Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Spiritual: Grace

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Topical Encyclopedia

Grace is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. It is a divine gift that is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's benevolence and mercy. The concept of grace is woven throughout the Bible, highlighting its significance in the relationship between God and humankind.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament extensively discusses grace, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the belief that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort but granted through His grace.

In Romans 3:23-24 , Paul further elaborates, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here, grace is depicted as the means by which believers are justified and redeemed, highlighting its role in the process of salvation.

The Nature of Grace

Grace is often described as unmerited favor, meaning it is not something that can be earned or deserved. It is a reflection of God's character, demonstrating His love and mercy towards sinners. In Titus 2:11 , it is stated, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men." This verse emphasizes the universal availability of grace, offered to all people through Jesus Christ.

The transformative power of grace is also evident in the believer's life. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This indicates that grace not only provides salvation but also sustains and empowers believers in their daily lives, especially in times of weakness and trial.

Grace and the Christian Life

Grace is not only the foundation of salvation but also the guiding principle for Christian living. In Romans 6:14 , Paul declares, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." This highlights the transition from living under the law to living under grace, where believers are called to live in the freedom and power that grace provides.

Moreover, grace is a source of encouragement and strength for believers. Hebrews 4:16 invites Christians to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This assurance of access to God's grace provides comfort and support in the believer's spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Grace, as a spiritual gift from God, is a profound expression of His love and mercy. It is the foundation of salvation, the sustenance for the Christian life, and the assurance of God's continual presence and support. Through grace, believers are empowered to live lives that reflect the character and love of God, drawing others to the transformative power of His grace.

Nave's Topical Index

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Why he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

5486. charisma -- a gift of grace, a free gift
... 5486 ("grace-gift") divinely empowers a believer to share God's work with others ...
Word Usage favor (1), free gift (3), gift (5), gifts (7), spiritual gift (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5486.htm - 7k

Library

Spiritual Gifts.
... offices embracing the care of the spiritual and temporal ... classes"those that strengthen
the gifts of saving ... therefore the portion of all God's children, and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

From the Gifts of Divine Grace which we Receive through Christ He ...
... Chapter V. From the gifts of Divine grace which we ... the grace of Christ is contained
the whole grace of God. ... as it is certainly wanting in spiritual wisdom and ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter v from the gifts.htm

Of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves
... OF A SPIRITUAL MEETING OF GOD AND OURSELVES. When a man through the grace of God
is able to ... in God, above all creatures and above all God's gifts, above all the ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxv of a spiritual.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... and affection sanctified and raised to the spiritual sphere, or ... the experience of
the saving love of God in Christ ... but the soul of all the gifts, guarding them ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

The Tenth Chapter: Appreciating God's Grace
... indeed, are either vain or base, while spiritual joys, born ... does evil in not returning
everything gratefully to God. Thus, the gifts of grace cannot flow in us ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the tenth chapter appreciating gods.htm

Letter xvi. --The Operations of Grace.
... I have read your letter with much consolation and spiritual joy. ... The soul will thus
be prevented from becoming more attached to the gifts of God than to God ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xvi the operations of grace.htm

Access into Grace
... shrinks from being near Him; who does not want 'access,' and who could not use the
grace if he had it? How can God bestow inward and spiritual gifts upon any ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/access into grace.htm

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter VIII."The gifts of the Holy ... of reason, does the
apostle properly term "spiritual," because the Spirit of God dwells in ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii the gifts of the.htm

Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
... are either empty or unclean, whilst spiritual delights alone ... man doeth ill in not
immediately giving God thanks thereof ... And thus the gifts of grace are not able ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x of gratitude for.htm

Of Two Spiritual Martyrdoms, Wherewith God Cleanseth the Soul that ...
... of the External Senses by the Grace of God, till it ... Self-esteem Desire and Thoughts,
how spiritual soever, and ... by an inordinate desire of sublime Gifts, by the ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv of two spiritual.htm