Grace is a deep and rich term which is one of the foundation stones of Christianity. It can hardly be captured in one sentence, but the Bible has much to say about grace.
Grace is the power that saved us. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, but it is a gift of God.” God gives us grace. We do not produce it in our own selves. It is nothing that we have earned, but it is something we receive by faith.
Grace gives us the power to live free from sin. Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” We are free to live without chains because of grace.
In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul talks about a conversation he had with God. He asked God three times to remove the thorn that he was dealing with. “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 about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’” This is a picture of grace at work. God’s supernatural power enabled Paul to overcome, despite the challenges he had.
Grace is the difference-maker. We are all at different levels, with different strengths, and difference places in our journey with God. Grace takes our shortages and deficits and calls us justified, or blameless. Romans 3:20-24 says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through redemption that came by Jesus Christ.”
Grace enables us to do beyond our natural abilities. Acts 6:8 says that Stephen was able to perform great wonders and signs because he was full of God’s grace and power. Grace is that enabling factor that qualifies us to partner with God’s power and bring change that aligns the natural with heaven.
Grace is that ingredient that makes us in right standing with God, and it is the element that enables us to do mighty exploits in the God’s name. We cannot be saved without grace, and we cannot overcome without grace. As we receive and yield to His grace, we can walk fully in everything God has provided for us.