimensions of that grace. Grace expresses the heart and the character of God, who freely offers us all things pertaining to life and godliness. We were introduced to grace when we first came to know Jesus; and we grow in grace as we grow in our knowledge of Him.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace wherein we stand . . . . (Romans 5:1-2)

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Grace for Character

Grace is extended to us according to His purpose for our life and we appropriate it by faith. The wonder of it, is that all the grace I will ever need was prepared for me before the world was made.

Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” ( 2 Timothy 1:9)

The most important call anyone can receive, the one from which all other aspects of His purpose for us emanate, is our call to sonship. He calls us to be holy and blameless, to be conformed to His likeness and to bear His character. There is nothing greater than this, and only by grace can it happen. There will be no timidity or fear in using the words “apostle” or “prophet” to describe valid ministries, once we have a proper appreciation of God’s grace. It is not grace after we have expended all of our ability; ministry is based on grace from start to finish. All ministry is an expression of the Lord’s life, and therefore of His grace since that life is expressed through mortal men. Our responsibility is twofold; first, to recognize our own inability to perform, and secondly, to know that we are well able to fulfill our ministry through the grace of God by which we are spiritually empowered. There is a unique relationship between the ministry and grace we have been given; a relationshhip each of us must recognize. We cannot minister beyond the dimension of grace that is given to us. This is true both for the ministry we have and the sphere in which we exercise it.

And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly . . . (Romans 12:6)

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)

Ministry is given for the benefit of others. Our primary concern is not to develop the excellence of our ministry, but to ensure that it is freely and effectively given to those who need it. We have been entrusted with a stewardship of grace to bless others, not to honor ourselves. Paul considered his ministry in this light.

. . . if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you . . . (Ephesians 3:2)

Only the Lord knows how each member in His body is to be equipped and the dependency that we have on one another. We are members of one body. This dependency, first to the Lord, and then to one another is the basis of body ministry. Our relationship to the Lord must have first priority if our ministry is to be effective. Out of this personal relationship, He gives grace for shepherds to care for the sheep and to bear their burdens. His grace rests upon the teachers that we might know His ways, and upon the evangelists that He might be made known to the lost. He gives grace to prophets so that our vision can be centered in His purposes. Apostolic ministry has grace to see that all ministries are present in a balance that builds us together in His life. Finally, every gift or ministry is an expression of stewardship in the grace of God.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

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Ministering Grace

When Paul left the elders of Ephesus, knowing that he was seeing them for the last time, he commended them to God and the word of His grace. The Lord’s word is not only truth, but it also carries His grace to help us possess truth. Jesus did not simply speak precise words of correct doctrine; He also spoke out of a heart of love that extended the help of His Spirit to bring the truth of His words to pass in those who receive them. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth were brought by Jesus Christ.

And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips . . . (Luke 4:22)

For this reason, when we speak for Him, our words must convey grace. This is more than simply ceasing to gossip, backbite or complain; it means we are to minister truth and grace when we speak. Too many words, or speaking out of a wrong spirit can destroy grace.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

All ministry, whether by act or word, is to reflect God’s grace. This encourages those who hear to receive it with faith and confidence. Preachers whose emphasis is legalism, or who major on criticism and who whip and browbeat the sheep with their words, are not ministers of grace When this occurs, a deficiency of grace can develop in the lives of saints. This brings frustration and bitterness. It is not our sins and failures that is the problem, but rather the failure to repent and receive grace to cover them. Grace always encourages those who have failed. It points them to Jesus, to repentance and forgiveness. This is why we are exhorted to make sure that no one comes short of the grace of God. Grace always reveals His unchanging love for us.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled . . . (Hebrews 12:15)

We would not be commanded to do this unless we have the ability to minister grace. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy on training men was prefaced by pointing to Timothy’s need for grace as the starting point.

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

How can we be strong in grace so that we minister effectively to others? I believe the answer is simple; first, the words we speak must be the words of God; and second, we must speak them out of a heart that is the heart of God for those who receive them. Our spirit must carry the burden of His heart as our mouth expresses His words. We do not minister grace if we present truth in the form of laws and bondages for the people to bear. Neither is there grace if our words are harsh like the“”thrusts of a sword”” or if they are entertaining but without substance. To speak only of the love of God,without mentioning His demands on us, is not grace. it is like an ethereal description of some “never-never land.” People’s hearts must be stirred to reach out to the Lord. How do we bring His heart into our words? It comes from sending time in His presence in prayer and worship. As He adjusts our hearts, our words will take on His grace.

. . . He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:4-6)

There is always more grace available to us than there is sin, weakness or failure on our part. Our victory lies in repentance and seeking grace to overcome.

. . . where sin increased, grace abounded all the more . . . . (Romans 5:20)

Notice the generosity expressed in the following verses:

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us. (Ephesians 1:7-8)

In order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:7,8)

Perhaps the following verse best reveals the majestic dimensions of God’s grace which bridges the great gap between His riches and the poverty of our humanity.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Because He foreknew our response to the gospel, He brings into our lives those circumstances and events that will most encourage us to make the correct decisions; decisions that help us grow, and enable us ultimately to be conformed to the image of His son (Romans 8:28-32). Many of these circumstances are not pleasant and we would much prefer to avoid them. However, we are committed to walk through them for we know that they work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. These events are the times when we must draw upon His grace. There is both much pain and much time involved in this transformation of our nature. It is a work that only the Spirit of God can do; but it only happens with our willing consent and cooperation. This is where grace plays so important a role. Financial difficulties, the death of one dear to you, marital discord, problems with your employer, your educational or physical limitations; these are opportunities for the grace of God to work His character in you.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. (Titus 2:11-13)

Grace not only provides God’s enablement on our behalf, it also instructs us how to walk so that we will not receive His grace in vain. If we receive grace but do not change our ways, we turn His grace into licentiousness (Jude 4). We must never forget that He loves us and intends only the best for us; what comes our way can become a victory in our life and be the means of glorifying Him. There will always be grace for each situation I face. His power is made perfect when it can be demonstrated in our personal weakness. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was a weakness to him personally, but through grace it became a strength for it helped him deal with the character flaw of pride in his life.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

By repentance and grace I can give up bad habits and wrong attitudes; by grace I can become a good steward of His life; by grace I can love my wife as Christ loves the church, and by grace I can serve others. Grace will lead us into abundance and support us in the depths of poverty, for it is always centered in His purpose for our life. Grace enables us to cast our demons, to heal the sick and to prosper. It also enables us to lay down our life for others, or die in prison for His sake if that is He will. Whatever God calls us to do in the sphere of ministry, the quality of service will be based on the character that by grace He has built into our life. We are saved by grace, we stand in grace, we grow by grace, and we minister by grace.

The Grace of Ministry

The reason Paul could refer to his apostolic ministry without self-consciousness or pride, was that to him, it was purely a matter of God’s grace. This is evident in his epistles.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation . . . (1 Corinthians 3:10) For through the grace given to me, I say to every man among you . . . (Romans 12:3)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

We cannot be salt in the earth without having grace in our words.

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his words. (Proverbs 16:23) The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable . . . (Proverbs 15:2) A soothing tongue is a tree of life . . . (Proverbs 15:4) The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer . . . (Proverbs 15:28)

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:6)

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Receiving Grace

There are three simple keys involved in receiving grace. The first is that we grow in grace as we grow in our knowledge of Him. The better we know Him and the clearer we see His greatness, the more we will see our unworthiness and need of grace.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . . (2 Peter 3:18)

The second is that we only receive grace when our heart attitude is right. If I believe that I can make it as I am, I will be too proud to receive grace. Grace is only extended to the humble of heart.

. . . for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5)

The third key is recognizing that grace comes only from the throne of God. You don’t find grace laying in a ditch or hidden in the ground. It must be sought at the throne of our Lord. Grace means something given by “a greater” to those “who are lessor.” Thus, prayer and worship, mingled with faith brings us to the source of grace.

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The enemy of our soul continually points to the greatness of our needs as the reason why we will fail. God points to them as the reason why we will succeed, since He can be our strength in them. Consider the dimensions of His supply:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

End Time Grace

We know from church history how God’s grace has been sufficient for those who were persecuted and martyred for His name’s sake. We have also seen how His grace has brought revivals of power and righteousness to the church from time to time. In the days that lie ahead, there will arise new dimensions of persecution and troubles to be faced by the church as she is prepared for her Lord’s return. At the same time, there will also be manifestations of the power of God upon His people as a great harvest of souls will be brought into the kingdom. These two events cannot happen apart from the grace of God. I am not taking away from Paul’s unique place in the New Testament, when I say there will be many apostolic ministries raised up from the young men of today that will transcend any ministry seen in the building of the early church. This also will be by the grace of God. We require a fresh appreciation of how much we need His grace in the days that face us. Peter expresses it this way:

Therefore, gird up your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

Finally, those who build in His church today should be able to speak to their disciples the same words that Paul wrote to his at Corinth:

I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge . . . so that you are not lacking in any gift, waiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:4-7)

Grace and peace be upon all those who love Him.