What is Grace?
Grace, often defined as "God's Riches at Christ's Expense", is a central theme in Christian theology. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it is the foundation upon which the entire gospel message rests. Grace is the unearned, unmerited favour of God bestowed upon humanity.
Grace is frequently paired with mercy, though there is a subtle distinction between them. Grace emphasises God’s blessings on those who are undeserving, while mercy involves the withholding of judgement that is deserved. These concepts are often interlinked, especially in salvation: God, in His mercy, restrains His righteous anger toward sin, and in His grace, bestows upon us the gift of eternal life with Him.
Without a proper understanding of grace, one risks missing the essence of the gospel and remaining lost in sin. Furthermore, many Christians who recognise that they were saved by grace mistakenly believe that their ongoing spiritual growth, or practical sanctification, relies on their own efforts (Galatians 3:3), rather than on further supplies of grace. This blog post will focus on saving grace and in the next one we will consider sanctifying grace.
Salvation by Grace Alone
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, powerfully emphasises the role of grace in salvation. He writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here, Paul clearly states that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through human effort or righteousness. Renouncing self-effort and self-righteousness, we are directed instead to rely fully on God's mercy and grace.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
To illustrate the difference between self-righteousness and genuine faith, Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee, a religious man, believed his external obedience to the law made him righteous before God. He prayed from a proud heart, thanking God that he was not like other people: extortioners, unjust, or adulterers. He then boasted about his works – fasting and tithing.
In contrast, the tax collector, considered by many to be a traitor and a sinner, approached God with a humble heart. He stood at a distance, not even daring to lift his eyes to heaven, and simply asked for God's mercy. Unlike the Pharisee, who relied on his own righteousness, the tax collector recognised his sinfulness and need for God's mercy and grace.
Justification by Faith
Jesus concludes the parable by declaring that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified – that is, declared righteous in God's eyes. This highlights a crucial gospel truth: salvation is not received by the recitation of prayers or by performing religious rituals, but rather when one comes to God with a humble heart in repentance and with genuine faith. Many people may look back on a moment when they prayed a "sinner's prayer" and believe that was enough to save them. The Pharisee might have thought similarly about his religious practices, yet he lacked the true righteousness that comes through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Paul reiterates this truth in Romans 4:3, where he explains that "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (NIV). This righteousness was not due to Abraham's works but was the result of God's grace, extended to him through faith. This runs contrary to our natural instincts, which tell us that we must earn what we receive. The gospel, however, requires us to renounce our own merits, and receive what we cannot earn by trusting entirely in the righteousness of God.
A New Identity in Christ
Through grace, the Christian is no longer defined by their past sins but is seen by God as righteous. This new identity is received immediately upon accepting the gift of salvation through faith. While a new believer may not fully grasp the depth of this freedom for some time, it does not change the fact that, in God's eyes, they are declared righteous.
This transformation is akin to the experience of soldiers imprisoned during World War II. After the official surrender of Japan on 15th August 1945, many prisoners continued to suffer from malnutrition and harsh conditions, even though they were legally free. Similarly, when God declares a sinner righteous, they may not fully experience or appreciate all the blessings that come with salvation, but their new status before God is immediate and irrevocable.
The Comfort of Grace
In a world where identity is increasingly elusive and confused, the Christian can find great comfort in knowing that their identity is rooted in the grace of God. This grace is entered into through faith (Romans 5:2) and is not based on personal achievements or failures but on an unchanging God. The believer can be assured that they are accepted, loved, and secure in Christ (Ephesians 1:2-6), regardless of their performance.
As we navigate our lives, it is crucial to remember that the foundation of our salvation and our identity as Christians is grace. This grace not only saves us but also sustains us in our daily walk with God, but more of that next time.
