Topical Bible: The Church: The Object of the Grace of God

◄ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God ►

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The Church, as the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, is a central theme in the New Testament and is often described as the primary recipient of God's grace. This grace, unmerited favor from God, is foundational to the Church's existence, mission, and ultimate destiny.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Church as the object of God's grace is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the role of grace in the life of believers. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "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 that the Church's very salvation is a result of divine grace, not human effort.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church is often referred to as the Body of Christ, a metaphor that highlights its intimate connection with Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery conveys the idea that the Church, as the Body, is sustained and empowered by the grace of God, with Christ as its head.

Grace in the Life of the Church

The grace of God is not only the means of salvation but also the sustaining power for the Church's growth and mission. 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 is vital for the Church as it navigates challenges and fulfills its calling to spread the Gospel.

The Church's Mission and Grace

The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, as commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is only possible through the grace of God, which empowers believers to witness and serve. In Acts 4:33 , it is recorded, "With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all." This passage illustrates how grace enables the Church to carry out its mission effectively.

Grace and the Unity of the Church

The grace of God also plays a crucial role in maintaining the unity of the Church. In Ephesians 4:3-7 , Paul exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." He continues, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." This grace fosters unity among diverse members, allowing the Church to function harmoniously as one body.

The Eschatological Hope of the Church

The Church's hope is ultimately eschatological, looking forward to the return of Christ and the consummation of God's kingdom. This hope is grounded in the grace of God, as seen in Titus 2:11-13 : "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, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The grace of God not only sustains the Church in the present but also assures its future glory.

Conclusion

The Church, as the object of the grace of God, is a testament to His unmerited favor and love. Through grace, the Church is saved, sustained, and empowered to fulfill its divine mission, united in purpose and hope for the future. The grace of God is the foundation upon which the Church stands, a constant source of strength and assurance in its journey of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 27:3
I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 8:1
Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Church of the New Testament, or under the Gospel
... The antecedent or only moving cause is the grace and mercy ... Christ by this calling
forth in his church, with only ... The object of this evocation is, not only Jews ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lii on the church.htm

The Grace of God through Jesus Christ. "
... of Christ; but that the doctors of the church, who give a ... perceive.5. Some one may
here object, "that by ... we are drawn along with them; under grace, we neither ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the grace of god through.htm

The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 2
... DISPUTATION LVII ON THE POWER OF THE CHURCH IN ADMINISTERING ... DISPUTATION LXXI ON
THE MATERIAL OBJECT OF THE PRECEPTS OF ... THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/

The Wide Range of God's Grace
... note the solemn fulness of the designations of the object of this ... Surely that is
the true test of a living Church. 'When Barnabas came, and saw the grace of God ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the wide range of gods.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... about which [it is occupied], or the object of the ... be made to the preaching of the
gospel of grace. ... The form of the church resides in the mutual relation of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

What is It?
... which is in its preparatory workings real grace, undoubted and ... The Church has always
maintained this confession by its ... that hour to make him the object of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvii what is it.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... hindrances may be removed and the great object of Presbyterian ... to heal the divisions
in His Church and to ... that as good stewards of the manifold grace of God ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

Justification
... which has Christ and his righteousness for its object and foundation ... of mind, or
a schism created in the church of Christ, of which, by the grace of God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/justification.htm

1 Cor. I. 3-Jan
... to its sense thus: "Paul and Sosthenes to the Church of God ... For thus among men also
wilt thou be an object of love. [4.] But how shall a man find grace with God ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 1 cor i.htm

The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ...
... by any of the ancient doctors of the church, not even ... lusts of the flesh," is said
about a contrary object in this ... it belong, to him to say, "The grace of God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the opposite opinion is approved.htm