Saving Grace, the Biblical Perspective
The subject of our Bible study today is “Saving Grace, the Biblical Perspective”.
Does grace alone save us?
What does the Bible say?
We will begin by looking at the word “grace” as it was used in the Old Testament in the Hebrew language. The Hebrew word for grace is “chanan” which means to show favour, to be merciful, to be gracious, to show pity. Strong’s H#2580 from Strong's H#2603
The word “grace” in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word “charis” Strong's G#5485 which means kindness, favour, the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life of the believer.
Webster’s dictionary defines “grace” as unmerited divine assistance given to man for his regeneration or sanctification, virtue coming from God, favour or courtesy, the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.
There is a great misconception about the word “grace” among church people and secular people. Many people think it is applied to anyone and everyone without any commitment at all. That’s simply not the case. Let’s examine what the Bible says about the grace of God.
We must always read the Scriptures in their proper context applying the concept of audience relevance. Remember, when reading the Scriptures, we are reading what was written to living breathing people almost 2,000 years ago.
What was said was said to them and is for our example. Grace was never intended for people who did not want to serve the Lord, but grace was intended for those whose hearts wanted to live for God.
We cannot frustrate the grace of God. Galatians 2:21 We frustrate the grace of God by not allowing the grace of God to fulfill its purpose in our lives. God gives us grace for a purpose; to bring us to salvation.
Grace is not “grease” where a person can slide towards God; we must press into the Kingdom of God and into the high calling of the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:13-14 The ultimate result of the grace of God is to bring full and complete salvation into our life.
The word “grace” was first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 6:8. Noah was a just man and a perfect man in his generation, and he walked with God. Genesis 6:9 Along with grace came instructions on how to escape the judgment of God. Genesis 6:22, 7:5
Grace gave Noah the will and strength to obey the instructions that God gave him in the building of the ark. Grace alone did not save Noah, but his obedience in building the ark according to God’s instructions is what saved Noah and his family. Hebrews 11:7
The end result of the grace that God bestowed upon Noah brought salvation to him and to his family. The grace of God gave Noah the faith to build the ark by which he and his family escaped God’s judgment. So, it is today, the end result of grace and faith in our lives will bring obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:20-21
We see in the Scriptures over and over again that grace is not a stationary place where someone just starts to believe and does not continue to walk with God in God’s will and purpose.
Grace is the Godly influence to continue in Truth. The end result of the grace of God in your life is the salvation of your soul, but you must believe and obey the rest of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Christians were once dead in sins and trespasses. Ephesians 2:1 Through the grace of God and obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we were quickened together in Christ by the Holy Ghost when we were born again. Ephesians 2:5,8, Colossians 2:13, Romans 8:11
Grace by itself does not save a person. It is by believing and obeying God’s word that brings salvation. James 2:17-18, 21-22, 26, Hebrews 11:6 Faith produces acts of obedience. That is the problem with so many church people today. They cannot believe what they do not know. Without knowing what to do or what is available to them, some people never continue in their journey to find the truth. John 8:31 The Scripture we read in Ephesians 2:8 was written to born-again saints. Ephesians 1:1, Acts 19:1-7
In the New Covenant, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17 Great was upon the Apostles’ ministry in their witnessing of the Resurrection of Jesus. God got involved with what the world needed most which was the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Now, whosoever will have a chance for Eternal Life through the grace of God. John 3:16, Romans 6:23
Many people believe that grace saves you; just simply believe and live anyway you want because you can’t be lost because of the “grace” of God.
Nothing can be further from the truth. Romans 6:1-2 Grace is given by God to help us learn, believe, and obey the Lord and be saved. Grace leads into the fullness of the Truth. Romans 8:14
It is the same requirement for whosoever will. It has not changed in 2,000 years and it will NEVER change. What God requires of one, God requires of all. What God says to one, God says to all. Colossians 1:6 God is gracious to all and His love knows no limit. He is not willing that any should perish. 2 Peter 3:9
Conclusion
It is only a few that choose to be chosen. Matthew 20:16 The grace of God is here to support anyone who wants the Lord in their life. The purpose of the grace of God is not to give us a “blank check” to live anyway we want.
The grace of God is here to help us start our journey towards eternal life and will escort us through this earthly life to the end of our journey. We must prove our faith in God by our obedience to His Eternal Word. Psalms 119:89
