Summer 1981
Grace

Grace is the restorer of man to a relationship with God. Man is totally undeserving and can never earn his salvation; yet grace brings man before God as justified. “For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24).

Our justification through the blood of Jesus is the gift of God that put away our sin and took our guilt and condemnation. One cannot comprehend with any human understanding how this can be. By the eyes of the spirit one must absorb the full meaning of redemption and propitiation (Romans 3). Redemption means release, to set free, to redeem back by paying a price. In ancient times the slaves were purchased at a price out of the slave market and set free. Propitiation means sacrifice, blood offering, sin offering. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, yet totally a man born of woman, was a sinless, perfect, man. He deserved not to die. God had decreed death upon man when sin entered him in the garden of Eden, but no sin had entered this man, Jesus. Thus, He died as a propitiation for the world’s sin, for according to God’s own word, He had no cause to die. He died in our stead, for our transgressions, and we stand before God justified and clothed in His grace.

Since we are justified before God by grace alone, this freedom is not earned but is bestowed as a gift. Because it is by grace, we cannot atone for our sins through suffering. But should we desire a close walk with the Lord, suffering may be a part of our life in identification with Him (Philippians 3:10). The Lord’s complete forgiveness is His gift to us. Since we are not made righteous by our own works, then righteousness is included in the gifts of grace (Romans 5:17). This further indicates that God freely loves us and desires our fellowship.

The outreaching of grace on the cross spared nothing—instead of judgment, there is forgiveness; instead of wrath, there is love. Calvary is for everyone; God is not exclusive and His heart is calling to all, but it is up to the individual to respond to Him.

Grace is not only an event—Calvary—but is also our position in Christ. “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). We cannot continue in sin that grace may abound, for the grace which took away sin is the grace which breaks the power of sin. “Moreover, the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21). This is the inworking of grace. As we stand in grace, we experience the reign of grace before the throne of grace. It brings forth the reality of His life and light within us. Grace is not a permissive attitude of God toward us; it provides a way for man to be set free, so that sin will no longer have mastery or power over him. Grace is more than unmerited favor. It actually becomes a destructive force of God against sin in man. The power of God’s grace is released through our repentance, brokenness and confession of sin. Grace increases and abounds as one deals with sin; as we choose to hate the sin. Grace is not only God’s condescending attitude that says, “I forgive,” but the enabling power which is sufficient to overcome (II Corinthians 12:9).

Paul was told by the Lord, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Spiritual power is perfected in weakness and grace is the enabling (II Corinthians 12:9-10). It will produce love for those who persecute us. In difficulties and impossible circumstances it will produce humility, self-control, forgiveness and love and will bring forth faith in a fuller measure (II Corinthians 12:10).

Grace releases faith in accordance with grace. Faith is a gift of God and grace is the vehicle for receiving more (Romans 4:16). Grace flows to the humble heart. It flows down to those who are submitting themselves to the hand of God, broken before Him. Thus, man’s responsibility is to be open, pliable and receiving of the Lord in his life.

After the inworking of grace, there comes the outworking. Grace will put a call upon your life. It equips one for ministry. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. . .” (Romans 12:6). We must allow the full outworking of this gift of grace. The particular form of ministry it will take will become evident as we walk with Him. We are to abide in this individual calling and ministry, according to the grace given. We must not go beyond this measure of grace given, lest we be lifted up and fall.

With renewed and grateful hearts, we acknowledge, accept and receive this overwhelming gift, the Grace of God though our Lord Jesus Christ.