The Gospel of Grace
Text: Ephesians 2:8-9; For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Introduction
The topic we are about discussing is one that has brought about variance among believers as to what extent is it to be preached or emphasized on. The confusing part is, unbelievers also claim to have cover under it and thereby brings about lots of confusion in every generation.
Things to Note as we study;
I. Because it is abused, does not mean it is not the TRUTH
II. The gospel of Grace is a message nearly too good to be true.
III. One will need assistance outside of the bible to not believe in the gospel of Grace.
What is The Gospel?
The word gospel is translated from a Greek word “euaggelion” which simply means “good tidings or good news”. Proclamation of glad tidings of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ. It is summed up in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to 1Corithians 15:1-4. This and nothing else is the gospel.
What is Grace?
This is a word translated from the Greek word “Charis” and it means, good will, loving-kindness, favour and the merciful kindness by which God exerts his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. Or, the divine influence upon the heart and it’s reflection in the life of a believer.
Therefore, the gospel of Grace simply would be the proclamation of the good news of the divine influence placed on and experienced by every regenerated soul. Grace is all that the gospel entails, in fact it is on the basis of grace we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Is a Grace a license to sin?
“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”- Romans 6:1 this particular verse is often used as a threat to the message of grace. However a careful look at the next verse gave us a clear answer as the reason why it is impossible for sin to abound, Paul says that a believer is dead to sin and no longer live therein. Simply put, sin no longer have dominion over believers (verses 6&7). Why then do believers sin? I want to believe it is because of the un-renewed mind. God desires that the mind of the believer be subject to the truth of God’s Word.
This was the message of Paul and the Apostles and that we are called to preach.
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto 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.”- Acts 20:24. Again in Galatians 1:6-7, He calls anything that is not the Grace of Christ a different gospel.
It is not coincidence or just a literary style of writing that Paul began his message (letter/books) and end it with the mention of the word “Grace”. ALL his epistles started with a reaffirmation of grace being given to his recipient and also prayed grace on them at the close of his letters. That reveals to us how engulfed he was with the grace of God. (Rom. 1:5,7, 1Cor. 1:3, 2Cor. 1:2, 13:14, Gal. 1:3, 6:18 Eph. 1:2,6:24, Phil. 1:2, 4:23, Col. 1:2,4:18, 1Thess. 1:1, 5:28, 2Thess. 1:2, 3:18, 1Tim. 1:2, 6:21, 2Tim. 1:2, 4:22, Titus 1:4, 3:15, Phil. 1:3,25).
Echoes of Grace; basic truth grace says.
- Grace grows and multiplies through accurate knowledge of God; the Lord Jesus Christ. 2Peter 1:2, 3:18, 1Peter 2:2
- Grace could be forfeited when one tries to deserve it. Eph. 2:9, Rom. 1:17, 9:30-33, 11:6, Gal. 3.
- Good deeds will help you to a degree in your relationship with people, but they won’t give you any influence with God. Rom. 3:20-24, Rom. 4.
- Being built and actualizing one’s inheritance in Christ is by hearing the Word of God’s grace. Acts 20:32.
Conclusion
“when you truly get hold of God’s grace, it sets you free from sin, not free to sin.” – Andrew Wommack
It is not truth that sets free, but the truth you know.
