An Explanation of Grace According to the Word of God

Grace. What is grace? Romans 5:1,2 states that through Jesus Christ “we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”. Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,”. The Greek word for salvation in this verse is soterion, which is a reference for forgiveness of sins, eternal life, health, and deliverance. Sozo is another Greek word for salvation which refers to anything dealing with your well-being: health, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance. With these definitions in mind, you may read Titus 2:11 this way: “For the grace of God that brings health, forgiveness, eternal life, and deliverance has appeared to all men.” The grace of God is what brings these benefits to mankind. God has provided access to His grace by giving us faith; He has provided the measure of faith to each believer (Romans 12:3). But what is grace?

Grace and truth come to us through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). What did Jesus Christ come to give us? “I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10). The work that was necessary to bring the abundance that Jesus came to give us, is the result of the finished work of the cross and His resurrection. We are forgiven of every sin, the result of grace. Our lives have been redeemed, the result of grace. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ, the result of grace. Acts 14:3 confirms that the disciples were “speaking boldly in the Lord” and He “was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands”. We read that grace is revealed in His spoken Word and as a result of the power of that Word, signs and wonders occurred. You might say the Lord is backing up the power of His truth by performing signs and wonders that demonstrate His grace. The Father did the same thing through Jesus. It was His signs and wonders performed through Jesus (John 14:10). Again, this gives witness to His grace.

Scriptures help to reveal that grace is the goodness of God, His provision, and the essence of every promise; everything that we need spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Grace is the power of God’s goodness toward us through Jesus. We have freely received His gift of grace. Jesus gives a command, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Freely we have been given the gift and power of His grace.

Every time we read in the Word about healing, raising the dead, or forgiveness of sin, we are witnessing the power of grace, the power of God’s goodness. In other words, God’s goodness and power are on full display through grace. God’s goodness has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He confirms His goodness through signs and wonders because He has fulfilled His plan of salvation through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ name is above every name (Philippians 2:9,10). We have been given the authority of Jesus’ name. We have been given resurrection power, immeasurable and unlimited (Ephesians 1:19). Therefore, when we act upon the Word, God bears witness to His Word of grace by signs and wonders.

Grace gives us hope. Reflect again on Romans 5:1,2. We have access to everything that God provided by grace, by His goodness, power, and love. Having access by faith to His grace gives us hope. We have hope of participating in His promises, which reveal His glory. These things belong to each believer now! He shows us the desire of His heart through grace. God is love (1 John 4:8) and grace is a profound expression of His love. We observe God’s character through grace which gives testimony to His goodness. If we know His goodness, we may participate in His gift of grace, which is provision for our lives.

Be encouraged and allow your fleshly container to be an image bearer of the grace of God. Allow Him, through grace, to show off His glory! Let the Word stir your faith, promote understanding, and paint a picture of the power of God’s grace. Listen to the Word with your heart and know that He is good. Let the Word release the power of grace as you believe. The image of grace is health, forgiveness, deliverance, provision, and eternal life.

Perhaps you are thinking this is too good to be true. Maybe you are reflecting on your shortcomings or failures. God says, “…where sin abounds grace abounds much more” (Romans 5:20). Nothing can withstand the power of God’s grace! His grace has been given through Jesus. Through each of us, God bears witness to His grace. Our job is to believe what He has done, to be steadfast in His promises, and to live according to His truth with confidence, rejoicing in the hope of experiencing His glory, which is to experience His love.