Growing in Grace - Christianity 101

"Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God." (Acts 13:43)

Our spiritual lies are not static, they are dynamic. To grow in life, and in the things of the Kingdom, require effort, industry, and continuance. Life with God is not something you taste once and then move on; it's not a prayer that is said while the supplicant returns to their daily life; it is not a deed or thought that is experienced then forgotten. Life with God is an on going daily experience that involves us in the working and teaching of the Holy Spirit; it is an ongoing daily growth in God and the things of God. Here Paul encourages us to continue in grace, not like those who start out in grace and end up in the flesh (Galatians 3:3) rather like those who continue to grow from grace to grace. It is not sufficient to experience grace, we must continue and grow in grace. Peter similarly concurs when he concludes his letter saying, "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) So how does one grow in grace?

First we must understand that grace is accessed through faith. Paul tells us that it is through Jesus "whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand." (Romans 5:2) When we first come to faith in Jesus we are introduced to His grace in our lives. To continue in and grow in this grace requires the continuation and growth in faith. This is why Paul was so concerned with the Galatians. He asked then,

"Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain — if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?" (Galatians 3:3-5)

Our Christian walk is a walk of faith and it is by this same faith that we come to know and experience God's grace. We cannot expect to trust in the ability, power, and will of the flesh and still arrive at the grace of God. It's only found when we trust in His strength, His love, and His will for our lives that we experience the fullness of His grace in us. This walk of faith requires us to leave somethings behind that we might obtain those things that are ahead of us. First, we must leave behind the Law. Paul writes,

"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." (Galatians 2:21)

Here Paul is speaking of one specific aspect of God's grace, but it is also true of grace in general. If we reject the righteousness that is found in Christ for a righteousness that comes for our own good deeds, then the grace of God is of no use or value in our lives. We have ceased to live by grace, Christ's benefits are not longer ours, and our lives have become dependent on our own good works rather than the finished works of Christ. We cannot have it both ways, let us either trust in ourselves or trust in Christ; in whom is the very fountain of grace.

Secondly, we must abandon all fear and reticence to approach God. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to,

"draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

For some of us it may be a fear of what others might think, for others it may be a fear of rejection and judgment from God, Either way, our fear can keep us from finding the very grace we need in our times of trouble. God wants us to come boldly and with all frankness, courage, and assurance not fearing who may be watching but full of faith that the one we seek is willing and able to give us what we need when we need it.

Thirdly, we must give up the pursuit of all arguments, philosophy, superstitions, and false doctrines that try to sooth our minds as if we have what we really don't have. Again from the writer of Hebrews,

"Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited." (Hebrews 13:9)

It is easy to become sidetracked from our pursuit of God. Here, the writer is not referring to foods that refresh our body and soul but rather the argument over which foods are permitted and which are forbidden by God. Jesus Himself plainly told us that, "whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him" (Mark 7:18) and yet arguments persisted as to what a believer could and could not eat or drink. The problem is further compounded when we encourage our heart that we have kept our commandments over food and drink yet have failed to keep it full of the grace of God. All such wrangling, speculations, and pride are destructive to the work of grace in our lives. Further, James reminds us that, "He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6) Let us therefore choose the grater grace that is found in humility rather than pride and pretension.

Finally, we must reject all attempts to turn the grace of God into licentiousness. Jude warned us of those who had.

"crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." (Jude 4)

Paul also asks the rhetorical question, "Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?" (Romans 6:1) How can those who love God, and desire the grace and favor of God, continue in a life that is displeasing to Him? Grace is not a pass for sin nor does not excuse us from our pursuit of sin. We don't sin that we may experience grace rather it is because we have experienced grace that we freely and willingly cease from all sin in our lives. Those who use grace as an excuse for sin have either never really experienced the grace of God or, having forgotten their introduction into grace, have perverted it for their own personal benefit. Why should we live in sin any longer seeing the grace of God is now ours in abundance?

David Robison

Grace and Giftedness - Christianity 101

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Grace is at the heart of who we are in God and what we have been called and energized to do. While not everyone will achieve to all God has for them, for those who do, and in whatever measure they do, the credit belongs entirely to God. Paul understood this and reflected it in many of his writings. Speaking of his own calling into service He wrote,

"But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood" (Galatians 1:15-16)

Paul was not a "self-made" man, he was a "God-made" man. God had chosen even before his birth, before he had done anything good or evil, chosen based solely on the grace or favor of God. God has also chosen him for a specific place, time, and people. Nothing in regard to his selection was based on himself; who he was, his qualifications, his piety, his drive or anything else. He was chosen, gifted, and called because God willed it; it was simply the grace and favor of God for his live.

It is the grace of God that is the determinate of who we are and of our role and function within the Body of Christ. Paul writes,

"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:7)

This verse is in the context where Paul was describing the "one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." (Ephesians 4:4-6) Paul begins by talking about sameness and oneness, but now he speaks of that which is different among us; God's grace and his giftings and calling in our life. We are not all meant to be the same, we are all different because of the different quality of the favor of God on our lives. Paul wrote,

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly." (Romans 12:6)

We each differ from one another according to God's favor and His giftings in our lives. Understanding this we should not seek to mimic others in their grace and gifts but rather to be content in the grace and gifts given to us by God. Paul said of himself, 

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it." (1 Corinthians 3:10)

Paul was called as a wise master builder, but we may not be so called. Paul was called to lay a foundation but we may be called to build on the foundation. Our responsibility is not to try and imitate someone else but rather to find how for what purpose and function God has called us and to give ourselves to that calling in both action and thankfulness. 

Finally, when we find God's purpose for our lives and begin to execute that purpose, we fine new boldness and authority in God; an authority that does not come from office or position but from the very commission of God on our lives. Paul write to the Romans saying,

"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

It's interesting that in a verse where Paul is urging humility he can speak with such boldness and authority. However, when we understand that we are who we are by the grace of God, and not of our own doing, we can express both humility and authority at the same time because our authority is not from ourselves but from God. Paul goes on to say,

"But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:15-16) 

Paul had great confidence and boldness in his giftings and authority in God because he knew it did not come from him, he who wast the "chief of sinners" (Titus 1:15), but from God. In the same way we too should have boldness and confidence in our role and function within the Body of Christ; not shrinking back, but using the things God has given us to serve others.

"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)

David Robison

Grace and the Law - Christianity 101

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, 'This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me."' For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." (John 1:14-17)

There are two primary covenants that God has made between Himself and mankind. The first covenant was given through Moses and was a covenant of law. It promised that all who would obey the law would find right standing and approval with God. "Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." (Exodus 19:5-6) However, the second covenant was given through Jesus Christ and was a covenant of grace, and all who trust in Him are made sons and daughters of God. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)

In simplistic terms, the primary differences between these two covenants is the means of obtaining approval from God and the abundant life He promises. For those under the old covenant, this is done through works and keeping the law, while for those under the new covenant, this is done through faith in Jesus.

"Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works" (Romans 4:4-6)

"But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace." (Romans 11:6)

It must be understood that these two covenants are incompatible with each other, meaning, you cannot live in both covenants at the same time. One is a covenant built on works and the other a covenant built on grace and faith. Paul wrote of those believers that still wanted to insist on circumcision, itself being a work of the law,

"Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:2-6)

We cannot live in both covenants at the same time. Either we must choose to live by the law, the whole law, or we must choose to live by faith in Jesus Christ; it is either works or grace, but not both. Over and over, Paul kept reminding the early believers, and us, not to revert to law once we have found grace in Christ Jesus. "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3)

The truth is that the Law came, not to eliminate sin, but that sin might increase. Not that the Law is a minister of sin, but rather that our sinful nature is stirred up towards sin by the law.

"The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

The Law came so that we might recognize that we are a sinner; birthed with a sinful nature that, by ourselves, we are unable to free ourselves from. The Law is good and holy but we are sinful; our sinful nature taking advantage of the Law to produce death in us. Through the Law, we see sin "become utterly sinful." (Romans 7:13) But, where sin increased through the law, the grace of God more super-abundantly abounded in forgiveness and favor towards us in Christ. What the Law could not do, Jesus did in His grace towards us.

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:12-14)

Through the Law, sin became our master, but through the grace of God we are made free from sin; free to live the life God created us to live. The grace of God has set us free!

David Robison

Benefits of Grace - Christianity 101

There are many benefits to us of the grace, or favor, of God. Here are but a few:

"even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Ephesians 2:5)

We are saved by grace and, not just our initial salvation, but salvation continually comes to us through the grace and favor of God. We are initially saved, but God's grace continues to save us by providing for us healing, protection, wholeness, security, and well-being.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

We are all sinners and have all sinned, yet the grace of God has offered us justification from our sins. Our guilt and the sentence against us is removed in Christ and we stand before God as one who is clean of all charges and accusations against us.

"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)

God's grace helps build us up in Christ, to mature us and make us fit for our inheritance in heaven. By God's grace we transition from children to full-grown men and women of God. God's grace makes us ready for what is ahead of us in God.

"For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)

By God's grace we are no longer looser in this life rather we are winners. We are no longer defeated but over-comers by His grace. We are no longer "under the circumstances" but live above them according to our faith in God. We are no longer ruled by sin but reign over our bodies and our passions. By His grace we are those who reign in life.

"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6-8)

God's grace is extended to us in His kindness. Even when we deserve His wrath, His grace persists towards us in kindness and gentleness. When we need help, when we need a friend, when we need to be lifted up, God is always there waiting and willing to show us His kindness through His grace in our lives.

"You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7)

Our participation in the grace and favor of God unites us all as believers in Christ. Grace is a common theme in our lives and something we can fellowship around. More than doctrine, grace makes us one.

David Robison

What is Grace - Christianity 101

Grace is a common theme in the New Testament. We see it as part of Jesus' ministry here on earth: "For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) We also see it in the salutations of the apostles, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:3) And we see it as something to be pursued in our Christian life, "for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited." (Hebrews 13:9) While grace is not unfamiliar to most of us, it can still remain hard to define and explain. Someone once said, "Grace is not a blue-eyed blond" and while this is true it doesn't help us to understand what grace really is. So what is grace? Thayer defines "grace" as "good-will, loving-kindness, and favor." Grace, at its core, is favor. Consider the following people who found grace, or favor, with God and man.

"Yet God was with him, [Joseph] and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor [grace] and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household." (Acts 7:9-10) 

"The angel said to her [Mary], 'Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.'" (Luke 1:30)

"And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor [grace] with God and men." (Luke 2:52)

"[and the believers were] praising God and having favor [grace] with all the people." (Acts 2:47)

All these people, and many more, found favor with God and man. Webster defines "favor" as, "friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior; approving consideration or attention; gracious kindness; an act of such kindness; effort in one's behalf or interest." As we understand the nature of favor, it can help us understand the nature of God's grace towards us. For example, when God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9) we understand that God was speaking of his friendly regard for Paul; that in all Paul was to go through, God would be at his side and on his side. God would always be there to encourage him, guide him, and provide him what he needed. Even when, at times, he would not deserve the kindness of God, God's kindness would still be there.

We need to begin to see God's grace as His favor in our lives. Grace is not mystical, it is not mysterious. Grace is not some spiritual empowerment of embellishment. Grace is not a thing it's a who. When the favor of God is on our lives, nothing is impossible for us, nothing is withheld from us, and the fullness of the Kingdom of God is ours. Over the next several posts we will look at grace and how it applies to different areas of our lives and, most importantly, how we can grow in grace.

David Robison