GOD’S GRACE

Anita Clark, Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
God has justified us because of His grace to us. “Justified” in the Greek in which it was written originally means, “to render innocent, or regard just or to make righteous.” This is the act of God, when a sinner comes to Jesus Christ and is born again (John 3:5-7). He is justified. This act is because of the GRACE of God.
The word “grace” in the Greek means “a gift, unmerited favor.” Someone has said that it means “Something for nothing to the undeserving.” Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works lest any man should boast.” In Romans 3:21-24 the Apostle Paul says, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” While Titus 3:4-6 says, “But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” These are the acts of God when a sinner comes to Jesus and is born again by believing in Christ as their Savior.
Note that this “regeneration” or being “born again” is not just cleaning up the old self. Not just our making resolutions to do good, but giving to that seeking person a new spiritual birth. In Titus 3:5 the word “regeneration” means “spiritual renovation.” This act of the Holy Spirit is not just a patching up or cleansing of our old self, called the old creation, but giving a spiritual new birth. This new birth is only the beginning of Grace working in our lives. To merit the grace of God we have to have some quality of our character that shows we deserve a reward. We don’t have anything of ourselves to offer God, worth anything, before we are born again. That’s why the Word of God classed us sinners.
Grace - because of it millions of people have been born into the family of God, and are made a New Creation in Christ. Grace is a priceless gift. We never deserve it by our own goodness. What did we deserve? Hell, Punishment, The Lake of Fire. Titus 2:11-13 says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men (or all mankind).” How marvelous! No one will not have an opportunity to receive. Not one will be able to stand before the Judgment and say, I never heard of the grace of God.” The word “appeared” in this verse means in the Greek. “To shine upon, to become literally visible or known.” God would not be a just God if He did not offer salvation to all people. See I Peter 3:9.
Also, in Titus 2:12 we see that Grace is our teacher. This word “teacher” means in the Greek, “to train up a child or educate, discipline, and instruct.” Isn’t this a wonderful thought? Romans 6:14 says, “We’re not under the law but under grace” Grace teaches us how to live a Godly life in this world. Vs. 13 - Instructs us where to focus our eyes, as we’re walking in the Grace of God, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.”