Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Seeking God's grace is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, reflecting a believer's desire to receive God's unmerited favor, love, and mercy. Grace is central to the Christian faith, as it is through grace that salvation is offered to humanity. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "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." Biblical Foundations The concept of grace permeates the Bible, beginning with the Old Testament, where God's favor is shown to individuals like Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). In the New Testament, grace is fully revealed through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Means of Seeking Grace 1. Prayer: Prayer is a primary means of seeking God's grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers 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." 2. Faith: Faith is essential in seeking grace. Romans 5:1-2 explains, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." 3. Repentance: Acknowledging one's sins and turning away from them is crucial in seeking grace. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." 4. Humility: Humility is a key attitude in seeking grace. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Examples of Seeking Grace in Scripture · David: King David sought God's grace through repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. In Psalm 51:1 , he pleads, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions." · Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently sought God's grace in his ministry and personal struggles. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , he recounts God's response to his plea for relief: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" The Role of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's grace. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides the means for humanity to receive grace. Titus 2:11 declares, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Living in Grace Believers are called to live in the grace they have received, extending it to others. Colossians 3:13 instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This reflects the transformative power of grace in a believer's life, enabling them to reflect God's love and mercy to the world. Subtopics Seeking God: Afflictions Designed to Lead To Seeking God: Ensures: Being Heard of Him Seeking God: Ensures: Gifts of Righteousness Seeking God: Ensures: His Being Found Seeking God: Ensures: His Favour Seeking God: Ensures: His not Forsaking Us Seeking God: Ensures: His Protection Seeking God: Ensures: Prosperity Seeking God: Ensures: Understanding all Things Seeking God: Imperative Upon All Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Christ Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Commandments Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Face Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Kingdom Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Name Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Precepts Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Righteousness Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Strength Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Word Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Honor Which Comes from Him Seeking God: Includes Seeking: Justification by Christ Seeking God: Includes Seeking: The City Which God Has Prepared Seeking God: None, by Nature, are Found to be Engaged In Seeking God: Promise Connected With Seeking God: Punishment of Those Who Neglect Seeking God: Saints: Characterised By Seeking God: Saints: Desirous of Seeking God: Saints: Earnest In Seeking God: Saints: Engage In, With the Whole Heart Seeking God: Saints: Prepare Their Hearts For Seeking God: Saints: Purpose, in Heart Seeking God: Saints: Set Their Hearts To Seeking God: Saints: Specially Exhorted To Seeking God: Shall be Rewarded Seeking God: should be Evermore Seeking God: should be Immediate Seeking God: should be in the Day of Trouble Seeking God: should be While he May be Found Seeking God: should Be with Diligence Seeking God: should Be with the Heart Seeking God: The Wicked are Gone out of the Way of Seeking God: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Affliction Seeking God: The Wicked: Prepare not Their Hearts For Seeking God: The Wicked: Refuse, Through Pride Seeking God: The Wicked: Rejected, when Too Late In Seeking God: The Wicked: Sometimes Pretend To Seeking God: They Who Neglect Denounced Related Terms |