Made By Grace
“So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6, NIV)
Biblical grace has a few definitions: It is God’s power at work in the believer (Acts 4:33). Grace is also unmerited favor and kindness of God brought to man by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). Grace is also charis, from where we have the word charisma, which is a divinely conferred gift or talent (Romans 12:6-8). Below are some different manifestations of grace that is expedient for the Christian in order to maximize life here on earth:
Sufficient Grace: “And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness… Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God spoke to Apostle Paul (and to us), in the above-quoted Scripture that His ability is at our disposal whenever we are at our wit’s end. When we are helpless in ourselves is really when Divine help is most available. There is need for Christians to carry the mentality of sufficient grace particularly in times of distress.
Sustaining Grace: This grace makes the believer a finisher. It sustains the believer in times of great opposition and challenges. It also enables the believer to hold on and finish well. Zerrubabel, the Governor of Judah, was encountering challenges from the Samaritans in finishing the temple he started. Zerubbabel was instructed to shout “Grace Grace” at the place of the construction (Zechariah 4:7). Grace will produce divine supply to finish whatever He has purposed to do in our lives.
Sanctifying Grace: The Word of God sanctifies and cleanses through the vehicle of grace (Acts 20:32). The grace of God does not justify sin, but justifies the sinner. The woman, who was caught in adultery by the Pharisees and scribes and brought to Jesus, was instructed by Him to go and sin no more (John 8:1-12). The words Jesus spoke to her were empowered words of grace that produced divine ability in her, which effected a transformation in her. This grace produces discipline in the Christian, enabling him or her to fulfill divine purpose, and to live above sin (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Superabundant Grace: “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7, NKJV). Divine grace is always massive and cannot be maxed out. In reality, we cannot earn divine blessings by our own efforts. God’s intention is always that by blessing us beyond our imagination, the undeserved blessing will spark off thanksgiving, worship and outright obedience to Him. If divine blessings are truly earned by human effort, it will result in boastfulness which God abhors. This grace is released because of the ministry of Jesus (Galatians 3:13-14)
Saving Grace: “For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through (your) faith. And this (salvation) is not of yourselves (of your own doing, it came not through your own striving), but it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our ultimate salvation, as Christians, rests totally on the grace and mercy of God.
CONCLUSION: As money works for rich men, so does God intend that His grace should work for the Christian in this world. The currency we spend and invest in as Christians is the grace of God. The grace of God is a maker of enviable destinies. Align yourself with God today and let Him raise you. Stop abusing grace by justifying sin, and stop killing grace by condemning those God has justified. Step up in grace by the grace of God.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com