Amazing Grace
Grace is a word that has had an amazing effect upon the children of God. To some, the word “grace” means “unmerited favor of God” and for others, the word “grace” takes on a distorted meaning of “my merits earn the favor of God.” Since the word “grace” cannot be both, we will examine each definition and come to the only conclusion in Jesus’ eyes, HE being the Word and the Truth of everything.
Eph 2:8: God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. (God’s Word Translation)
Eph 2:8-9: For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. (NET)
Eph 2:8-9: For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. (NET)
The word “grace” taken from the God’s Word translation means “kindness.” Since the word “kindness” is used more often in today’s society than the word “grace”, I will use it to expound upon. The definition of “grace” in today’s society means:
1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4. a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill. b. Mercy; clemency.
5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4. a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill. b. Mercy; clemency.
5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
These definitions were taken from www.dictionary.com.
Now let’s look at the word “kindness”:
n 1: the quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic [ant: unkindness] 2: tendency to be kind and forgiving [syn: forgivingness] 3: a kind act [syn: benignity]
n 1: the quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic [ant: unkindness] 2: tendency to be kind and forgiving [syn: forgivingness] 3: a kind act [syn: benignity]
In today’s society the word “kindness” is more understood by unbelievers than the word “grace.” It is my hope that unbelievers will read this blog and gain an understanding of the nature of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Kindness” is an attribute of Jesus Christ; we can neither gain nor lose His kindness. As an unbeliever, if I am mean to Jesus, I may cause Him to become angry with me but He is still kind, always willing to forgive.
For an unkind person (Satan), I can do all types of good deeds and he will still be unkind. I may think I’ve earned some type of merit because of the work(s) I do or have done but I would never receive love or kindness from him because he would not have any to give. He causes harm to anyone who places their trust in him because by nature he is a liar, a thief, and a destroyer; in other words, an “unkind” person whose only reward is everlasting life with him in a lake of fire.
In closing, I will add these last thoughts: we are saved as an act of God’s kindness not because of something we have done to merit His favor. Jesus died on the cross to earn our favor with God not because of something we have done or will do. Our favor in God’s eyes comes through Jesus Christ as a free gift from God. After we are saved, the gift is what saves us - not what we do.
May God Bless and Keep You.
posted by Church of the Living Word at 10:04 AM
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