Topical Bible: The Power of God: Saints: Receive Increase of Grace By

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of grace is central to Christian theology, representing the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. The power of God is often manifested in the lives of believers through the increase of grace, enabling them to grow in faith, holiness, and service. This entry explores how saints receive an increase of grace by the power of God, as evidenced in Scripture.

Divine Source of Grace

Grace originates from God, who is described as the "God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10). It is through His power that believers receive grace, which is essential for salvation and spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that grace is a gift from God, not earned by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Means of Receiving Grace

1. Faith in Jesus Christ: Faith is the primary means by which believers access the grace of God. Romans 5:1-2 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Faith in Christ opens the door to the continual flow of grace in the believer's life.

2. Prayer: Prayer is a vital channel through which believers receive grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Through prayer, saints can seek and receive the grace necessary for their spiritual journey.

3. The Word of God: Scripture is a means by which God imparts grace to His people. Acts 20:32 declares, "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." The Word of God is instrumental in nurturing and increasing grace in the lives of believers.

4. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in dispensing grace. As the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29), He empowers and equips believers for godly living. The Spirit's work in the believer's life is a testament to the power of God in increasing grace.

5. Sacraments and Ordinances: In many Christian traditions, sacraments such as baptism and the Lord's Supper are seen as means of grace. These practices are believed to be channels through which God imparts grace to the faithful, strengthening their relationship with Him.

6. Community and Fellowship: The Christian community is a source of grace, as believers encourage and edify one another. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." Fellowship with other believers provides opportunities for grace to be shared and multiplied.

Effects of Increased Grace

The increase of grace in a believer's life results in spiritual growth and maturity. It empowers them to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, marked by love, humility, and service. Grace enables believers to overcome sin and temptation, endure trials, and fulfill their God-given purpose. As 2 Peter 3:18 exhorts, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

In summary, the power of God is evident in the increase of grace bestowed upon the saints. Through faith, prayer, the Word, the Holy Spirit, sacraments, and fellowship, believers receive the grace necessary to live victorious and fruitful lives in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... "The saints are clad ... In trying to find an answer to this question we must draw a
careful distinction between the absolute and the ordinary power of God. ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the properties of.htm

Wherein are Shewn Some of the Great Benefits, of Of which a ...
... are the Just and Righteous, breaks the power of Satan ... of Christ himself, and the
rich Transformation of God. ... which, according to the saying of Saints, they do ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii wherein are shewn.htm

How we Ought Lovingly to Receive God.
... Lord, what new power is lodged in this bodily sight ... the angels, the sanctity of all
the saints, and the ... nothing more is required of him, for God completes what ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxiii how we ought.htm

On the Sacramentals
... fall into sin; may be free from the power of the ... the priest says: "If they use it,
God grant them ... images of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries, and ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 27 on the sacramentals.htm

His Holy Covenant
... The Church believes so little in the mighty power of God, and the ... is often quoted
in connection with "the coming of our Lord Jesus with His saints"; but its ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

Division of Actual Grace
... God communicates to the human will full power to perform a ... as that there is a Heaven
filled with Saints. God would be neither omnipotent nor infinitely wise if ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 division of actual.htm

On Divine Predestination
... private walls and in schools, but also in the assemblies of the saints and in ... This,
by the gracious assistance of God, we think, we have done. ... The power of God ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 15 on divine predestination.htm

Growth in Grace.
... are taken of the Perseverance of the Saints, that it ... of experimental religion, who
has experience and power enough to ... any wonder that the church of God is so ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxii growth in grace.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... these words came to my heart with indescribable power: I have ... grace, that the prayers
of His saints should be ... he says, "is a heaven spent with God; an eternity ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Degrees of Enjoyment through the Glorified Senses.
... the praises of God and of his saints; musicians, who ... their talents rewarded with
an increased power of enjoyment ... and exercised them for the glory of God and the ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xv degrees of enjoyment.htm