What role does grace play in the believer's relationship with Jesus? Grace: The Last Word of Scripture “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21) • Scripture ends as it began—with God freely giving what no one can earn. • Grace is not a side note; it is the closing benediction that seals every promise and prophecy. Grace Brings Us In • Salvation is a gift: – “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Grace opens the door to peace with God: – “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” (Romans 5:1-2) • Our relationship with Jesus begins when He freely applies His finished work to repentant hearts. Grace Shapes Daily Life • Grace teaches and trains: – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12) • Grace supplies strength: – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Grace invites confident communion: – “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Grace Reveals the Heart of Jesus • Jesus is “full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) • “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) • Every encounter with Jesus—conversion, correction, comfort—flows from His gracious nature. Grace Sustains and Finishes • Grace carries believers to completion: – “He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) • Growth never outgrows grace: – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) • The same grace that saves also keeps, matures, and ultimately glorifies. Living Under the Benediction of Grace • Every day is lived under the blessing spoken in Revelation 22:21. • The believer walks in assurance, not anxiety, because grace began the story, sustains the journey, and guarantees the ending. |
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