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What Is Grace?
An old Indian explained grace by making a circle of straw around a bug and setting fire to the straw. The bug moved every way to escape, and there was no way out. The indian placed a stick inside the circle and the bug crawled out to safety. He said, “That is grace.”
God did not start a fire around man. Man put himself in “hot water” because of his sin. Man is responsible for being lost. Although man has made many attempts, he has not been able to save himself (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12). From reading Romans 5:12-21, death, condemnation, and judgment entered the world because of sin. What is the solution to the problem of sin and man’s peril? GRACE.
GRACE is knowing beforehand what man needs. Ephesians 1:4,5 says God designed “before the foundation of the world” an unconditional gift in the form of Jesus Christ. He would be man’s sacrifice for sins. 1 Peter 1:10 speaks of the prophet’s knowledge and foretelling of “the grace that should come unto you...testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ.”
GRACE is a provision man cannot provide for himself or others. Many people have given their lives in defense for a cause. These sacrifices may have saved several lives, but none have saved man’s soul. It is through Christ’s blood we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7). He tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). He became poor so that we might be right (2 Corinthians 8:9). Sadly though, it is a gift many have refused.
GRACE is extended to all. “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11). No one is left out of God’s plan for salvation. Grace is offered whether man accepts this gift or not. It continues to appear to those who see their sin and turn to obey. The great blessing of grace is that God does not show favoritism.
GRACE is the revelation of truth. Titus says the grace appeared “instructing us” (Titus 2:12). God’s good pleasure made “known unto us the mystery of his will” (Ephesians 1:9). Paul preached the grace which was given to him containing “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:7,8). On different occasions, Paul spoke of “the word of his grace” (Acts 14:3) to convert the sinner and the “word of his grace” (Acts 20:32) to build up those already in Christ.
GRACE is the basis of justification. “By grace have ye been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Without grace, faith is void. Grace is the working of an operation of God (Colossians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 1:9), not of works of the law (Galatians 2:16-21), works of darkness (Romans 13:12), nor works of man (Ephesians 2:9). It is by the working of His grace we are given the opportunity to be right. Without a just God providing justification, we could never be free from the shackles of sin.
God’s grace is amazing. Do not hesitate to accept what his grace provides you.
