Biblical Grace

Paul speaks about the grace of God and sets forth its true nature in Titus 2:11-12. The gospel has to do with the person of Christ, the Word provided, and the Word proclaimed and received. The one word that best states this is GRACE. Thus, we read of: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.16:20). Paul describes it as such: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). Also, he stated: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). Grace, next to God, is perhaps the most important word in the Bible. The root word means "To give pleasure to" and it goes out in the direction of the giver as well as the receiver. The term "Grace" expresses the divine action toward man as a helpless and hopeless sinner. It is not merely "favor," but help. It is not only goodwill, but good work. It is "Divine Attitude" shown by action, the gift of His Son. So often it is the case that many people misunderstand what grace does for them. It covers much more than the fact that God sent His Son to die for the sins of the world; this is included, of course.

True biblical grace is a saving grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). Divine forgiveness is not only God's word, but it is also His deed. It comes to us through love that suffered for us, a love that claims us for its own, and one that will restore us to our rightful place with God. To have salvation is to have the power of sin broken in us. The Lord offers us that strength (Rom.6:7-14). Salvation is ours by the grace of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph.2:8).

Grace is the putting forth of His power for the good of humanity, the motive of which is mercy, born of love. Now notice that Paul also said, "The grace of God hath appeared" (Titus 2:11). It had a preexistence (i.e., it dwelt in the mind of God before the beginning, but now it has appeared to all humanity with the coming of Christ).

True biblical grace is a teaching grace. “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). This is a life-long work, a work that will be concluded when grace ends in glory. The scriptures show us the idea involved. It is "instruction" which aims at the increase of virtue. But let's look at what it is to teach. From a negative view, it teaches us that we are to, deny, renounce, forsake “ungodliness." Ungodliness is the root sin of the world (Gen.3:1-8).

Furthermore, we are to deny "worldly lusts." These things are of the world. John tells us, "Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15-16).

On a positive note, we are to live soberly, that is, control ourselves. Self-control is holding oneself within due limits as it respects pleasures, duties, and all other things. Christians must live “righteously.” That is, they must respect the rights which their fellow man has. Christians must live “godly.” That is, faithfully performing their duties to God.

Does this "grace" mean that God will overlook sin? Some today teach that we cannot judge what a salvation issue is and what is not, saying that God may by His grace save some who do not believe as we believe. For example, look at this statement by another writer; "Surely you don't believe this is a salvation issue and that people who use instruments are going to hell, do you? God is the judge and will decide correctly about all that. I don't know what God will do, but I trust Him to do the right thing. He doesn't need my help. Personally, I don't believe it is a salvation issue if the doctrine of grace is true, and it is. But my opinion is irrelevant." The writer is right about one thing; his opinion is irrelevant. Whether we are speaking about the instrumental music issue or the issue related to baptism or what day we are to worship God, etc., God's grace cannot go against what He has already commanded on the matter. The man who wrote these words does not understand God's grace or God's Law. If God has given us a Law by His grace, His grace must work within that Law and not outside of it. If one violates the Law of God, then the grace of God has become of no value for that person. God cannot save one who is not in agreement with His Law. Remember, God’s grace teaches us what we can do and what we cannot do. Let’s make sure we stay within the boundaries of God’s Law.