Luke 2:40, John 1:14-16, Acts 4:33, Ephesians 1:7-8

Matt Wilson

What is 'grace'? It's a funny kind of word, we use it a lot but do we really have any clue what it really is? Speaking for myself, I like many people used to have a big misconception in this area, my problem was using grace as a washing powder. New improved 'GRACE' non-bio - use it every time you sin to wash the stains away.

However, if the only purpose of grace is to wash away sin, why did Jesus have so much of it? I don't think any of you would like to argue that he needed it to hide his sin. Luke 2:40 says, "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." John backs him up in Chapter 1:14 of his gospel, "The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." He continues in verse 16, "from the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another, for the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

Jesus led a pure and blameless life, yet demonstrated a life chokka with grace. It would seem from these verses that contrary to popular belief, grace, was not designed as a cure but as a prevention. A gift, given to us for the enabling of a righteous life as promised through the prophet Zechariah: "I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace..." (Zec 12:10)

Let's also take a look at the importance of the work of grace in the early church. The Acts of the apostles shows just how they lived with it and through it. Starting with Acts 4:33, "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and much [or great] grace was upon them all." On a more individual level we hear of Stephen in Acts 6:8-10, "Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people..."

Because of persecution, particularly the very public murder of Stephen, many believers began to look further afield to preach the gospel. Some felt led to go and speak to the Greeks at Antioch where many locals became believers, so many that news reached Jerusalem. A guy called Barnabas was sent to them. Many comments could have been recorded about this new church in Antioch, it was a great place to be - the first place that the disciples became known as Christians! Interesting then, that instead of commenting on their great worship or anointed preaching Luke writes that Barnabas, "... saw the evidence of the grace of God." (Acts 11:23). This guy Barnabas and his soon to be travelling companion, Paul, journeyed together through a wide area of what is now Turkey. They went "...urging people to continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). Eventually they came full circle and ended up back in Antioch again "where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed" (Acts 14:26)

Before leaving these early church examples there is one more thing worth paying a little attention to, a situation which arose, threatening to split the young church into two. The issue was circumcision for Gentile converts. Peter gave the uncompromising answer, have a look at why, it's saved us fellas from a lot of pain, "No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we [Jews] are saved, just as they [Gentiles] are." (Acts 15:11)

Now, I can't end this lesson without dealing with some of the more tricky aspects of grace. There are dangers involved for those who think they can abuse God's grace, who try to use grace like a 'Get out of Jail Free' card. I'm sure this doesn't need too much explanation. There's a great temptation to fall into sin, both unwittingly and deliberately, then simply wave the grace-card saying 'I believe that Jesus died for my sin, Hallelujah I'm forgiven!'

Jonah knew the consequence of disobeying God, his life was spared that he might testify this to us in chapter 2:8 of his book, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord."

Sadly there are loads of Christians out there who run the risk of forfeiting their inheritance in the Kingdom because they are putting worldly things before God. And if you think these are the only tough words on the subject, think again. Hebrews 10:26-29 says, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth , no sacrifice for sins is left. a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot. and who has insulted the Spirit of grace". Deadly silence. Try disputing the truth of it though, its justice is infallible. If your life is right before God you should be able to read that and shout 'Amen!' If it strikes the fear of God into you then get on your knees sharpish and cry out to God.

In closing, we don't need to know the deep theology of how this happens, we just have to believe it and apply it. The inworking of grace produces an outworking of Christ. And there's no shortage of Grace for us, Ephesians 1:7-8 tells us, "In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace which he has lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding."

Grace is a love-gift to us by which we are saved, day by day. Please don't try to use it as a 'get out of jail free' card; grace is the essence, the substance, the energy of our freedom in Christ.