The 'Biblical Dictionary' continues today with the word, grace. In church we hear a lot about God's grace and mercy. Grace is a basic Christian concept that we all should understand. I have to admit that I really didn't have a good understanding of this word until very recently. If you are not sure what grace is, today I am going to make this very clear.
Grace is defined in the dictionary as the elegance and refinement of movement. Like the way we would expect an ice skater to move across the ice. It is also defined as courteous good will. Which is the way we should all treat each other. The word grace is also applied to the extended time period given as a special favor. Which I believe we have all been thankful for, when it come to paying our bills.
Just like most other words the worlds definition is so much different than the biblical definition. In the Bible grace refers to the free and unmerited favor of God towards us. Which comes to us with His forgiveness, acceptance and love. It is manifested for us through salvation. Salvation is a free gift and it is available for us all. We just have to accept it.
God's grave is so amazing because none of us deserve it because we are all sinners. And His grace is so great because we are not worthy of it either. We don't have to do work to earn it and we do not owe God anything for it. It is absolutely free to us all if we believe, repent and accept it.
God is more than good and His grace justifies us as His children, His beloved, His creation and possession forever. His grace is given to us anew everyday. It doesn't run out. It is always available. Jesus paid the price for all our sins- past, present and future. There is no need for any of us to end up in Hell.
Simply put grace is our victory over sin. There is no need to live defeated, depressed or bound by our sins. God's grace is available this very second, claim your portion today.
**(Don't forget to give yourself grace and share grace to others as well. We have grace to receive but we also have grace to give)
John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 11:6 6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
2 Timothy 2:1-21Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Corinthians 12:9-129And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.