Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:3-10 KJV
- Ephesians 2:8 KJV
The role of Grace in salvation is central to Christian theology. Grace is an essential part of God’s character, and is closely related to His benevolence, love, and mercy. In this devotional, we will explore the role of Grace in salvation as described in the Bible.
Grace: The Unmerited Favor of God
An often heard contrast of Mercy and Grace is: that Mercy is God NOT giving us what we deserve, while Grace is God giving us what we DO NOT deserve. Based on our sinful lives, none of us deserve salvation.
Put another way, Grace is the unmerited favor of God that is extended to us despite our sinful nature. In Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV), we read: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
What is Grace:
1. Grace is what saves us (Ephesians 2:8 - see above).
2. Grace is the central core of the gospel. Acts 20:24 states, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
3. Rewards the humble and punishes the proud, as stated in James 4:6, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
4. Grace gives us hope. In 2 Thessalonians 2:16 the Bible tells us, "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,"
Conclusion
Finally, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of Grace and Truth as stated in John 1:14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Grace is not something we have earned, deserved or worked for; rather, it is a gift freely given by God. Grace is the foundation upon which our faith and works are built. As we continue, we will explore the roles of faith, and works in salvation, along with their importance and significance in our lives.
