What is grace? Have you ever tried to define it? Or tried to understand it? For most of my life, grace has mystified me. How can you possibly explain it to someone who has never experienced it? Here are ten things I’ve learned about grace that might be helpful to you.
1. Grace is Undeserved
No one deserves God’s grace. Not. One. Of. Us. Yet God set His heart and His love on us–while we were still wrecks (Romans 5:8). No need for clean-up ahead of time. That’s what God’s grace and love does.
“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:11 NLT
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT
2. Grace is Unreserved
God offers generous grace to everyone, regardless of race, creed, or color. He’s not exclusive. “Whoever believes in Him” (John 3:16) means anyone who believes.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. Titus 2:11 NLT
3. Grace is Unattainable
Even Christians forget their roots at times. While they know they couldn’t possibly earn God’s grace by doing good things, trying to keep rules, or attempting perfection (short trip), some still unconsciously believe that God’s grace will run out eventually. Every mistake they make sends them into despair. A critical spirit of others can even sneak into their attitudes because they have reduced grace to something kept by good behavior.
But God’s grace is a gift, pure and free. It’s unattainable by works.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8 NLT
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans 11:6 NLT
4. Grace is Unexplainable
Human logic can’t explain divine grace. Who can fathom God’s “Camelot” (King Arthur and Guenevere) kind of love story? We can’t possibly understand why a holy, righteous God would send His own Perfect Son to step down in love to embrace a world shrouded in guilt. Who can explain that kind of love? But I learned years ago that God’s grace can’t be defined or explained; it can only be accepted and experienced through faith. God desires us, and He wants us to desire Him with our whole being.
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7 NLT
And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world’s spirit) to tell us about the wonderful free gifts of grace and blessing that God has given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 TLB
5. Grace Is Unforgettable
If you’ve ever broken God’s heart with sin in your life just once (and we have racked up a lifetime of sin behavior), and received His generous grace and forgiveness, you won’t forget it. How can a prisoner forget a pardon? Grace replaces the broken record of guilt with a new melody.
And if you’ve ever experienced God’s power in your own weakness–where He does His best work–you will never forget the exhilaration and humility of His everything and your nothingness.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Who can forget the wonders he performs—deeds of mercy and of grace? Psalm 111:4 TLB
What Is Grace?
Would you believe I started this blog post with only five things I’ve learned about God’s grace? But it quickly grew to ten. Come back next week for Part 2 and read the other five things I’ve learned about grace.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord Jesus, thank you for answering our question, “What is grace?” in Your Word and through Your life. You are the essence of grace, and without it–without You–we are truly nothing. Teach us daily not only to live by grace, but to share the blessings of grace that You give us repeatedly. Your grace gives us life, purpose, forgiveness, and joy. Your grace opens the pathway to God’s throne room where we can boldly approach Him about anything. And because of Your grace, we have the promise of an eternal home forever.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen! Revelations 22:21 TLB
You might also enjoy this blog post I wrote called, Bible Promise for Today: God’s Grace, as well as God’s Grace: How Deep Is It?
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