Topical Encyclopedia Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor and love bestowed by God upon humanity. In the New Testament, grace is often associated with Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate embodiment and dispenser of divine grace. This entry explores the concept of grace as given by Christ, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.Biblical Foundation The New Testament presents grace as a gift from God, made accessible through Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, the apostle writes, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). This verse highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, characterized by the law, to the New Covenant, marked by grace and truth through Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the role of Christ in dispensing grace. 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" . Here, grace is depicted as the means of salvation, a divine gift that cannot be earned through human effort but is freely given through faith in Christ. The Nature of Grace Grace, as given by Christ, is multifaceted. It encompasses forgiveness, redemption, and empowerment for righteous living. In Romans 3:24, Paul states, "and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" . This justification is a legal declaration of righteousness, made possible by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Moreover, grace is not only the means of salvation but also the sustaining power for the Christian life. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" . This passage underscores the sufficiency of Christ's grace in empowering believers to endure trials and weaknesses. The Role of Grace in Sanctification Grace is integral to the process of sanctification, the ongoing transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ. Titus 2:11-12 states, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age" . Here, grace is portrayed as a teacher, guiding believers in their moral and spiritual development. Grace and the Church The early church recognized the centrality of grace in its communal life and mission. In Acts 4:33, it is recorded, "With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all" . This abundant grace empowered the apostles to boldly proclaim the gospel and fostered unity and generosity within the Christian community. Conclusion While this entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that grace, as given by Christ, is a foundational element of Christian faith and practice. It is through Christ that believers receive the unmerited favor of God, leading to salvation, sanctification, and empowerment for living a life that reflects the character of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... "Faith is the divinely given conviction of ... faith a condition of mind, when it is a divinely imparted grace of the ... Christ, the living word, is our sufficiency ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k Library The Imitation of Christ Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist" The Fountain of Grace. The Presence of Christ Law and Grace. Christ, the Great Teacher The Word as a Means of Grace The Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby Christ is All Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford. Resources What is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sovereign grace? | GotQuestions.org What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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