Grace - Grace Defined Introduction

Grace Defined 

What is the Grace of God and how do we define it?  Strong’s defines grace as "Graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)".  Some may like this definition some may not.  I do as it deals with the divine influence on the heart and the reflection of that influence in the life.  I believe that is a good definition as far as a book definition.  However, let’s look at what the scripture says regarding grace and what it is.

 

Ephesians 2:4-9  “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 

 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Grace is the gift of God.  Where do we find God’s gift in the scripture.  There are actually two places that comes to mind as I write this.  John 3:16 and Galatians 3:14.  I am going to concentrate on John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  What I want us to see here is that God gave.  Here is the gift of God, packaged in the person of Jesus Christ.  He is where Grace is found and defined.  It is defined in Truth.  Any other grace outside of Christ is not grace at all but just rubbish.

 

There are many declaring that Jesus just came from heaven to show you how God thought of you.  In this statement there may be a truth, but to understand this truth it is only comprehend by Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  If I see myself without the cross, I am a man undone with unclean lips and in an unholy land.  I am as David declared, “conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity.”  Many are declaring a grace that approves the natural man.  This I believe is not grace at all but deception. 

 

God loved and He gave His Son.  In this statement the fullness of Grace may be seen.  In the giving of His Son, you have the death of the cross which is attributed to us.  You also have the resurrection of the dead, which also is attributed to us.  The death side releases us where we were held in bondage and sin in the old man.  The resurrection side brings us into New Life, the New Man who is Christ Jesus the Lord.  By Grace we are saved.  We are saved by His Life in us.  Christ in you is your salvation.  Now He is the divine influence that is upon the heart, literally.  Hallelujah!  This is Grace, Christ in you and you in Christ.