Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, grace is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. It is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's benevolence and mercy. Grace is not only a general gift to all of humanity but is also specially bestowed upon those who live righteously and walk uprightly before God.Biblical Foundation The concept of grace being specially given to those who walk uprightly is rooted in various passages throughout the Scriptures. The Berean Standard Bible provides clarity on this theme: 1. Psalm 84:11 : "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity." This verse highlights the promise that God, in His role as protector and provider, bestows grace and glory upon those who live with integrity and righteousness. 2. Proverbs 3:33-34 : "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." Here, the distinction is made between the wicked and the righteous, with grace being a reward for humility and uprightness. 3. Proverbs 11:20 : "The LORD detests those with perverse hearts, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless." This passage underscores the delight God takes in those who walk blamelessly, implying that His grace is a natural extension of His pleasure in their upright conduct. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the special dispensation of grace to those who walk uprightly does not imply that grace is earned by human effort. Rather, it reflects the biblical principle that God, in His sovereignty, chooses to bless those who align their lives with His will and commandments. This alignment is not a means of earning grace but a response to the grace already given through faith. Practical Application For believers, the call to walk uprightly is both a challenge and an invitation. It is a challenge because it requires a life of discipline, integrity, and adherence to God's commandments. It is an invitation because it opens the door to experiencing the fullness of God's grace in a personal and profound way. Walking uprightly involves a commitment to living out one's faith in everyday actions, decisions, and relationships. Examples in Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who received special grace due to their upright walk: · Noah: In Genesis 6:8-9 , Noah is described as a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries, who walked with God. As a result, he found favor in the eyes of the Lord and was chosen to preserve humanity through the flood. · Daniel: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies a life of uprightness. In Daniel 6:22 , he is delivered from the lions' den because he was found blameless before God. · Mary, the mother of Jesus: In Luke 1:28 , the angel Gabriel greets Mary as "highly favored," indicating the special grace bestowed upon her due to her humble and upright character. These examples serve as encouragement for believers to pursue a life of righteousness, trusting that God's grace will be abundantly provided to those who walk uprightly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Burning and Shining Lamp. Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work. The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana. Preparation for Advent The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. Introduction to Oration ii. Is God in the Camp? Conversion Three Important Precepts Letter Xciii. (AD 408. ) 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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