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Potpourri on Grace




I.


home verse: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8) — and escaped the judgment of the Flood. The next 25 Old Testament verses in which the word grace appears use it in the same sense: undeserved goodwill from another.


2.


definitions: Grace is the unmerited favor of God — God's Riches At Christ's Expense.


3.


issues to clarify: Grace in salvation past. Reconciliation and rebirth came to us only by God's grace in Christ's death and resurrection on our behalf (Romans 3:20-26; Gala-tians 2:16, 21; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:4-7).


Grace in salvation present. Growth in grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus comes as we yield to the Holy Spirit's work within (Romans 6:1ff; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12, 13; Titus 2:11-14).


Grace in salvation future. The finished work of Jesus for us and the Spirit's present work in us will be consummated by God's grace at Christ's return (Philippians 1:6, 7b; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 Peter 1:13; 5:10-12).


4.


A's of amazing grace: 


Abundant to sinners (1 Timothy 1:14, 15)

Abounding more than much sin (Romans 5:20)

Ample to suffice in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

Able to impart all we need for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)


5.


benefits to celebrate: Grace saves us (Ephesians 2:8), teaches us (Titus 2:11-14), creates us for good works (Ephesians 2:10), empowers us with spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Corinthians 12:4ff), and makes us generous (2 Corinthians 8:1-9).


6.


texts that warn us against abuse, misuse, or even loss of God's grace:


by legalism — embracing the law for justification and salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians2:21; 5:1-4);


by license — rejecting or neglecting the moral law and good works (Romans 6:1-23; James 2:9-26; Hebrews 10:28, 29).


7.


splendors of grace: The Bible's presentation of grace is manifold (1 Peter 4:10b), with many shades of meaning. It can mean favor and goodwill (Genesis 6:8); empowerment and enablement (1 Corinthians 3:10; 15:10); gratitude and thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:15), as in a table "grace" to God or the word gracias. Other meanings of grace in Scripture include beauty-elegance-refinement, gift or generosity, and a joyous greeting. Grace is truly a many-splendored thing!


Grace church: In the book of Acts, church

members ...


were saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (15:11); believed through grace (18:27); gave testimony of, and commended people to, the word and gospel of His grace (14:3, 26; 15:40; 20:24, 32); saw God's grace and were glad (11:23); continued in grace (13:43); and great grace was upon them all (4:33)!


From  "The Bible Advocate" - Jan/Feb - 2015, a publication of the Church of God, Seventh Day, Denver, CO. USA.