Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, grace is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. It is through grace that believers receive salvation, and it is also through grace that they are endowed with spiritual gifts. The concept of grace is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing God's benevolence and the transformative power of His love.The New Testament provides numerous references to the gifts of grace bestowed upon the saints. These gifts are not earned by human effort but are given freely by God to equip believers for service and to build up the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently discusses the nature and purpose of these gifts. In Romans 12:6-8 , Paul writes, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Here, Paul emphasizes that the diversity of gifts among believers is a result of God's grace, and each gift is to be used for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul further elaborates, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This passage highlights the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, with each gift serving a unique purpose for the common good. Ephesians 4:7-12 also speaks to the grace given to each believer: "But to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why it says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.'... And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This passage underscores the role of grace in equipping the saints for ministry and the building up of the church. The gifts of grace are not only for individual edification but are intended to serve the larger community of believers. 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." This instruction calls believers to be responsible stewards of the grace they have received, using their gifts to serve and support one another. The abundance of gifts given by grace is a testament to God's generosity and His desire for the flourishing of His people. These gifts are a reflection of His character and are meant to be a source of encouragement, strength, and unity within the church. Through the exercise of these gifts, believers participate in the divine work of building up the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom on earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was on them all. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 8:1 2 Corinthians 9:8,14 Library Grace and Holiness. The Ministry. Ephesians i. 2-Jan Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs Division of Actual Grace The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin A Liberal Church Saved by Grace; 2 Cor. Ix. 1 The Saints' Privilege and Profit; 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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