By The Grace of God
I have often heard someone say, “by the grace of God” such and such occurred. Perhaps they have an inaccurate understanding of God’s grace and the way that the grace of God is provided for humanity. Wikipedia defines God’s Grace in such a way to align with the denominational concept that God “works on” and provides “favor” upon man without man taking an active part in the process. THIS IS ERRONEOUS! A broad definition of God’s Grace is unmerited favor of God. None merit favor from God, but His Grace toward man must be considered in light of what God has provided for us in His Word.
To determine the truth in this, we must compare man’s idea of grace with what God says in His Word. A.I. answers the question, “What is the actual grace of God?”, by stating it is: “Temporary supernatural intervention by God to enlighten the mind or strengthen the will to perform supernatural actions that lead to heaven.” However, from the same source, we find that examples of God’s Grace include, “undeserved blessings like sunshine and health, miraculous rescues (Noah, Israelites), divine forgiveness (Peter, woman caught in adultery), empowerment in weakness (Paul), and everyday acts of kindness and mercy from others, all showing unearned favor and enabling power in life.” ‘Artificial intelligence’ (which isn’t very smart), has improperly linked God’s general providence for all humanity to those who found “favor with God” through obedience. This is not fair, nor is it logical.
Take Noah for instance. Gen. 6:8 is the first inspired mention of grace. All one needs to do to put this in context is read Gen. 6:9, noting that “Noah was a just man” and “Noah walked with God”. Now, why would you say that Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord? Since ‘just’ means lawful, and ‘walked with’ means to go with, no other conclusion can be drawn except that Noah ‘went with’ God in accordance with ‘God’s Law’. Ask yourself, why did not others of that time, those with continual wicked imaginations of their heart (mind), find “favor” or grace with God? Gen. 6:22 answers this. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
One may rightly say that God’s Grace toward man includes all God has done for man in His General Providence for humanity. This includes the blessings, all of which are ‘undeserved’, the sunshine and rain etc. In Matt 5:45, in that great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus alluded to this natural Providence of God. He said: “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”. But notice the context. Jesus was talking about love for one’s enemies. God’s natural Providence gives rain, sunshine and many other things. His general Providence brought His written Word so man could know how to be saved, and afterward, show love for others, even their enemies. What greater expression of love is there, than telling them of God’s Great Love, the Sacrifice of Christ, and the sending of that Word for guidance through this life, and showing them God’s plan that He has revealed through His Written Word.?
The phrase “by the grace of God” is found but three times in all the inspired Word of God. It is found in 1Cor. 15:10, 2Cor. 1:12, and Heb. 2:9. In every one of the occurrences one could substitute “word” instead of grace and not do harm to, and neither add to or take away from the Scriptures. In the 1st, it was the Word of God, and Paul’s obedience to it, that permitted him to serve God as an apostle. In the 2nd, the apostles’ (conversation), or manner of life was shaped by the Word of God. In the 3rd, in accordance with the Word of God, (prophecy), Christ came and lived in a human body, and “tasted” death for every man, meaning Christ died on Calvary’s cross so that “every man” could have access to God’s great plan for the Salvation of souls which is contained in His Holy Word.
Consider Titus 2:11-12. Perhaps as we break this passage down, we can gain a proper understanding of God’s Grace to mankind today. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Sure, Christ is an integral part of God’s Grace (favor) to all humanity, for without the sacrifice and the shedding of His blood on Calvary’s cross, His burial, His resurrection and His ascension to take His blood sacrifice to the Father, none could be saved. Let me ask you, how many are reported to have received Salvation simply because Christ died on the cross and was resurrected to die no more? I cannot find any in the Scriptures. If there were any, why was it necessary to send the “Comforter” to the apostles as Jesus promised in John chapter 14, 15 & 16?
Why did the apostles need the “outpouring” of the Spirit in Acts 2, so that all attendees at that Pentecost could hear the inerrant Word of God “in our own tongue”, and fully understand what God would have them do to be saved? Now, focus on Titus 2:12 (above). What “teaches”? Answer, Words. What did God provide for us in conjunction with the great Sacrifice of His Son on Calvary? That’s right, He gave us His Word to guide us from earth to Heaven. We should be reminded of 2Pet. 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
God’s Word is His Grace, that “unmerited favor” of God that contains all truth. Why not access the grace of God today and be obedient to the gospel, properly prepare yourself for eternity and remain faithful. To do otherwise is to set yourself up to fail and to face the wrath of God and spend eternity in Hell.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
