Topical Encyclopedia Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. It is through grace that believers are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. The concept of grace is woven throughout the Scriptures, revealing its transformative power in the lives of the saints.Biblical Foundation of Grace The New Testament provides a profound exposition of 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 that salvation is a divine gift, not earned by human effort but granted through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is also depicted as the means by which believers are sustained and empowered in their spiritual journey. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , the Lord assures Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Here, grace is portrayed as the sustaining power that enables believers to endure trials and weaknesses, highlighting its sufficiency and strength. Grace in Justification and Sanctification Justification, the act of being declared righteous before God, is solely by grace. Romans 3:24 states, "and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This justification is not based on human merit but is a gracious act of God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sanctification, the process of being made holy, is also a work of grace. In Titus 2:11-12 , it is written, "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." Grace not only saves but also instructs and empowers believers to live lives that reflect God's holiness. Grace and the Completion of God's Work The completion of God's work in the saints is ultimately a work of grace. Philippians 1:6 assures believers, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes that the work of grace, initiated by God, will be brought to completion by Him. It is a continuous process that culminates in the glorification of the saints. Grace is also evident in the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers for the edification of the church. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." The distribution and exercise of spiritual gifts are manifestations of God's grace, enabling the body of Christ to grow and mature. The Transformative Power of Grace The transformative power of grace is evident in the lives of believers who are conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29-30 speaks of this transformation: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Grace is the divine agent that orchestrates this transformation, ensuring that God's purpose is fulfilled in the lives of His people. In summary, grace is the divine favor that initiates, sustains, and completes the work of God in the saints. It is the foundation of salvation, the power for sanctification, and the assurance of glorification. Through grace, believers are equipped to live godly lives, serve the body of Christ, and ultimately reflect the glory of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12Why also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Outward and Inward Morality Praying with Desire God's Fellow-Workers A Work of Reform. A Work of Reform Implanting in Christ. The Infallibility of God's Purpose The Lord's Prayer. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Introduction Resources Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be saved by grace? | GotQuestions.org Irresistible Grace - is it biblical? | 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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