Definition of GRACE

The favour of God bestowed upon a man that initiates a transformative journey, beginning with salvation and culminating in empowerment in spirit. This grace is not a consequence of human effort or of works; rather, it flows solely from God’s boundless love and mercy.

 

G.R.A.C.E: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

 

The Nature and the Character of God

- Psalm 103:8 - “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

- Romans 5:15 - “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!"

 

Exodus 33:12-18 - The Grace Masterclass

 

The Five Degrees of Grace

 

1. Salvation by Grace

 

Romans 3:23-24 - “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Here, grace is shown as the means by which believers are justified before God.

 

2. New Rule of Engagement

 

Romans 6:14 - “For sin shall not have dominion over you [For sin shall no longer be your master], for you are not under law but under grace." This highlights that living under grace liberates believers from the bondage of sin.

 

3. Grace as Empowerment

 

Acts 4:33 - “With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.” This demonstrates that grace empowers believers for ministry and witness.

 

4. Fullness of Grace

 

John 1:16-17 NIV - “Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” This passage contrasts the law with grace, affirming that true grace is realised through Jesus.

 

5. Throne of Grace

 

Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive [obtain] mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

 

To Find [heuriskó]: to discover, come upon, hit upon especially after searching

 

2 Peter 1:2-4 - “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

 

How Do You Trigger God’s Grace?

1. Recognition of Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 - “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’" This illustrates that a humble acknowledgment of weakness can trigger the release of God’s grace, encouraging reliance (dependence) on His strength.

 

2. Humility as a Prerequisite

James 4:6 - “But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse underscores that humility is essential for receiving God's grace, indicating that a humble heart invites divine favour.

 

3. Confidence [Faith] as a Requisite

Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This encourages believers to confidently seek God's grace in their times of need, reinforcing the active role of faith in approaching God.

 

4. Advancement by Light

2 Peter 3:18 - “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

 

Finally,

2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”