Topical Encyclopedia Grace, as a central theme of the Gospel, is the unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity. It is through grace that the Gospel is declared, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. The concept of grace is woven throughout the New Testament, revealing the depth of God's love and the transformative power of His mercy.The Nature of Grace Grace is fundamentally a gift from God, not something that can be earned or deserved. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the foundational Christian belief that salvation is a divine gift, independent of human effort. Grace in the Life and Teachings of Jesus The life and teachings of Jesus Christ are the ultimate expression of God's grace. In John 1:14 , it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus embodies grace, offering forgiveness and redemption to sinners. His interactions with individuals such as the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10) illustrate the transformative power of grace in personal encounters. The Apostolic Proclamation of Grace The apostles, particularly Paul, emphasized grace as central to the Gospel message. In Romans 3:23-24 , Paul writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This declaration highlights the universality of sin and the availability of grace to all who accept Christ's redemptive work. Paul further elaborates on grace in his epistles, often contrasting it with the law. In Galatians 2:21 , he asserts, "I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing." Here, Paul emphasizes that grace, not adherence to the law, is the means of justification and righteousness before God. Grace and the Christian Life Grace is not only the means of salvation but also the sustaining power for the Christian life. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This assurance of grace provides strength and perseverance in the face of trials and weaknesses. Moreover, grace empowers believers to live godly lives. Titus 2:11-12 declares, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Grace, therefore, is both the foundation and the enabler of a life that reflects God's holiness. Grace as a Call to Humility and Service The reception of grace calls believers to humility and service. Recognizing that grace is a gift, Christians are encouraged to extend grace to others. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This stewardship of grace manifests in acts of love, service, and the sharing of the Gospel message. Grace, as declared in the Gospel, is the profound revelation of God's love and mercy, offering redemption and transformation to all who believe. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, shaping the believer's relationship with God and others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:24,32But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Faustus Rejects Christ's Declaration that He came not to Destroy ... The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658. Declaration of Faith of the National Council of Congregational ... The Gospel Message, Good Tidings Salvation: Grace: Faith St. Ambrose, Treating of the Words in the Gospel Concerning ... The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of ... The Auburn Declaration. AD 1837. The Declaration of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. ... Sanctified by God the Father. Resources What is the meaning of “grace upon grace” in John 1:16? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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