What does "grace be with all" teach about God's favor towards believers? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Final Word in Ephesians • Paul closes the letter with a blessing, literally writing, “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:24). • He is not offering a polite farewell; he is pronouncing a real, Spirit-inspired impartation of God’s favor on every believer whose heart clings to Jesus. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we receive this verse as a standing promise, not merely an ancient benediction. Grace: God’s Unmerited Favor Defined • “Grace” (charis) speaks of God’s free, undeserved kindness poured out through Christ. • John 1:16-17 reminds us, “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • Grace is not only pardon; it is power—strength to live, serve, and persevere. Who Receives This Grace? • “All who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” – No believer is outside the circle; the promise is as wide as the word “all.” – Love for Christ is the sole condition. Faith expresses itself through love (Galatians 5:6). • “With an undying love” (literally “incorruptible, unending”). – Genuine, Spirit-born love cannot be extinguished by hardship (Romans 8:35-39). – Persevering affection evidences new birth and draws continuous streams of grace. What God’s Favor Looks Like in Daily Life • Acceptance: “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1-2). • Access: “Approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Abundance: “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Instruction: “The grace of God… instructs us to deny ungodliness” (Titus 2:11-12). • Endurance: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sustaining Grace for Every Season • Past grace saved us (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Present grace equips us (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Future grace will carry us home (1 Peter 1:13). Grace is the believer’s atmosphere from first breath of faith to final sight of glory. Assurance of God’s Unchanging Favor • Because the blessing is anchored in Christ’s finished work, it cannot be revoked (2 Thessalonians 3:18). • Our love may fluctuate in warmth, yet His favor remains—drawing us back, restoring fervor, and empowering obedience. Living in the Reality of His Grace • Start every day remembering: God’s settled stance toward you is favor, not condemnation (Romans 8:1). • Let grace fuel gratitude: worship flows naturally when you know you are accepted. • Serve confidently: the same grace that saves also supplies every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Stand firm: trials do not signal withdrawal of grace; they are arenas where grace proves sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Keep loving Christ: cherish the gospel, cultivate undying affection, and the river of grace will keep running strong. Grace be with you—now and always—as you love the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. |
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