Having just discussed sin and its ramifications (Romans 3:23) to man, we now have to address the necessary element of the Grace of God. Without grace any discussion about sin would be nothing more than a conversation about man’s hopelessness. God’s grace is the only reason we have hope. The very act of sacrifice by Jesus is the ultimate definition of Grace. (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 8:9)
It is God’s desire that man turn from sin and not be destroyed by it. (Ezekiel 33:11) God has not, nor will He ever, change. (Malachi 3:6) God has always been merciful, gracious and forgiving. (Exodus 34:6-7) We get the English word for what we describe God as from the word “charis.” The concept of Biblical grace actually holds the meaning of several ideas. It includes love, unmerited favor, and loving kindness. Without the grace of God, man would be completely lost. Hope would never exist in a reality where man was sinfully lost and God was supremely righteous if it were not for the loving projection of God’s grace. It is not always mentioned specifically, but it is always present at the very least by principle.
Grace is not a word which contains any “magical” authority. It exists as an adjective to explain how God bridges the chasm of sin for man. The word doesn’t actually occur in the Gospels of Matthew or Mark. That conspicuous absence being understood does not mean it is absent from any page of the Gospel. It should be on the minds and hearts of every Christian and anyone else who is seeking the presence of God now and in eternity. Jesus’ parables are underpinned with the wellbeing of the forgotten and wounded among men. He came to seek out and save the lost. The story of the prodigal son coming home and the Father running out to him and not letting him give his speech of contrition is a clear example of how God looks forward to the repentant salvation of His own children. It is intended that man know he can have grace upon obedient repentance of the sins he has allowed to separate him from God. Grace is the only reason we can have access to salvation. It is innate to God’s being, and essential to man’s eternal future.
We live under God’s grace! The question for us is whether we will accept that very precious gift or ignore it to our own demise? Will I accept the great gift of God’s love, or will I refuse it and still attempt to blame God? Grace is my gift from a Father who loves me more than I love myself. He sees my potential and blesses me to be everything He has made me to be. We can fulfill every purpose for which we are designed. We have the capacity to be a blessing or a curse in this world. If we can live under God’s grace, we can be spiritually important on levels we can’t possibly imagine. We praise His name for His love, His unmerited favor, and His loving-kindness. Seek out God’s grace on your walk. Godspeed on your journey!