THE GRACE OF GOD

The grace of God


The word “grace” cannot be limited to having one meaning only. The doctrine of grace needs a broad explanation for us to fully understand what it entails. The word “grace” in Greek is “charis”. An examination of the meaning of “charis” has led to the following explanation:

According to (Thayer, p.665), it refers to “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness.” God’s spoken word is testimony to this explanation. People commented about the way Jesus spoke: “And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said: ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?”(Luke 4:22)(ESV)

In Paul’s admonition to those who are called by the name of the Lord, graciousness is also set as a standard: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”(Eph. 4:2) (ESV)

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Col. 4:6) (ESV)

“Charis” is used in the scripture to convey the idea of “goodwill, loving-kindness, favor”. Ephesians 2:4-9 conveys to us God’s kindness upon mankind which is given undeservedly:

“But, God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised up with him and seated us with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And it is not your doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (ESV)

God’s favor towards us, leads us to those things that are best for our lives: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”(1Cor. 15:10)(ESV)

Hence we have to use all we have for the glory of God.

“Charis” may also mean “the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace”.

Romans 5:2 “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into the grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (ESV)

1 Peter 5:12 “By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” (ESV)

Lastly, “charis” could be interpreted to mean ‘thanks (for God’s benefits, favor, loving-kindness) through the way I interact with others whether they know or do not know Jesus as Lord and savior. Paul says to Timothy: “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.”(1Timothy 1:3)(ESV)

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in sufferings for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”(1Timothy 1:8-9)(ESV)

Message

The grace of God can be likened to a season in your life. It is a season in which God extends his full mercy and favor to mankind. God brings alongside you, people who will reveal Him to you and your life so that you might receive redemption from your sin. Although we are indebted by sin, God extends His grace so that we might embrace redemption, by saying “Yes” to Jesus.

Practical application:

If you owe the bank or creditor money and you cannot pay, they might extend a short period of time to allow you more time to try and pay off without suffering any consequences in the form of interest or judgment. When you are not able to pay the debt within the “grace period” you will suffer the consequences.

With God it is different. His grace does not expire as long as we are alive. He gave his son so that we may be redeemed from our sin. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)(ESV)

Christ died and rose from the dead, so that we might have redemption from sin and enjoy eternal life. All who live after the resurrection of Christ are living in a season of Grace.

There are two conditions which govern this season of Grace:

1. A person’s lifetime. You do not know how long you are going to live. God’s will is that all men shall embrace his Grace and be saved.

2. The second coming of Christ. Waiting for Christ second coming will be too late, because then the Grace period would be over. There will be no extended time.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”(2 Peter 3:9)(ESV)