Tag: grace

Ephesians 4:7 – God’s Gifting

Posted on by Will

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Truth to Learn

Each Christian has a job function to perform within the church based on how God has gifted him or her.

 

Behind the Words

The word “each” is from heskatos, which indicates “each” or “every;” that is, not just some, but all.

“One” is from heis. The fact that Paul says, “each one” indicates “every one of us, individually.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers specifically to “that which causes joy or gratification.” When used in reference to God, it always refers to “an unearned and undeserved favor done by Him without expectation of anything to be done in return.”

The words “was … given” are translated from the verb didōmi, meaning “to give.” This Greek word is expressed in the aorist tense, passive voice, and indicative mood. This indicates that it was done completely to the subject (each one of us).at a point in time in the past

“Measure” is from metron (from which we get our English word “metric”), meaning “a measure of length or capacity.”

 

Meaning Explained

In this chapter the Apostle Paul has been teaching us how to behave within the body of Christ, the church. He has told us that we are to be humble, gentle, patient, supportive servants who are eager to work toward unity and peace. In the past few verses he gave us a number of examples of reasons why we should be working toward this unity.

Now, in achieving that unity we each have a calling, or a job, to perform. Even though we are all one in Christ, we are still individuals and each one of us has a different function to perform. Paul tells us that God bestows His favor on each one of us in the form of a gift or gifts. These undeserved gifts have been given to us to be used within the church. As we will learn a few verses from now, the purpose of these gifts is to enable us to minister to one another, the result of which will be, “the edifying of the body of Christ.” In other words, these gifts are not given to us for our own personal use or personal benefit. They are given to us to benefit others in the church.

We are also told here that God’s grace is bestowed on each of us, “according to the measure of Christ's gift.” What Paul means is that God determines which gift or gifts to bestow on us and He determines how much of each gift to give to each Christian. We do not all have the same gift, and we do not decide which gift or gifts He gives us, nor do we determine how much of the gift we are to receive. It is all determined by God and by Him alone. Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 14:1 that we are to desire certain gifts, but we don’t determine them.

 

Application

I have been in churches where a specific gift is so sought after that people are convinced you are not completely saved unless you have that specific gift. Paul would say, “Hogwash!” More literally, he would say mē genoito, or “No way!” God determines your gift or gifts. Your only responsibility with regard to His gift is that you use it to the best of your ability to build up the body of Christ. Is that what you’re doing?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 2:5 – Undeserved Love

Posted on by Will

And we being dead in trespasses, He made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

Truth to Learn

God loves us instead of giving us what we deserve.

 

Behind the Words

The words “when we were” are translated from the verb eimi, which is the verb of being, meaning “I exist.” It is expressed here in the first person plural (we exist), but it is written as a present participle as well. Thus, the most literal translation of this is “we being.”

The words “dead in trespasses” are translated from the same two words (ontas nekrous) translated that way in verse one of this chapter. Though verse one refers to “you” and this verse refers to “we,” in both cases Paul is talking about Christians before we were saved.

“Made us alive together” is from an interesting Greek word. It is sudzōopoieō, a double compound word made up of sun, meaning “together,” dzōon, meaning “to give life to,” and poieō, meaning “to make.” Thus, this word literally means “to make alive together.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, meaning “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.” When used of God’s grace toward us, since we don’t deserve it, it is sometimes referred to as “unmerited favor.”

The word translated “saved” is sōdzō, which means “to deliver, to protect, or to save.” It is expressed here as a perfect participle. The perfect tense in Greek indicates a past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect. So, the end of this verse could be translated literally as “you are having been saved.”

 

Meaning Explained

To understand this verse we must combine it with the previous verse:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, and we being dead in trespasses, He made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

There are three significant things expressed here: a main idea, a parenthetical idea, and a great theological truth.

Let’s start with the parenthetical idea. It is “because of His great love with which He loved us, and we being dead in trespasses.” As we mentioned in yesterday’s verse study, the word translated “love” is God’s self-sacrificing agape love. The amazing truth that we are told here is that God loved us with this perfect love while we were sinners with a sentence of death on our heads, who were living in violent opposition to Him. We were so unlovable that only God could have loved us.

The main idea expressed in these two verses is: “But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ” In the previous verse we said “mercy” means to overlook personal offenses and to treat an offender better than he or she deserves. While we were sinners, dead in trespasses, in violent opposition to God, He overlooked our offenses and gave us eternal life in Jesus Christ!

The great theological truth expressed here is that we are saved by God’s grace. We will expand on that in the next few verses.

 

Application

Before you were saved you were a dead sinner, in violent opposition to God, not deserving anything but God’s wrath. But – God loved you anyway! Can you say, “Thank you, God!”?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

Posted on by Will

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He favored us in the Beloved One.

Truth to Learn

Because of His grace, God loves us with the same love He has for Jesus Christ.

 

Behind the Words

The word “praise” is translated from epainos, composed of epi, meaning “upon” or “on” and ainos, meaning “praise given for benefits received.” Epainos refers to applause or commendation given in recognition of something that was done.

“Glory” is from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

“Grace” is from charis which we looked at back in verse two. It refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

The expression “favored us” is from charitoō, which is a verb form of charis. It means “to endue with special honor” or “to greatly favor.”

“Beloved” is translated from agapaō, meaning “to love with a perfect, self-sacrificing love.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis in on the effect. That is, God perfectly loved the Second Person of the Godhead (His Son) in the past, and the result is that He is His beloved Son.

 

Meaning Explained

The opening phrase of this verse, “to the praise of the glory of His grace” is a Hebraism, that is, a method of thought of the Hebrew people. The meaning they would ascribe to this phrase is “to His glorious grace!” In other words, by His choosing us and determining beforehand that we will be adopted as His children, God is shining the spotlight fully on His amazing grace. God did not have to choose us and He did not have to legally make us His children. We do not deserve to be chosen by Him, and we certainly do not deserve to be adopted into His family. And, He did not do these things for our benefit; He did them to show to all of creation how magnificent His grace is.

Were it not for God’s holiness and righteousness, we wouldn’t need His grace. Because He is holy, he is completely separated from all sin and sinfulness. Therefore, but for His grace, He could not fellowship with us. Because He is righteous, He always does what is right, and He must judge (condemn) every sin and every sinner. Therefore, but for His grace, we are condemned as sinners and destined for Hell.

In the second chapter of this letter, Paul will get into a deeper explanation of this marvelous grace of His. For now, he tells us that by this grace, “He graced us in the beloved.” In other words, He showed great favor and bestowed great honor on us by placing us in His beloved Son. In Him we possess all that the Father loves in His Son. Thus, we are perfectly loved!

 

Application

What a blessing to know that God sees His beloved Son every time He looks at a Christian. The Father loves you and me with the same love with which He has always loved the Son. By His grace, He does not see us in our sin and sinfulness. Instead, He loves us with the love of Christ! How great is that?!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first two or three verses in this chapter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes after these verses may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Though part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent three years with the Christians in Ephesus, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. There are three persons in the Godhead, each one of whom is completely God, but there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will? These are the things that Paul looks for and expects from those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:10 – Construction Gifts

Posted on by Will

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to use their gifts to build up the church.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis, which refers to an unearned and undeserved favor done without expectation of anything in return. When used in reference to God, it denotes the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God in his gifts to His children.

“Wise” is from sophos, which means “wise.” In its New Testament usage, it implies a fear of God and an understanding of His ways.

The words “master builder” are translated from the Greek noun architektōn (from which we get our English word “architect”). It is composed or archi, indicating a high rank or degree and tektōn, meaning “a builder” or “a workman.” In Greek, it means more than just a designer. It refers to a master builder.

The words “I have laid” are from the verb tithēmi, which means “to set” or “to put in place.”

“Foundation” is translated from themelios, referring to “that which is put in place.”

Epoikodomeō is the word translated “builds on.” It is composed of epi, meaning “upon” and oikodomeō, meaning “to build a structure.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now builds on his architectural metaphor with regard to God’s temple, the body of Christ, the church. Notice first, that Paul gives the credit for his abilities to God. He states very clearly that he is a master builder of the church. But he says that the wisdom, knowledge, and ability to begin construction of the church are a direct result of the gift(s) that God has given him.

You will recall that this whole discussion began because of the divisions that had formed in the church in Corinth. Some people claimed to be followers of Paul and other claimed to be followers of Apollos, or Peter, or Christ. However, Paul recognizes that the building of the church is not done by one person, but many. He also recognizes that each person has his or her own part to do in the construction project. The body of Christ grows as we all work together and it is destroyed if we do not all work together.

The apostle tells the Corinthians, and us, that through the gift given to him by God, he laid the foundation. That was the task assigned to him and, along with this assignment God gave him the ability to do it. It is now up to others, like Apollos (and you and me), to build on that foundation. At this point, he gives us all a warning: we are all to be aware and careful how we build on that foundation. In verses twelve through fifteen he will tell us why we need to be aware of how we build.

Application

God has gifted every Christian with abilities that are to be used in building up the church. Whatever gifts we have been given are not for our own personal use. They have been specifically given to us for building the Body of Christ. We must use the gifts we’ve been given to build the church, it’s our assignment.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first few verses in this letter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes, beginning in verse ten, may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Although it is part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent more than a year and a half with the Christians in Corinth, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. Though there are three persons in the Godhead who are each one completely God, there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace

Posted on by Will

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that charis is “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Christos is the word transliterated “Christ,” which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Thus, christos literally means “the anointed one.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew word mashiach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word ‘āmēn, meaning “to be trustworthy, steady, or firm.” It is often translated as “truth,” “verily,” or “it is so.” It is usually appended to the end of a prayer or a hymn.

Meaning Explained

Paul closes this letter with his typical salutation of grace. Probably more than any other characteristic of God, Paul is ever mindful of God’s grace toward us. Every single letter of Paul’s ends with a reminder of God’s grace In fact, the only other writings of the New Testament that end with a mention of God’s grace are Hebrews (which some people believe was written by Paul), 2 Peter, and Revelation. For this reason, it is possible that the “sign” that Paul referred to in the previous verse may be this closing benediction. It appears to be a signature or “sign” of the authenticity of this letter from the Apostle Paul.

God’s grace, as shown in our salvation and the many blessings that result from it, should serve as a constant reminder to us that without it we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) and destined to receive the wrath of God. It is only by God’s grace that we who deserve eternity in hell, separated from the love of God, should receive His merciful and priceless salvation, fellowship with Him while on this earth, and the promise of eternity in His presence, bathed in His love. A thorough understanding of God’s grace should cause every Christian to humbly fall before our Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving.

But, Paul tells us something else here about God’s grace. It is “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This could also be translated as “the grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace comes, not simply from the godhead (all three persons), but specifically from the second person of the godhead, our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is not just our God, but our Lord. Jesus Christ has purchased us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). We do not own ourselves, we were bought by, and now are owned by, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He is our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

Application

By the grace of God, we will not get what we deserve (eternity in hell); instead, we will get what we don’t deserve (eternal salvation). Let us all fall on our faces with humble thanksgiving and gratitude, and let us strive to do the will of Him who owns us – our Lord Jesus Christ.

 
In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 1:12 – His Glory!

Posted on by Will

that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ will one day receive all the glory and all the praise that is due to Him alone.

Behind the Words

Onoma is the Greek word translated “name.” It can be used to refer to a name, a title, or the person. Throughout the Old Testament, the name of God reveals and represents the character of God. It is likely that Paul used the word here in the same way, referring to the person Jesus Christ.

“May be glorified” is from the verb endoxadzō, which in verse ten we saw means “to be enveloped in glory” or “to appear glorious.” The root of this word, doxa, which primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.”

The words “according to” are translated from the preposition kata. This word primarily means “down” or “down upon,” but it is often used metaphorically to express a relation in which one thing stands toward another and is usually translated as “according to.”

The word “grace” is from the Greek noun charis. This word is based on the verb chairo, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or favor.

Meaning Explained

The main purpose of this second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica is to give more information concerning the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire second chapter of the letter focuses on this event exclusively. This first chapter serves as a prelude to the circumstances of His return.

Notice how Paul comes back again to the “glory of Jesus Christ.” The Christian era, from the cross to the rapture, is a demonstration of God’s grace toward sinners who deserve His wrath, but who will be blessed instead. The seven year period we refer to as the Tribulation will demonstrate God’s judgment against those who reject Him. His return is not to give attention to those of us who believe, nor is it to focus all of creation on His judgment against unbelievers. The central focus of Christ’s return is to highlight the glory of God in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In fact, if you read through the Bible carefully, you will see that the reason for all of creation is to focus attention on God. Many Christians are quick to point out that unbelievers are focused on themselves and reject God because it takes the focus off themselves and their lives. But, we Christians have the same tendency. We think that salvation is all about us and living for God means doing what we have to in order to get the most blessing possible from God. The peak of the crescendo of all creation will be the return of Jesus Christ when He will receive all the glory and all the praise.

Application

Let’s practice giving God all the glory and all the praise. It’s what He deserves and what He will receive when He comes.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

People who know God’s grace can experience peace with Him.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

The word translated “father” is patēr, which is a primary word meaning “father.” It is the word from which we get our English word patriarch (father-ruler).

Meaning Explained

If you compare the opening two verses of this chapter with the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians 1, you will notice that they appear nearly identical. And, in the best manuscripts the words “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” do not appear in 1 Thessalonians 1:1. They do appear to be genuine in this verse, however.

Paul’s opening message to the Thessalonian church in both 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and in this verse is one of grace and peace. These two represent the source and the result of our salvation. For by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:5), and this salvation results in a peace that is beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7). His desire of peace for the Christians in Thessalonica is especially important given the persecution and confusion that existed in the church at that time. “Grace” is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”; it is God’s unmerited favor which He freely bestows on all who accept by faith Jesus Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross. God gives man the opposite of what he deserves: blessing instead of judgment. “Peace” is the cessation of hostility which has resulted from Christ’s death; God and mankind can be reconciled because the debt of human sin has been paid by Christ. Christians have peace with God through the death of Christ. They also experience the peace of God as a result of Christ’s work. So we see that for a Christian, grace and peace are closely connected.

Application

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have been the recipient of God’s grace. Because of this, you are at peace with God. One of the challenges of Christian living is recognizing and experiencing that peace, and living a life of obedience to God because of it.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 5:28 – Our Lord and Master

Posted on by Will

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that charis is “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Christos is the word transliterated “Christ,” which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Thus, christos literally means “the anointed one.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew word mashiach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word ‘āmēn, meaning “to be trustworthy, steady, or firm.” It is often translated as “truth,” “verily,” or “it is so.” It is usually appended to the end of a prayer or a hymn.

Meaning Explained

Paul closes this letter with his typical salutation of grace. Probably more than any other characteristic of God, Paul is ever mindful of God’s grace toward us. Every single letter of Paul’s ends with a reminder of God’s grace (Romans 16:24; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; Philemon 1:25). In fact, the only other writings of the New Testament that end with a mention of God’s grace are Hebrews (which some people believe was written by Paul), 2 Peter, and Revelation.

God’s grace, as shown in our salvation and the many blessings that result from it, should serve as a constant reminder to us that without it we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) and destined to receive the wrath of God. It is only by God’s grace that we who deserve eternity in hell, separated from the love of God, should receive His merciful and priceless salvation, fellowship with Him while on this earth, and the promise of eternity in His presence, bathed in His love. A thorough understanding of God’s grace should cause every Christian to humbly fall before our Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving.

But, Paul tells us something else here about God’s grace. It is “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This could also be translated as “the grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace comes, not simply from the godhead (all three persons), but specifically from the second person of the godhead, our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is not just our God, but our Lord. Jesus Christ has purchased us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). We do not own ourselves, we were bought by, and now are owned by, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He is our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

Application

By the grace of God, we will not get what we deserve (eternity in hell); instead, we will get what we don’t deserve (eternal salvation). Let us all fall on our faces with humble thanksgiving and gratitude, and let us strive to do the will of Him who owns us – our Lord Jesus Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved