Goodness GRACEous!

The Old and New Testament never mention grace in connection with mankind in general. The grace of God is directed toward the elect. Abraham Booth defined grace as, “The eternal and absolute free favour of God, manifested in the vouchsaferment of spiritual and eternal blessings to the guilty and unworthy”. Grace is the “unearned” and “undeserved” favor of God towards man through Jesus Christ. Grace can’t be bought, earned, or won. It comes to us as pure charity, unasked, and undesired. Romans 11:6 makes the distinction that grace and works are in direct opposition. God answered, “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal so too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace”. Do you think it’s easier for God to love you when you’re good? Do you secretly suspect that God chose you because you deserved it? Do you think some people’s behavior is so bad that God couldn’t possibly save them? If you ever think this way, you don’t understand that salvation is by grace, a free gift. It cannot be garnered, in whole or part; it can only be accepted with thankfulness and praise.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says “We are saved by grace through faith, not of works!” Grace is eternal, it is free, and it is sovereign. Grace is no ordinary or typical gift. We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. Distinguishing grace was in the Old Testament; it shows that Abraham we selected and called “the friend of God”. “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”. John 1:17

Do you recognize the name John Newton? He was a minister (1725-1807) who wrote a new religious hymn every week for his prayer meeting services. They were written as poetry and were not put to music until later. Newton once said, “Our righteousness is in Him, and our hope depends not upon the exercise of grace in us but, upon the fullness of grace and love in Him, and upon His obedience unto death”. He also wrote a little tune that you might have sang in church. It goes something like this:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear... the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures. When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.