‘Grace’ is a widely used word in the Christian circle, that in the present day it seems to have lost the intensity of its original meaning when used to explain our trivial achievements.  So what exactly does the word “Grace” mean? Michael Horton explains it thus – “In grace, God gives nothing less than Himself. Grace, then, is not a third thing or substance mediating between God and sinners, but is Jesus Christ in redeeming action.”  

Paul so beautifully defines grace as we read today’s Scripture that his heart’s cry is that no one misses this grace given to us in Christ Jesus.

Saving Grace [2 Cor6:1-2]- Paul in these verses exhorts the people not to take lightly the salvation that is freely given to us by the redeeming act of Jesus on the cross. Jesus had to pay a heavy price when he decided to “stand in” for us before God’s wrath, thus changing the course of tide that was against us towards Him. This is the gospel that is preached to the ends of the earth. Men and women who carry this truth to the unsaved are willing to face any trial and tribulation, in joy and in sorrow with kindness and love by the Holy Spirit (Vs.5-10)   But how do you and I receive this “INVALUABLE TRUTH”? Is it with humility or indifference? 

Sanctifying Grace – God’s grace not only saves, but also works a deep sanctification in each of us. Paul in Vs 14-16 exhorts the Corinthians to leave their former way of life of darkness, idolatry and wicked friendships and join with Christ to live a holy life in the fear of God (7:1) God expects to see the very same work in us. As written in Titus 2:11 all of us having received the saving grace of God must learn to say ‘NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions [paraphrased]. This could be possible only when we yield ourselves to the daily working of the Holy Spirit in us, transforming us into temples of the living God as we reflect the holiness of God… (2 Cor6:16)

Sustaining Grace – 2 Cor6:16-18 has a quote from the book of Ezekiel 37:26 explaining God’s unfailing love for his children. This sustaining grace is all that we need to face life’s challenges until the day we see Him face to face. 

 In 2 Cor6:16, God gives us 4 promises that would keep us till our earthly race is done:

 

1. He will dwell in us - God through the Holy Spirit now dwells in each of us drawing us to the throne of grace in times of need to receive mercy and find grace (Heb 4:16).
    

2. He will walk among us – Like the pillar of cloud and fire that were leading God’s people to their promise, Jesus in Matthew 28:19 tells us that He will be with us until the end of the ages, so we never have to walk alone.
    

3. He is our God –Isn’t this such a great privilege when the Creator chooses to identify Himself as ‘OUR GOD’? Paul in Romans 8:38-39 says that nothings can ever separate us from the Love that God has poured out into our lives through Christ Jesus.  
    

4. We are His people – God not only identifies Himself as our God but also acknowledges us as His own. As 1 Peter 2:10 says Once we were not a people but today we are God’s people.  

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All the above is the result of Jesus’ life that was poured out for all mankind on Calvary 2000 years ago. This is “GRACE”. Have you received it? If not, today is the day, now is the accepted time (2 Cor6:2)

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Quote For The Day:

“Grace is free, undeserved goodness

and favour of God to mankind.” -Matthew Henry 

 

Listen - 'Grace that is greater'