I’ve never considered myself to be graceful – full of grace. In fact, sometimes I’m just the opposite. For example, take an incident that occurred at the Garden Tomb in Israel recently.
Our tour group was wandering through the garden area. I was looking around instead of down at the uneven path and steps ahead. I missed the first rocky step and stumbled down the rest of the steps, arms flailing wildly trying to remain upright. I felt completely out of control while toppling down the steps.
When my momentum slowed, I was able to grab the handrail beside the path, which had leveled out. I looked around to see several people from our group staring in amazement that I was able to keep from face planting at the bottom of the steps. I was embarrassed and said to myself under my breath, “way to go Grace!”.
Once I took inventory of my body and made sure nothing was sprained or twisted, I was thankful that I was able to keep my balance. To say that one of God’s angels was there to hold me up is a reach, I know. But I decided the experience was a great illustration for me. When my own grace wasn’t enough, God’s grace covered me.
So I started reading about grace in the Bible. It’s one of those Christian terms like peace and mercy that have meanings beyond the world’s simplistic definition.
I’ve heard grace explained simply this way:
God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
More specifically, grace is “God’s unmerited favor”. I get that, but what does the scripture say about it and how does it apply to me?
Grace is undeserved kindness from God. Romans 11:5-6
It’s only by God’s grace that we believe. Acts 18:27
We are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9
Grace is given according to Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7
Grace is something to be experienced. 1 Peter 5:12
The term “grace” is used in conjunction with many other important terms in the New Testament. Along with grace we are also invited to experience:
Peace – Romans 1:7
Forgiveness – Romans 5:15
Redemption of Sin – Romans 5:20
Right-standing with God – Romans 5:21
Freedom – Romans 6:14-15
Spiritual Gifts – Romans 12:6
Power in Weakness – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Hope – 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Christ – 2 Timothy 1:9, 2:1
Revelation – Titus 2:11
Righteousness – Titus 3:7
Mercy – Hebrews 4:16
Strength – Hebrews 13:9
Humility – James 4:6
Knowledge – 2 Peter 1:2
Holiness – Revelation 22:21
I hope you will read the verses listed above and become more familiar with God’s grace and what an awesome privilege it is that He offers it to us.
This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6
God loves us so much that He extends His grace to catch us when we fall, to cover our sin, to give us freedom and forgiveness and hope and holiness.
