NOTES ON GRACE

By Brad Doskocil

Long Beach, CA

Definition: Grace is all that God is free to do and does for mankind on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ. It is a resource that can be never earned or deserved, but can only be received as a gift. It is God’s work on behalf of mankind. Therefore, it functions apart from all human works, cooperation or merit. Grace is universally free and is designed to impart happiness and joy on its recipients. Thus, grace depends entirely upon God’s essence, character and attributes. Romans 1:5; Romans 5:15; Romans 11:6.

Words for grace in the Bible:

HEN - speaks of undeserved favor. It is usually rendered favor or grace.

CHARIS - grace, graciousness, grace in a person, favor, gracious care, undeserved gift, that which one grants to another, the action of one who volunteers to do something on behalf of another.

CHARITOO - to endow with grace, to make graceful or gracious, to cause to find favor, to bestow grace, to give grace to, to grace.

God is the giver of grace; Psalm 84:11; Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; 1 Corinthians 1:4; James 1:17; James 4:6. In grace God gives:

Election; Romans 11:5; Galatians 1:6; Galatians 1:15; 2 Timothy 1:9.

Justification; Romans 3:24; Galatians 2:21; Titus 3:7.

Forgiveness of sins; Ephesians 1:7.

Faith; Acts 18:27.

Salvation; Acts 15:11; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Titus 2:11.

Hope; 2 Thessalonians 2:16.

Spiritual gifts; Romans 12:6; Ephesians 4:7.

As believers we are to operate in grace.

We are under grace; Romans 6:14.

Grace is not a license to sin; Romans 6:1; Romans 6:15.

We are to be products of grace; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12.

Grace meets our needs in abundance; 2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Corinthians 9:14.

Christian service is the work of grace; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7; 2 Corinthians 8:19.

Grace should be our mental attitude; Colossians 3:16.

Grace should be our focus; 1 Peter 1:13.

We should show grace to others; Hebrews 12:28.

We are to be strengthened by grace; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Timothy 2:1.

We are to speak with grace; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6.

We are to grow in grace; 2 Peter 3:18.

We are to find grace through prayer; Hebrews 4:16.

The word of grace is able to build us up; Acts 20:32.

Grace is designed to lead us to thanksgiving; 2 Corinthians 4:15.

Believers must sort out the difference between grace and legalism. In grace God is glorified, in legalism man takes the credit. Grace and legalism are mutually exclusive. They are opposites. Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:21; Galatians 5:4.

Axioms of Grace:

God is perfect and his plan is perfect.

A perfect plan can only originate and function from a perfect God.

If man can do anything meritorious in the plan, then the plan is no longer perfect.

A plan is no stronger than its weakest link.

Legalism and human works are the enemies of grace; Romans 11:6.

Human righteousness has no place in the plan of God; Isaiah 64:6.

All human works are associated with pride or arrogance.

Four areas pride rejects grace:

Rejection of eternal security, (My sins are greater than God or his ability to save).

Succumbing to the pressure of adversity, (My suffering is greater than God or his ability to see me through it); 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Pseudo spirituality, (My system of religion, works, or legalism is better than God, or will earn my way to heaven); Galatians 2:21; Romans 11:6.

Emotional rebellion or revolt, (My feelings and experiences are greater than God or his word); 2 Corinthians 6:11-12.