AMAZING GRACE

The grace of God has been described as 'unmerited favor', but it is much more than that brief definition expresses ... 

John Piper - It is the wealth of God's kindness, the riches of his mercy; the soothing ointment of his forgiveness; the free and undeserved, but lavishly offered hope of eternal life. Grace is what we crave when we are guilt-laden. Grace is what we must have when we come to die. Grace is our only ray of hope when the future darkens over with storm clouds of fear. 

When we plumb its depths, we find that 'grace' justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually glorifies us. By grace alone, we are saved and brought to spiritual maturity. We are to delight in it and grow by it  ...  

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. Ephesians 2:8-9

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

We grow spiritually by searching God's Word daily and prayerfully approaching the throne of grace. The more we learn about Jesus Christ, the more we will appreciate what took place on Calvary's cross. Grace becomes that precious gift whereby we find rest for the soul. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:14,16

God extends to us both 'mercy' and 'grace', but they are not the same. Mercy withholds the punishment we deserve; grace gives the blessing we don’t deserve. In mercy, the Father chose to cancel our sin debt by sacrificing His Son in our stead. Yet He goes further; it is by His grace that we have forgiveness, reconciliation, abundant life, and a place in heaven with Him one day. 

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:24

Grace is giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving ... which is every one of us.