Grace
"You deserve a break today!" You won't find that popular advertising
slogan in the Bible. The Bible tells us that the only thing people deserve
from God is punishment because all of us have sinned (see Romans 3:23).
It is only because of God's grace that we do not receive what we deserve.
Instead, God offers eternal life as a free gift (see 6:23).
Grace - it's
one of the most beautiful words in the Bible. Here's a helpful acronym:
God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Our eternal riches in heaven - and every
good thing we have or will receive- is an undeserved gift from God.
God's grace
is evident in his mercy. He often delays punishment in order to give us
time to turn to him. Grace can also refer to God's goodwill toward us.
Other qualities closely related to God's grace are his love, kindness,
patience and forgiveness.
Because
of God's grace, he provided Jesus Christ as a sacrifice so our sins could
be forgiven.
Romans 5:1-21
Galatians 2:20-21
Ephesians 2:1-13
Titus 2:11-14
Hebrews 2:9
God's grace prompts him to have mercy on us, allowing us to avoid
the punishment we deserve.
Psalm 86:15
Isaiah 30:18-19
John 1:14-17
1 Timothy 1:12-16
Titus 3:3-7
God's grace enables us to accomplish the tasks he has given us
and to live godly lives.
1 Corinthians 3:10
2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:8; 12:7-10
Sometimes grace refers to the evidence of God's favor and calling.
Luke 2:39-40
Acts 4:32-33; 6:8
Romans 1:1-5
Ephesians 3:7-9
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