The Grace Of GOD

This Is A Perfection of the divine character exercised only toward the elect. Neither in the Old Testament nor in the New is the Grace of GOD ever mentioned in connection with mankind generally, still less with the lower orders of creatures. It is distinguished from "mercy," for the mercy of GOD is "over all his works" (Ps. 145:9). Grace is the lone source from which flows the goodwill, love, and salvation of GOD unto His chosen people. This attribute of the divine character was defined by Abraham Booth in his helpful book, The Reign of Grace, thus: "It is the eternal and absolute free favor of GOD, manifested in the vouchsafement of spiritual and eternal blessings to the guilty and the unworthy."

Divine Grace is the sovereign and saving favor of GOD exercised in bestowing blessings upon those who have no merit in them and for which no compensation is demanded. Nay, more; it is the favor of GOD to those who not only have no positive deserts of their own, but also who are thoroughly ill-deserving and hell-deserving. It is completely unmerited and unsought, and is altogether unattracted by anything in or from or by the objects upon which it is bestowed.

Grace cannot be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be Grace. When a thing is said to be of "Grace" we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in no wise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired.

The fullest exposition of the amazing Grace of GOD is found in the epistles of Paul. In his writings "Grace" stands in direct opposition to works and worthiness, all works and worthiness, of whatever kind or degree. This is abundantly clear from Romans 11:6, "And if by Grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more Grace. If it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work." Grace and works will no more unite than acid and alkali. "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" (Eph. 2:8, 9). The absolute favor of GOD can no more consist with human merit than oil and water will fuse into one (see also Romans 4:4-5).There are three principal characteristics of divine grace.

First, it is eternal. Grace was planned before it was exercised, purposed before it was imparted: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and Grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the world began" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Second, it is free, for none ever purchased it: "Being justified freely by HIS Grace" (Rom. 3:24).

Third, it is sovereign, because GOD exercises it toward and bestows it upon whom HE pleases: "Even so might grace reign" (Rom. 5:21). If Grace reigns, then it is on the throne, and the occupant of the throne is Sovereign. Hence, "the Throne of Grace" (Heb. 4:16).

Just because Grace is unmerited favor, it must be exercised in a Sovereign manner. Therefore the LORD declares, "I will be Gracious to whom I will be Gracious" (Ex. 33:19). Were GOD to show Grace to all of Adam’s descendants, men would at once conclude that HE was righteously compelled to take them to heaven as a compensation for allowing the human race to fall into sin. But GOD is under no obligation to any of HIS creatures, least of all to those who are rebels against HIM.

Eternal life is a gift, therefore it can neither be earned by good works, nor claimed as a right. Seeing that salvation is a gift, who has any right to tell GOD on whom HE ought to bestow it? It is not that the Giver ever refuses this gift to any who seek it wholeheartedly, and according to the rules which He has prescribed. No, HE refuses none who come to HIM empty handed and in the way of HIS appointing. But if out of a world of impenitent and unbelieving, GOD is determined to exercise His sovereign right by choosing a limited number to be saved, who is wronged? Is GOD obliged to force HIS gift on those who do not value it? Is GOD compelled to save those who are determined to go their own way?

Nothing riles the natural man more and brings to the surface his innate, inveterate enmity against GOD than to press upon him the eternality, the freeness, and the absolute Sovereignty of divine Grace. That GOD should have formed HIS purpose from everlasting, without in anywise consulting the creature, is too abasing for the unbroken heart. That grace cannot be earned or won by any efforts of man is too self-emptying for self-righteousness. That Grace singles out whom it pleases to be its favored objects, arouses hot protests from haughty rebels. The clay rises up against the Potter and asks, "Why hast THOU made me thus?" A lawless insurrectionist dares to call into question the justice of divine sovereignty.

The distinguishing Grace of GOD is seen in saving that people whom HE has Sovereignly singled out to be HIS high favorites. By "distinguishing" we mean that Grace discriminates, makes differences, chooses some and passes by others. It was distinguishing grace which selected Abraham from the midst of his idolatrous neighbors and made him "the friend of GOD." Distinguishing Grace saved "publicans and sinners," but said of the religious Pharisees, "Let them alone" (Matthew 15:14). Nowhere does the glory of GOD'S free and sovereign grace shine more conspicuously than in the unworthiness and unlikeness of its objects. Beautifully was this illustrated by James Hervey in 1751:

Where sin has abounded, says the proclamation from the court of heaven, Grace doth much more abound. Manasseh was a monster of barbarity, for he caused his own children to pass through the fire, and filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. Manasseh was an adept in iniquity, for he not only multiplied, and to an extravagant degree, his own sacrilegious impieties, but he poisoned the principles and perverted the manners of his subjects, making them do worse than the most detestable of the heathen idolators (see 2 Chronicles 33). Yet, through this superabundant grace he is humbled, he is reformed, and becomes a child of forgiving love, an heir of immortal glory.

Behold that bitter and bloody persecutor, Saul; when breathing out threatenings and bent upon slaughter, he worried the lambs and put to death the disciples of Jesus. The havoc he had committed, the inoffensive families he had already ruined, were not sufficient to assuage his vengeful spirit. They were only a taste, which, instead of glutting the bloodhound, made him more closely pursue the track, and more eagerly pant for destruction. He is still thirsty for violence and murder. So eager and insatiable is his thirst, that he even breathes out threatening and slaughter (Acts 9:1).

His words are spears and arrows, and his tongue a sharp sword. ‘Tis as natural for him to menace the Christians as to breathe the air. Nay, they bled every hour in the purposes of his rancorous heart. It is only owing to want of power that every syllable he utters, every breath he draws, does not deal out deaths, and cause some of the innocent disciples to fall. Who, upon the principles of human judgment, would not have pronounced him a vessel of wrath, destined to unavoidable damnation? Nay, who would not have been ready to conclude that, if there were heavier chains and a deeper dungeon in the world of woe, they must surely be reserved for such an implacable enemy of true godliness? Yes, admire and adore the inexhaustible treasures of Grace—this Saul is admitted into the goodly fellowship of the prophets, is numbered with the noble army of martyrs and makes a distinguished figure among the glorious company of the apostles.

The Corinthians were flagitious even to a proverb. Some of them wallowing in such abominable vices, and habituated themselves to such outrageous acts of injustice, as were a reproach to human nature. Yet, even these sons of violence and slaves of sensuality were washed, sanctified, justified (1 Cor. 6:9-11). "Washed," in the precious blood of a dying Redeemer; "sanctified," by the powerful operations of the blessed Spirit; "justified," through the infinitely tender mercies of a Gracious GOD. Those who were once the burden of the earth, are now the joy of heaven, the delight of angels.

Now the Grace of GOD is manifested in and by and through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "The law was given by Moses, Grace and truth came by JESUS CHRIST" (John 1:17). This does not mean that GOD never exercised Grace toward any before HIS SON became incarnate—Genesis 6:8 and Exodus 33:19 clearly show otherwise. But Grace and truth were fully revealed and perfectly exemplified when the Redeemer came to this earth, and died for HIS people upon the cross. It is through CHRIST the Mediator alone that the grace of GOD flows to HIS elect. "Much more the Grace of GOD, and the gift by Grace, which is by one man, JESUS CHRIST . . . much more they which receive abundance of Grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by of JESUS CHRIST . . . so might Grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by JESUS CHRIST our LORD" (Rom. 5:15, 17, 21).

The Grace of GOD is proclaimed in the Gospel (Acts 20:24), which is to the self-righteous Jew a "stumbling block," and to the conceited and philosophizing Greek "foolishness." Why so? Because there is nothing whatever in it that is adapted to gratify the pride of man. It announces that unless we are saved by grace, we cannot be saved at all. It declares that apart from CHRIST, the unspeakable Gift of GOD'S Grace, the state of every man is desperate, irremediable, hopeless. The Gospel addresses men as guilty, condemned, perishing criminals. It declares that the most chaste moralist is in the same terrible plight as the most voluptuous profligate; that the zealous professor, with all his religious performances, is no better off than the most profane infidel.

The Gospel contemplates every descendant of Adam as a fallen, polluted, hell-deserving, and helpless sinner. The Grace which the Gospel publishes is his only hope. All stand before GOD convicted as transgressors of His holy Law, as guilty and condemned criminals; awaiting not sentence, but the execution of sentence already passed on them (John 3:18; Romans 3:19). To complain against the partiality of grace is suicidal. If the sinner insists upon bare justice, then the lake of fire must be his eternal portion. His only hope lies in bowing to the sentence which divine justice has passed upon him, owning the absolute righteousness of it, casting himself on the mercy of GOD, and stretching forth empty hands to avail himself of the Grace of GOD made known to him in the Gospel.

The third Person in the GODHEAD is the Communicator of grace, therefore He is denominated "the spirit of grace" (Zech. 12:10). GOD the FATHER is the Fountain of all Grace, for He purposed in Himself the everlasting covenant of redemption. the Son is the only Channel of grace. The Gospel is the publisher of grace. The Spirit is the Bestower. He is the One who applies the Gospel in saving power to the soul, quickens the elect while spiritually dead, conquers their rebellious wills, melts their hard hearts, opens their blind eyes, cleanses them from the leprosy of sin. Thus we say with the late G. S. Bishop, in Grace in Galatians:

Grace is a provision for men who are so fallen that they cannot lift the axe of justice, so corrupt that they cannot change their own natures, so averse to God that they cannot turn to Him, so blind that they cannot see Him, so deaf that they cannot hear Him, and so dead that He himself must open their graves and lift them into resurrection.
-AW PINK The Attributes Of GOD-

-Scripture-

   -Unmerited Favor-
Deuteronomy 7:7-8- It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set HIS Love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that HE swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 30:9- For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the LORD your GOD is Gracious and Merciful and will not turn away HIS Face from you, if you return to HIM."

Ephesians 1:6- To the praise of HIS Glorious Grace, with which HE has blessed us in the Beloved.

Titus 2:11- For the Grace of GOD has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Hebrews 4:16- Let us then with confidence draw near to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help in time of need.

    -Divine Help-
Psalm 84:11- For the LORD GOD is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does HE withhold from those who walk uprightly.

1 Corinthians 10:13- No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. GOD is Faithful, and HE will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation HE will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 1:12- For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the Grace of GOD, and supremely so toward you.

2 Corinthians 12:9- But HE said to me, "MY Grace is Sufficient for you, for MY Power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me.

1 Peter 1:3-5- Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST! According to HIS Great Mercy, HE has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by GOD’S power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

-No Warrant For Sinful Indulgence-

Romans 6:1,15- What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that Grace may abound? What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under Grace? By no means!

    -Intercessory Prayer For-
John 17:11-12,15- And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. HOLY FATHER, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in YOUR NAME, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

2 Peter 1:2- May Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of GOD and of JESUS our LORD

    -Exhortation Against Rejecting-
2 Corinthians 6:1-2- Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the Grace of GOD in vain. For HE says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

    -Exemplified With Respect To Jacob And Esau-
Romans 9:10-16- And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that GOD’S purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of HIM who calls, she was told, "The older will serve the younger."      As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." What shall we say then? Is there injustice on GOD’S part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on GOD, who has mercy.

    -Manifested In Drawing Men To CHRIST-
John 6:44,45- No one can come to ME unless the FATHER who sent ME draws HIM. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the FATHER comes to ME.

    -In Redemption-
Ephesians 1:4-12- Even as HE chose us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and blameless before HIM. In love HE predestined us for adoption as sons through JESUS CHRIST, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of HIS Glorious Grace, with which HE has blessed us in the Beloved. In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS Grace, which HE lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of HIS Will, according to HIS Purpose, which HE set forth in CHRIST as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in HIM, things in heaven and things on earth. In HIM we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of HIM who works all things according to the counsel of HIS Will, so that we who were the first to hope in CHRIST might be to the praise of HIS Glory.

    -In Justification-
Genesis 15:6- And he believed the LORD, and HE counted it to him as righteousness.

Romans 3:22-25- The Righteousness of GOD through faith in JESUS CHRIST for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of GOD, and are justified by HIS Grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS, whom GOD put forward as a propitiation by HIS blood, to be received by faith. This was to show GOD’S Righteousness, because in HIS divine forbearance HE had passed over former sins.

Romans 4:4-5,16- Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in HIM who Justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on Grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring--not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

Romans 5:2- Through HIM we have also obtained access by faith into this Grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the Glory of GOD.

Romans 5:6-8- For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:15-21- But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the Grace of GOD and the free gift by the Grace of that one man JESUS CHRIST abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of Grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man JESUS CHRIST.
    Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, Grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

Titus 3:4-7- But when the Goodness and Loving kindness of GOD our SAVIOR appeared, HE saved us, not because of works done by us in Righteousness, but according to HIS OWN Mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the HOLY SPIRIT, whom HE poured out on us richly through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOR, so that being justified by HIS Grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    -In Passing Over Transgressions-
Numbers 23:20-21- Behold, I received a command to bless: HE has blessed, and I cannot revoke it. HE has not beheld misfortune in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The LORD their GOD is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.

Nehemiah 9:17- They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a GOD ready to forgive, Gracious and Merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.

Romans 3:23-25- For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of GOD, and are justified by HIS Grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS, whom GOD put forward as a propitiation by HIS Blood, to be received by faith. This was to show GOD’S Righteousness, because in HIS divine forbearance HE had passed over former sins.

    -In Salvation-
Romans 11:5-6- So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by Grace. But if it is by Grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise Grace would no longer be Grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9- For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

2 Timothy 8-9- Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our LORD, nor of me HIS prisoner, but share in suffering for the Gospel by the Power of GOD, WHO saved us and called us to a Holy calling, not because of our works but because of HIS own purpose and Grace, which HE gave us in CHRIST JESUS before the ages began.

-In Calling To Service-
Galatians 1:15-16- But when HE who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by HIS Grace, was pleased to reveal HIS SON to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

    -In Spiritual Growth-
Ephesians 3:14-19- For this reason I bow my knees before The FATHER, from whom every family in Heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of HIS Glory HE may grant you to be strengthened with power through HIS Spirit in your inner being, so that CHRIST may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the Love of CHRIST that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of GOD.

    -In Spiritual Gifts-
1 Corinthians 1:4-8- I give thanks to my GOD always for you because of the Grace of GOD that was given you in CHRIST JESUS, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge even as the testimony about CHRIST was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Ephesians 4:7,11-12- But Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of CHRIST’S Gift. And HE gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of CHRIST.

    -Manifested: In Character And Conduct-
2 Corinthians 1:12- For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the Grace of GOD, and supremely so toward you.

Philippians 2:13- For it is GOD which works in you both to will and to do of [HIS] Good Pleasure.

    -In Character And Conduct Of The Righteous-
1 Corinthians 15:10- But by the Grace of GOD I am what I am, and his Grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the Grace of GOD that is with me.

2 Corinthians 1:12- For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the Grace of GOD, and supremely so toward you.

Philippians 2:13- For it is GOD which works in you both to will and to do of [HIS] Good Pleasure.

    -In Sustaining The Righteous-
1 Chronicles 17:7,8- Now, therefore, thus shall you say to MY servant David, 'Thus says The LORD of Hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

1 Corinthians 12:9- But HE said to me, "MY Grace is sufficient for you, for MY Power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me.

1 Peter 1:3-5- Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST! According to HIS Great Mercy, HE has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by GOD’S Power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Jude 24,25- Now to HIM who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of HIS Glory with great joy, to the only GOD, our SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, be Glory, Majesty, Dominion, and Authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

    -In Sustaining In Temptation-
1 Corinthians 10:13- No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. GOD is Faithful, and HE will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation HE will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Revelation 3:10- Because you have kept MY word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

-Manifestation Of-
Genesis 5:24- Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for GOD took him.

Genesis 6:8,17-18- But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish MY covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

Genesis 12:2- And I will make of you (Abraham) a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 21:22- At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "GOD is with you in all that you do.

Genesis 21:20- And GOD was with the boy (Ishmael), and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow.

Genesis 26:24- And the LORD appeared to him (Isaac) the same night and said, "I am the GOD of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake."

Genesis 46:3-4- Then HE said, "I am GOD, the GOD of your (Jacob) father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.

Genesis 48:15,16- And he blessed Joseph and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the GOD who has been my (Jacob) shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Genesis 39:2-3- The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.

Genesis 39:23- The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.