2 Peter 3:18. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone boast.” (Ephesians 2:8)
“… who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” (Romans 11:6)
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men …” (Titus 2:11)
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” (Acts 15:11)
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7)
“… that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)
“… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus …” (Romans 3:23-24)
“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace …” (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence …” (Ephesians 1:7-8)
“For if by the one man’s offense, many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.” (Romans 5:15)
“… having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20)
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:21)
- For by grace you have been saved through faith
- Who has saved us … according to His own purpose and grace
- We have access by faith into this grace
- For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men
- Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved
- By grace you have been saved
- Having been justified by His grace
- Being justified freely by His grace
- Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ
- Given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace
- In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
How is grace defined:
- Unmerited favor, mercy, compassion
- Undeserved blessing, a free gift
- Gods loving mercy toward mankind
- Favor, graciousness, kindness, beauty, pleasantness
- God’s disposition to exercise goodwill toward His creatures
- Synonymous with the gospel of God’s gift of unmerited salvation in Jesus Christ
- Favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves
- Undeserved acceptance and love received from another, especially the characteristic attitude of God in providing salvation to sinners
- The gift of God as expressed in His actions of extending mercy, loving-kindness and salvation to people
- Unmerited divine assistance given man for his regeneration or sanctification
- The power and equipment for ministry
If we spent all of our earthly lives searching for the fullness of God’s grace we would never find the end of it. Yet, in this desire and searching of it we would grow in our understanding and knowledge of it. The worldly and fleshly would be discerned more clearly and our honor and glory for Jesus Christ would permeate more and more in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is a very weak and unfruitful life to live void of growth in the faith, power, and encouragement God’s grace offers to those who seek knowledge and understanding of it.
Great and precious promises are declared and revealed in God’s Word. This too is through His grace. Salvation is by Grace, the infilling Holy Spirit is by Grace, Discernment is by grace, our talents are by grace, power and courage are by grace, understanding of God’s purpose and meaning for our lives are by grace, Fruits of the Holy Spirit are by grace, eternal life is by grace, Adoption into His family is by grace, Conviction of sin is by His grace, Forgiveness is by grace, Repentance is because of His grace realized, peace and rest for our souls is because of His grace, His Word was given to us because of His grace, sending Jesus to redeem us was by His grace, wisdom and knowledge are by grace, etc….
Hope, faith, trust, and reliance all find their beginning in our understanding and knowledge of the Grace of God. This understanding and knowledge should be sought after, ever-growing, and never ceasing. Maturing in this understanding and knowledge will have an affect on how you think, what you say, and what you do. It will refine how you honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all thoughts, words, and actions. It will fill you with purpose and meaning. It will expose the worldly and fleshly from the heavenly and godly.
When we are maturing in the knowledge and understanding of God’s grace, how can we not become more humbled? Surely, one expression of maturing in God’s grace is how we likewise show grace to others, family, friends, strangers, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
We should never become neglectful or complacent in the desire of this knowledge and understanding of the Grace of God.
