Topical Encyclopedia Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor of God towards humanity. It is through grace that believers are able to inherit the promises of God, a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. The inheritance of these promises is not based on human merit or works but is a gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, extensively discusses the role of grace in the life of a believer. 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 foundational Christian belief that salvation and the subsequent inheritance of God's promises are granted through grace, not by human effort. Inheritance Through Faith The concept of inheritance through grace is closely linked to faith. In Galatians 3:18 , Paul states, "For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise." Here, Paul contrasts the law with the promise, emphasizing that the inheritance comes through the promise given to Abraham, which is accessed by faith and not by adherence to the law. The Role of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is central to the understanding of grace as the means of inheritance. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are made heirs to the promises of God. Romans 8:17 declares, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This passage highlights the believer's status as co-heirs with Christ, a position granted through grace. The Promises of God The promises of God, which believers inherit through grace, encompass eternal life, spiritual blessings, and a relationship with God. In 2 Peter 1:4 , it is written, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This verse illustrates the transformative power of God's promises, made accessible through grace. Grace and the New Covenant The New Covenant, established through the blood of Christ, is a testament to the grace of God. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." The New Covenant signifies a shift from the old covenant of the law to a covenant of grace, ensuring the inheritance of eternal promises for those who believe. Living in Grace Believers are called to live in the grace that has been bestowed upon them, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives. Titus 2:11-12 instructs, "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." This passage emphasizes that grace not only secures the inheritance of promises but also guides believers in their daily conduct. In summary, grace is the divine means by which believers inherit the promises of God. It is a gift that transcends human effort, rooted in faith and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and it calls believers to a life that reflects the transformative power of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Our Inheritance Whether in the Soul of Christ There was any Habitual Grace? God's Promises Tests The Grace of God. On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Divine Grace. Wisdom and Revelation. [Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ... Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace. 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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