What Is Grace?

Our only hope for redemption is grace: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The subject of grace is quite an important topic in the Bible; unfortunately, it is one that many in the religious world misunderstand and even among the church, we seem to neglect this topic because denominations dwell on it. Therefore, if we keep these eight things in mind, we will know what the Bible says about grace and why it’s so important that we have the grace of God.

First, grace saves (Ephesians 2:8), but it does so through faith. In other words, saving grace cooperates with works of faith (Romans 4:16; James 2:17-18). We should never confuse works of faith with admirable works (Ephesians 2:9), because of these place merit in the works themselves rather than in the source of these works, which is Jesus Christ! Because of what Jesus did, culminating with His death, burial and resurrection, I am able to access His saving grace through the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26), which recognizes the merit where it ought to be … in Christ! This is how grace is able to save!

Second, grace also separates (Romans 6:1-4). Through my faith, whenever I trust in the work of Christ and turn to God through repentance and obedience, because of the goodness of God (Romans 2:4), I then become separated from the past. We leave behind the world … its aims, aspirations and values. We no longer live as we used to live. We change. In addition, we separate ourselves from ourselves (Matthew 16:24). We must crucify ourselves (Galatians 2:20). We separate ourselves from anything that stands between God and us, or that competes with God because God now comes first (Matthew 6:33). In this way, grace separates.

Third, grace forbids sensual living: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Here were some who were “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,” which underscores those who want access to grace, but refuse to live godly lives. In other words, grace takes care of those who believe and teach, “We can access the grace of God while living any way we want to live.” The Bible does not teach this! Grace forbids sensual living.

Fourth, grace serves (Hebrews 12:28). Grace does not bring us into the kingdom of God for us to just sit down. In gratitude to God, even as the apostle, Paul said, we say, “I am a debtor to all men!” (Romans 1:14). Out of the joy and gladness of heart that God has redeemed us by His grace at a time when we were so unworthy, we are now ready, willing and anxious to serve God every day and in every way! I am not only going to assemble for worship services, but I am going to serve Him daily! Grace serves.

Fifth, grace submits and suffers (Hebrews 2:7-9). By the grace of God, Christ suffered and submitted to the will of God (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, the grace of God calls for submission and suffering. If we are going to access the saving grace of God, we must be willing to submit to the will of God, and we must be willing to suffer for the will of God. Think about what Jesus did for us on Calvary! Grace is ready to submit and suffer.

Sixth, grace sings (Colossians 3:15-17; Ephesians 5:19-20). We often leave out one of the key elements of what Paul teaches about singing — we are to sing because we are thankful! Read the Psalms and note how there were songs of joy in their heart! The first recorded song in the Bible is in Exodus 15 when God redeemed Israel from Egyptian bondage. Whenever the grace of God lays hold of our hearts, melodies of songs of praise and gratitude will flood our hearts! In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison with bleeding, beaten backs. Yet, the grace of God put a song in their heart as they were praying and singing! The reason why so many Christians struggle with singing is that they fail to appreciate what the grace of God has done in their hearts. Every time we worship God in song, we ought to think about what God has done for us as unworthy recipients of His grace! Grace sings!

Seventh, grace gives us a standing place (Romans 5:2). God is holy, but humanity is sinful, therefore, God cannot fellowship with sin. The only standing ground that I have is “in Christ,” which I access by grace. By the grace of God, I am able to stand in Christ, wherein I am able to have fellowship with God, in spite of my failings and weaknesses. The one who is not in Christ has no place to stand! Grace gives us a standing place!

Finally, grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). The grace of God is sufficient for every situation and every need in life (Ephesians 2:7). Grace is important in our lives and it seems at times that we don’t realize it and yet, look at everything it does for us! If we keep these eight things in mind, we will understand what the Bible teaches about that which saves us.

Joseph Lachausse

Bible Lectureship

(March 17-20, 2024)

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