Grace

The video link can be found at the bottom of this page.

1. Introduction

This study shows how grace imparts to the believer in Jesus Christ.
If I asked most preachers what it means, the majority would prefer to define it as unmerited favour. This definition is superficial and inaccurate and falls well short of grace’s incredible impartation. It is also passive, which is not valid, as it is active, found in God and man, and benefits the recipient.

If I talked to someone trained in Reformed theology, they would refer to a different type called “Saving grace.” Likewise, this is inaccurate but straightforward. We will study this in Grace When Born Again.

2. Old Testament

A. Law of First Mention

The first mention is a positive attribute of Noah. Being a positive attribute in Noah is incredibly powerful because it lays the foundation for showing that man can have it:

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:8

B. The Attributes of A Gracious Person.

Moses then goes on to describe a gracious person.

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Genesis 6:9

Therefore, we find a powerful key to growing grace in our lives; we need to walk with God.

3. Definition

A. Charis.

The Greek word in the New Testament is charts, which translates as “a gift.” Therefore, grace is a gift.

B. More Than Unmerited Favour.

Grace is often defined as unmerited favour because, as we have found, favour is initially a gift through being God’s son or daughter.
Both favour and grace require nurturing and growing.
We will find it is so much more than unmerited favour. A gift is a gift, whether it is merited or unmerited. God finds grace in some people but not others, so it is both deserved and unmerited.

4. The difference between Grace and Favour

A. Gift that Comes UPON Us.

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Luke 2:40

So grace is a gift that has been given to us free of charge that comes upon us.

B. Favour Grows.

Favour is initially a gift of being a son or daughter and then grows based on decisions made.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:52

5. It is Active

A. It Strengthens Us

Grace strengthens us; therefore, it is a gift that benefits the recipient;

…it is good that the heart be established by grace,

Hebrews 13:9

B. A Gift that Benefits the Recipient.

Remember that grace is the Greek word charis. The term charis refers to a gift that actively benefits the recipient. Grace establishing us means it is working actively in our lives.

C. An impartation.

When God gives grace to someone, there is an impartation that occurs. But on the other hand, favour is a reward for making correct decisions.

6. All Sufficiency and Abundance for Every Good Work

It provides everything a person needs to complete what God has destined for that person to do.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

 
7. It Works Powerfully in You

A. Active, NOT passive!

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:33

Here, we see that grace “works” powerfully!

B. Empowers in Weakness;

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

So, we can come up with a definition of what grace is:

Grace is the empowering presence of God enabling you to be who God created you to be, and to do what God has called you to do – right where you are.

James Ryle’s definition of grace

8. Impartation to Others:

A. An impartation that gives and has an effect.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29

B. It Comes From God or Man

Impartation of grace can come from God or man. It can be a simple word of encouragement or a gift of money;

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

So a broader definition would be:

An impartation that benefits the recipient.

Dr H Eberle, Systematic Theology for the new Apostolic Reformation 2nd Ed p555

But in some respects, this does not reflect the cost that Jesus paid on the cross, so I would offer the following definition, remembering that you carry the very presence of God:

9. Definition:

© Use by Permission Awakening Impact Ministries / Dr Neville van Eerten D.Miss 2024