The subject of God’s amazing grace is as vast as the nature of grace itself. Grounded in the very character of God and brought forth because of His love, grace literally encompasses every part of the Christian experience. Sadly, at times, there have been different errors associated with God’s grace. Therefore, today’s sermon is written to help give the basic foundation of God’s grace and today’s popular errors to avoid. Get ready to experience new levels of God’s great grace!

SERIES TEXT

Ephesians 2:8-10, “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

DEFINITIONS

  1. GRACE: Charis (Greek):
    1. particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver (CWSB Dictionary).
    2. Unearned and unmerited favor.
    3. G.R.A.C.E: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!
  2. CHEAP GRACE: is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate (Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship). Example: Medicine that is missing its key components is weak and powerless to heal the disease.
  3. COSTLY GRACE: is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him (Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship). Example: Medicine that has all its key components is effective and powerful to heal the person completely.

TWENTY-FOUR ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S GRACE*

  1. The grace of God is grounded in the person of Jesus Christ, John 1:14.
  2. The grace of God saves us unto good works, Ephesians 2:8-10.
  3. The grace of God justifies us, Romans 3:24.
  4. The grace of God gives us the forgiveness of all sin, Ephesians 1:7.
  5. The grace of God gives us our new identity, 1 Corinthians 15:10.
  6. The grace of God sets us free from the master of sin, Romans 6:14.
  7. The grace of God calls us into ministry, Galatians 1:15.
  8. The grace of God builds up our lives, Acts 20:32.
  9. The grace of God gives us eternal life, Romans 5:21.
  10. The grace of God gives us power to do the works of God, Acts 4:33.
  11. The grace of God has chosen us as a remnant to serve God, Romans 11:5.
  12. The grace of God empowers us to work hard for Jesus, 1 Corinthians 15:10.
  13. The grace of God gives us eternal encouragement and hope, 2 Thessalonians 2:16.
  14. The grace of God gives us spiritual gifts, Romans 12:6
  15. The grace of God teaches us to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, Romans 12:3.
  16. The grace of God produces good fruit, Colossians 1:6.
  17. The grace of God enables us to build Christ’s church, 1 Corinthians 3:10.
  18. The grace of God gives us a spirit of giving and generosity in the church, 2 Corinthians 8:7.
  19. The grace of God makes us sufficient to pass every trial we face, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
  20. The grace of God gives us Abraham’s inheritance, Galatians 3:18.
  21. The grace of God keeps us from trying to be justified by the law and good works, Galatians 5:4.
  22. The grace of God compels us to preach the gospel, Ephesians 3:8.
  23. The grace of God strengthens our heart to resist condemnation, Hebrews 13:9.
  24. The grace of God teaches us to say no to ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.

*To neglect any of these attributes, is to cheapen the grace of God. However, together they make the fullness of God’s grace powerful in our lives!

John 1:16, “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”