But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor. 15:10). introduction
While attending Tennessee Temple Bible College in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
I always felt a heart-warming thrill when I went with the seminar band to preach in the Union Gospel Mission at 1260 Market Street. In the nearby surroundings are many beer taverns and run-down night clubs. Here we would find the outcasts, the men without homes, and the men and women that few people care to talk with about the condition of their soul.
Words cannot describe the condition of the men who are called skid-row bums by many. Some would come into the mission drunk, hungry, unshaven, and many times without proper clothing. Sometimes while the message was being presented one of these men would stand up, let out a loud cry, and turn and run. We never knew from one .minute to the next what was going to happen.
When we would get into the car to make our way back home it seemed that the Spirit of God would say to me, "But for the grace of God you would be where the skid-row bums are. But for the grace of God you would be sitting in the pew and someone would be preaching to you." Many times my wife and I have driven away from the mission with tears in our eyes and praise in our hearts. Tears because of the condition of the men, and praise to our heavenly Father for the grace of God bestowed upon M.
The definition of the grace of God is:
- Unmerited favor.
- An unearned gift.
- God's love toward the sinner.
- The invitative act of God in seeking the lost, inspired by His supreme love for the fallen race. Grace comes in search of man, and is manifested in the past, in the present, and in the future.
Let us look at the grace of God from four aspects.
I. Grace Alone Saves the Sinner
I have often thought about heaven and wondered what the children of God will do throughout the endless ages of eternity. We do not know all that will be done in heaven; however, we do know one thing that will not be done. There will be no boasting. All the people of God will be giving praise and honor to Jesus for what He has done for them. The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8, 9). But someone may ask, "What about the law; what about our works. Are they not good?" The answer is simply this: We keep the law by the grace of God and work for our Saviour all we can because we are converted, not to be converted. Take one renewed look at Jesus, at the life He lived and the death He died for us, and we will be encouraged to work for Him. Good works are the fruits of being converted, not the root.
Examples of God's grace
- The woman at the well (John 4:442).
- Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-8).
- The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43, 48).
- Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, raised by the power of God (John 11: 1-45).
- Anyone that is converted is an example of God's grace.
II. Grace Is Seen in Our Lives
The life of the Philippian jailer is a good Bible illustration of what the grace of God will do in the life of an individual. We find this story in Acts, chapter 16. Before his conversion the jailer is ready to beat the servants of God. He is ready to cast them into prison. He has no respect for Christianity or for those that advocate such a religion.
After his conversion the story is different. Now he is ready to take his stand with God's servants, Paul and Silas. He is ready to stand on the side of truth regardless of the consequences. He is ready to be counted on the side of God.
Four specific results followed his conversion:
- He made restitution. The same night he washed the stripes on the backs of Paul and Silas.
- He followed the Lord Jesus Christ in baptism. Notice that this was done without hesitation. The Bible says "straightway."
- He placed food on the table and called the servants of God to come and eat.
- He rejoiced in his heart that his sins had been forgiven. Thus the grace of God was seen working in the life of this Philippian jailer.
III. Grace Satisfies the Christian
When I think of all that Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for me in the future, it helps me take new courage and renew my dedication to Him.
Serving Jesus should give us such heartfelt peace that we will never desire to leave Him. I am always reminded of Peter when I hear of someone leaving the church.
"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" (John 6:67). In the next verse we find Peter's' answer. "Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
From Peter's answer we see that the grace of God had brought him satisfaction. To the true child of God, grace does satisfy, and in spite of temptations there is perfect peace in his or her heart.
IV. Grace Is Sufficient
The Bible records the sufficient grace of God in 2 Corinthians 12:4-10. Here is revealed the fact that Paul had some thorn in the flesh. The Bible does not tell us exactly what the trouble was; however, we do know the answer to the problem—that God's grace was sufficient. The Lord did not remove the thorn in Paul's flesh, but He did give the grace to bear it. Finally Paul said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). In substance Paul was saying, "Whatever may be my lot, by the grace of God I can bear it."
Is not this true in our Christian experience today? Is not the grace of God sufficient in helping us bear our burdens? I am so glad we have an affirmative answer to these questions.
Conclusion
During the closing days preceding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall find the grace of God sufficient for His church. We are told in the Spirit of Prophecy writings by the servant of the Lord that the remnant church will go through to the kingdom. In the book of Revelation we read, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that, keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14: 12). It is the grace of God that gives the saints patience, helps them to keep all ten of God's commandments, and gives them a love for the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy.
