Going straight to Merriam-Webster, one will find that biblical grace is defined in three ways:
3) A state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance
Without going on to define the other big words used in these definitions, suffice to say that grace is an undeserved gift from God. However, as simple as this definition may seem, there is a lot of argument over everything surrounding grace.
Many believe that grace exists to make up for the faultiness of humanity. God has to supply that grace, otherwise, the world would be even more of a mess. But if this is the case, how do we deal with scriptures like Romans 6:1-2?
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
God’s grace and mercy provided a way of salvation that we may no longer be servants to sin. The ultimate gift that none of us deserve was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. While Christ’s sacrifice paid our debt made by sin, we continue to struggle with the inherent sin nature of the flesh. Grace does not give us a license to sin, but rather affords us the opportunity to restore the relationship with God which is broken by sin.
Biblical grace does not only come into play when sin is present. God extends His grace on a daily basis. When good things happen in our life, they happen because our sovereign God allowed it to happen. However, even trials and tribulations can be a form of grace. In Acts 5, Peter is persecuted for not following man’s way. He was faithful to God and was being punished for it. As he departs in verse 41 we are told that he rejoiced because he was worthy to suffer for Christ. Yes, the suffering Peter went through was by the grace of God!
The final misunderstanding of God’s grace that should be addressed is concerning its limitation. Nowhere in Scripture can one find any support for God’s grace characterized as limited, at least on our end. If there is any limitation to be seen, it is God’s conscientious decision, and right, to withhold the grace He, otherwise, would have provided. However, the idea that God’s grace could only be seen after Christ’s crucifixion defies God’s sovereignty. The grace that I receive today is the same grace evidenced in the lives of David and Joseph of the Old Testament. God’s grace is just as eternal as He is. He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). His grace is for all.
Thank the Lord for His amazing grace as you faithfully…
Walk in Him.
Walking in Him 