His Abounding Grace
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Romans 5:20 (KJV)
God’s grace is His divine power, enablement, favor, and ability. It is the sum of His earthly blessings and empowerment for ministry. Grace is received by us from God as we receive Christ and His finished work on the cross. That is the plan of redemption.
For 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Romans 2:8-10 (KJV)
Grace is God’s gift that we receive by faith; can’t be earned. We receive His gift to make us new creations (II Corinthians 5:17), to give us all that belongs to us in Christ. When we are weak, grace strengthens us. When we sin, grace pardons us. What we lack in ourselves, grace is more than able to supply.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.II Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)
God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Grace, mercy, peace and love are multiplied to us (II Timothy 1:2). Grace releases in our lives what we need. We just have to receive it by faith, and then use it. God graces us to overcome. He graces us with gifts (Romans 12). Grace bestows on us every good gift from God.
We can’t exhaust God’s grace. There is an ever-flowing, always new supply. God’s Word is a grace book, and He gives us words of grace to speak (Luke 4:22, Colossians 4:6). Grace will give us the words to answer people. Grace helps us to grow in Christ and the knowledge of Christ. It helps us to think right, to talk right, and to do right.
We grow in the fruit of the Spirit by grace (Galatians 5:22-23). We flow in the gifts of the Spirit by grace (I Corinthians 12:1-11). Grace helps us to pray, sing, and worship God. Grace helps us to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1 & 2).
Grace releases God’s glory in our lives. When we go through things, the Spirit of grace and glory rests upon us to overcome (I Peter 4:14). Grace gives us access to God and His promises, power, and presence (Hebrews 4:16). The more we receive and live out this grace, the free gift that is Jesus Christ Himself (John 1:14, 16), the more we will flow in the rhythms of God’s grace. Grace will flow like a river from God through us, allowing the river of the Holy Spirit to touch others.
Grace sets us free and keeps us free to make us all that God wants for us to be.
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)
