Topical Encyclopedia The concept of grace being upon Christ is a profound theological theme that underscores the divine favor and empowerment present in the life and ministry of Jesus. This theme is rooted in the understanding of grace as the unmerited favor of God, which is both a gift and a manifestation of His love and power.Biblical Foundation The phrase "grace was upon Christ" is derived from the Gospel of Luke, where it is written, "And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him" (Luke 2:40). This passage highlights the presence of divine grace in Jesus from His early years, indicating that His growth in wisdom and strength was accompanied by God's favor. The Nature of Grace in Christ In the life of Jesus, grace is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic reality that empowers His mission and ministry. The grace upon Christ is evident in several aspects: 1. Incarnation: The very act of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus is an ultimate expression of grace. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" . Here, grace is intertwined with truth, revealing the fullness of God's character in Christ. 2. Teaching and Miracles: Jesus' teachings and miraculous works are manifestations of the grace upon Him. His ability to heal the sick, raise the dead, and forgive sins demonstrates the divine favor and authority He carried. In Luke 4:22, the people marveled at the "gracious words that came from His lips" , acknowledging the unique authority and compassion in His message. 3. Redemptive Work: The ultimate expression of grace upon Christ is seen in His sacrificial death and resurrection. Romans 5:15 speaks of the "grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, [which] overflowed to many" . Through His atoning work, Jesus extends God's grace to humanity, offering salvation and reconciliation with God. Theological Implications The grace upon Christ has significant theological implications for understanding the nature of Jesus and His work: · Divine Favor: The presence of grace upon Jesus affirms His unique relationship with the Father, marked by divine favor and approval. This grace is not earned but inherent in His identity as the Son of God. · Empowerment for Mission: Grace empowers Jesus to fulfill His mission on earth. It is the divine enablement that allows Him to teach, heal, and ultimately offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin. · Model for Believers: The grace upon Christ serves as a model for believers, who are called to live in the grace of God. As recipients of grace through faith in Christ, believers are empowered to live out their calling and reflect the character of Jesus in the world. Conclusion The grace upon Christ is a central theme that reveals the depth of God's love and favor in the person and work of Jesus. It underscores His divine mission and provides a foundation for understanding the transformative power of grace in the lives of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was on him. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 3:24 Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... has eternal meaning when it becomes "-believing" by the transforming grace of God. ... of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k 5485. charis -- grace, kindness Library Growing up into Christ Imitation of Christ The Fountain of Grace. Daily Fellowship with God Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Christ and Man in the Atonement Whitefield -- the Method of Grace But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ... The Redeemer's Return Little Sarah Howley. 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 |