Topical Encyclopedia Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity. It is through grace that believers are empowered to serve God effectively, as it is both the foundation and the sustaining force of the Christian life. The necessity of grace in the service of God is evident throughout Scripture, highlighting its role in salvation, sanctification, and the empowerment for ministry.Grace in Salvation The concept of grace is most prominently associated with salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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 gift from God, not earned by human effort, but granted through His grace. This foundational grace is necessary for entering into a relationship with God and is the starting point for any service to Him. Grace in Sanctification Beyond salvation, grace plays a crucial role in the believer's sanctification—the process of being made holy. 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." Here, grace is depicted as an active force that teaches and enables believers to live in a manner pleasing to God. This transformative power of grace is essential for those who seek to serve God, as it molds their character and aligns their desires with His will. Grace in Empowerment for Ministry The service of God requires not only a transformed character but also the empowerment to carry out His work. Grace is the divine enablement that equips believers for ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 , the Apostle Paul acknowledges, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Paul attributes his ability to labor effectively in ministry to the grace of God working through him. This empowerment is not limited to apostles but is available to all believers who seek to serve God. Grace in Spiritual Gifts The distribution and operation of spiritual gifts are also manifestations of God's grace. Romans 12:6 states, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us." These gifts are divinely bestowed abilities that enable believers to serve the body of Christ in various capacities. The diversity of gifts reflects the manifold grace of God, ensuring that the church is equipped for every good work. Grace in Sustaining Service Finally, grace is necessary to sustain believers in their service to God, especially in times of trial and weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , the Lord assures Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This promise highlights that God's grace is not only the starting point but also the sustaining power for enduring challenges in service. It is through grace that believers find strength and perseverance to continue in their calling. In summary, grace is indispensable to the service of God. It initiates the believer's journey through salvation, transforms their character in sanctification, empowers them for ministry, equips them with spiritual gifts, and sustains them through trials. The multifaceted role of grace underscores its necessity in every aspect of serving God, making it a cornerstone of the Christian faith and practice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 12:28Why we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Lukewarmness. The Loss of Grace. Inconvenience of Laxity in ... Preface In Internal Contemplative Ways a Guide is Necessary, and Why? 2... Why an External Guide is Necessary in the Beginning. ... A Means to Discern this Imperfect Love. On Indulgences Knowledge and Obedience. Devotion to God. Of the Mass. Grace and Graces 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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