Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
In the simplest of definitions, grace is getting what you don’t deserve and not getting what you deserve. We deserved death because of sin, but God in his grace has extended eternal life to us through faith in his son Jesus Christ.
Grace cannot be earned, it is a gift that is given freely to all, but sadly not all have received it.
Just because grace has been extended to all does not mean that all will enjoy its benefits. There are those who believe that because Jesus died for all, then all will be saved whether they believe or not. The bible says that God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten son so that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Saving Grace is extended to all, but it is activated by those who believe and receive Christ as Lord.
Grace cannot be bought. Today, we have people who give money so that they can “tap into a certain grace”
Acts 8:18-20 NIV
[18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money [19] and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] Peter answered: “May your money perish with you because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
Simon the sorcerer tried the same thing, and it almost cost him his life. God extends his grace to everyone, but his grace enables us differently based on his assignment over our lives.
Each believer has been graced with a spiritual gift for the benefit of the body. Sadly, the majority have no idea that they have been graced with a gift and anointed to use it, rather they are looking at others who are using what they have been given and wishing it was them.
The grace and gifting of God are not just for a few people but for all who believe in Christ.
Grace is also not a license to sin. The bible says that God’s grace has appeared to all men, and it teaches us to say no to wickedness. May we not take God’s grace for granted.
Reflections.
What does God’s grace mean to you?
What spiritual gift has God given you, and are you using it to bless the body of Christ?
In what area of your life do you need the grace of God to teach you to say no to wickedness?
