Grace, Faith & Works

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Who can define the grace of God? We might ask, "Who can put the Amazon River in a water pipe?” or “Who can put Mt. Everest in a grocery cart?” And others may ask, "Who can put Niagara in a syringe?" or "Who can put an elephant in a baby stroller?" or "Who can put a giraffe into a milk bottle?" So, the grace of God is beyond description. Grace breaks the back of words.

The very best we can do is scratch the surface in definition, like merely lifting a cup of water from the ocean. What is grace? The grace of God is said to be great (Acts 4:33); sovereign (Rom. 5:21); exceedingly rich and unsearchable (Eph. 1:7; 2:7; 3:8); all sufficient (II Cor. 12:9); abundant (Rom. 5:15,17).

The word for grace is "charis," in the Greek and means: a favor freely done. Grace is an act beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected and therefore commendable. “Grace is a boon purchased by the court that found us guilty.” (Henry Mabie). Grace is unmerited favor. "Grace is righteous salvation for those who deserve righteous condemnation" (F.W. May). The amazing grace of God is, "That work of God whereby He does the unexpected for the undeserving, providing the unattainable, the reason unexplainable, the result undeniable, the benefit unchangeable, unrepayable, unending." (Jennings)

Grace is light to sinners in darkness; it is the arm of God reaching out for man sinking in the waters of judgment; life to those dead in sins (Eph. 2:1). It is God's remedy for sin-sick souls; riches for poor paupers of earth. Grace enables a holy and righteous God to save to the hell-deserving sinners on the basis of justice satisfied, that satisfaction being the shed blood of Jesus at the cross (John 19:30; Heb. 9:22; I Pet.1:18--20).

Salvation is a gift from God, unearned, unmerited, undeserved. There will not be any boasting in heaven (Rom. 4:2-3). We have been given a gift. How should we respond to this gift? We need to walk in good works (Eph 2:10) Order you life in walking with the Lord. We should walk in way that will cause others to see God at work and glorify Him.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16