Topical Bible: The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Word of Grace" is a profound designation for the Gospel, emphasizing the unmerited favor and divine assistance bestowed upon humanity through Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Gospel is portrayed as the ultimate revelation of God's grace to mankind.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "Word of Grace" is notably found in Acts 20:32, where the Apostle Paul, addressing the Ephesian elders, states: "And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified" . Here, Paul underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which not only edifies believers but also secures their eternal inheritance.

The Nature of Grace

Grace, in the biblical sense, is the unearned and undeserved favor of God. It is through grace that salvation is offered to all humanity, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: "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" . The Gospel, as the Word of Grace, is the medium through which this divine favor is communicated and realized.

The Role of the Gospel

The Gospel serves as the conduit of God's grace, revealing the redemptive work of Christ. In John 1:14, the incarnation of Christ is described: "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" . This passage highlights the embodiment of grace in Jesus, who is the living Word.

Grace and Truth

The Gospel is not only a message of grace but also of truth. John 1:17 states, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" . This juxtaposition of grace and truth signifies the completeness of the Gospel message, which fulfills the law and prophets, offering a new covenant based on grace.

The Empowering Word

The Word of Grace is not merely a message of salvation but also a source of empowerment for believers. As Paul notes in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" . The indwelling Word of Grace equips believers for spiritual growth and communal edification.

Inheritance and Sanctification

The Gospel, as the Word of Grace, assures believers of their inheritance in Christ. This inheritance is not only a future promise but also a present reality, as believers are sanctified and set apart for God's purposes. The assurance of this inheritance is a recurring theme in Paul's epistles, as seen in Ephesians 1:13-14: "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory" .

Conclusion

The Gospel, as the Word of Grace, is central to the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It is a message of hope, transformation, and eternal promise, inviting all to partake in the divine grace offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:3
Long time therefore stayed they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:32
And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Word as a Means of Grace
... He commissioned His apostles to preach the same Gospel. ... everywhere preaching the
Word." The Church called and sent ... that is the Word of faith which we preach ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii the word as.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... The Gospel is in the Old Testament, and Indeed in the Whole ... What is Meant When He
is Called the Word. ... 6. How the Word is the Maker of All Things, and Even the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

How the Word is the Maker of all Things, and Even the Holy Spirit ...
... a servant of Christ Jesus, a called Apostle, separated to ... aforehand by the prophets
His own Gospel, the prophets ... His ministers, and having their word to speak ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 how the word is.htm

The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... this grace is not given. ARTICLE 8. As many as are called by the gospel are unfeignedly
called. For God has most earnestly and truly declared in His Word what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm

On the Church of the New Testament, or under the Gospel
... sin which was plainly manifested by the word of the ... of salvation, through faith placed
in the gospel, and to ... and this church will continue to be called out in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lii on the church.htm

The Canons of Dort.
... nor the law could do, that God performs by the operation of his Holy Spirit through
the word or ministry ... As many as are called by the gospel are unfeignedly ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 67 the canons of.htm

The Calling of the Regenerate:
... and thus he becomes able to hear the Word. ... act, together constituting (objectively)
the so-called first grace. ... this first grace destroys the Gospel, severs the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the calling of the.htm

Exhortations to those who are Called
... institutions; when we walk after the Word, as Israel ... ointments on the head of the
gospel, and make ... is matter of consolation to you who are effectually called. ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

Of the Various Ways in which Christ is the Logos.
Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John. ... character of the things thus produced,
and is called, therefore, the ... My heart hath belched forth a good word, I speak ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/42 of the various ways.htm

The Canons of Dordt
... Article 17 Since we are to judge of the will of God from His Word? ... Article 6 And,
whereas many who are called by the gospel do not repent nor believe in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the canons of dordt/