The biblical term, “grace” is a loaded word that means “unmerited favor or gift” but so much more. Not only is grace a favor or gift that is unmerited, but this gift also includes “mercy” which means what is deserved is either tempered or not given at all. Check this out to see that those who are deserving of God’s wrath have been saved by God’s grace.
Ephesians 2:1–10 (ESV) — 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
This is exactly the reason John Newton wrote the beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace” because the grace of God in saving sinners is simply amazing. But it doesn’t stop there as we notice the story of the apostle Paul finding God’s grace to be sufficient in finding contentment even in affliction
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Notice some points of grace in the account above. First, God’s grace was given to Paul in allowing him to be afflicted with a thorn in the flesh. Why do I say that? Because Paul recognized that he could be prone to being conceited or filled with great pride because of the revelations he was given. We are told that pride not only separates from fellowship with God but also stirs up His discipline. Secondly, Paul was given grace to pray to seek for deliverance from the affliction. We are told that the Holy Spirit is the one who prompts us to pray and helps us pray. Thirdly, Paul was given grace in the delayed answer as the convincing promise of sufficient grace was repeated three times. It’s good to know that an apostle can be as hardheaded as you and I. Fourthly, Paul was given grace to apply the promise of a sufficient supply of grace, thereby giving him great contentment in any and all circumstances knowing that when he found himself in a state of weakness that was really when the grace of God’s strength and power was seen in his life. Hence, the account is really grace upon grace which brings us to another scene of an abundant supply of grace.
Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) — 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Notice the grace that God has bestowed in the giving of His Son to be our savior and our high priest. He is the One who brings us to God and He is the One who lives to make intercession for us and we are told that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He knows exactly how we feel in any situation. But there’s more! We are invited, really commanded to come with confidence to the throne of grace. Why? Because our advocate is there on our behalf. But there’s more! God the Father holds out the golden scepter of grace which signifies we and our petitions are accepted as He promises mercy, grace, and help in our time of need. That is an abundant supply of grace.
Since our acceptance by God the Father and every bestowal of His unmerited favor that flows to us is all because of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is found “grace upon grace” we must include the vast supply that is seen in the words below:
John 1:14–18 (ESV) — 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
Whenever you think things are in short supply, be reminded that God’s grace is sufficient or better still, in abundance, in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
