|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Greek word for grace is “charis,” used 157 times in the New Testament. This word represents a concept of favor and gifting unique to Christianity. Grace is the foundation of our faith.
Considering the importance of grace, I’m going to write “my favorites” about grace in this Interruption. I’m praying all of us will renew our understanding of grace, allowing us to walk in the freedom found only in Jesus.
My favorite passage of Scripture on grace …
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB1995).
My favorite paragraph on grace (I read this in a magazine article in 1995), I’ve kept in a file for decades. Consider these words over and over. They formed my life in Christ and can do the same for you …
Grace is nothing less than our awareness of Christ’s presence with us and our claiming that precious presence to support and sustain our efforts to enjoy our salvation and to serve every Christian venture with confidence. So, the biblical doctrine of divine grace is a very practical, relevant reality upon which we can feast our souls daily. In this divine grace, we find assurance of our relationship with the Lord; we know that we are now saved and can serve in peace and rest through the undeserved yet ever-present goodness of God our savior.
My favorite acronym on grace …
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!
My favorite practical quote for receiving God’s grace …
God gives grace where He finds empty hands. (St. Augustine)
My favorite explanation of the uniqueness of grace in Christianity …
All other religions rely upon works for salvation. The Buddhists have the eightfold path, the Hindu their doctrine of Karma, the Jews their covenant, and the Muslims their sharia code of Law — each of these religions offer a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional; it’s based on God’s work through Jesus. And it’s free! (Philip Yancey)
My favorite quote on how grace works …
If and when a horror turns up, you will then be given grace to help you. I don’t think one is usually given to it in advance … life must be taken day by day and hour by hour. (C.S. Lewis)
My favorite “heartfelt” quote on grace …
God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God-secure. From regret-riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid-to-die to ready-to-fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off. (Max Lucado)
My second favorite verse on grace …
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people (Titus 2:11, NLT).