Romans 5:17 and 20 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Some verses that further talk about abundant grace are Rom 5:15, 2Cor 4:15, and 1Tim 1:14. The Greek definition for abundant is, “Superabundance; exceeding or excessive; more than is required; over and above measure”. That is God’s grace. It is over the top. It is truly amazing. Webster’s 1828 Dict. defines amazing as, “Confounding with fear, surprise or wonder; Very wonderful; exciting astonishment or perplexity.” That certainly describes God’s grace! It is surprising, wonderful, and exciting!

Grace is used 159 times in the Bible: 37 times in the Old Testament and 122 times in the New Testament. It first appears in Genesis 6:8, and last appears in the last verse of the Bible, Revelation 22:21. Charis, which is the Greek word for grace, is defined as, “Unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor, good will, and loving kindness.” It is the total gift of God, and impossible to earn. It can only be received. It is all of God’s goodness poured out freely on mankind through the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Where does saving grace emanate from? The throne of God (Heb 4:16). There is a human level grace that may show mercy from time to time; but only pure saving grace comes from God. Who brought us this grace? Jesus Christ (Jn 1:17). Access to God’s saving grace only comes through Jesus Christ. To whom is this grace available? All mankind. Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” God’s saving grace is available to all - yes, even you.

Who can receive this grace? James 4:6 says, “…God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” While God’s grace is available to all, only the humble can receive it. Why is this? Because only the humble know they need it. The proud think they can do just fine on their own. Only the humble can be saved. How is this grace received? Through faith (Rom 5:1-2, Eph 2:8-9). Faith is the key that unlocks God’s grace. Grace cannot be earned. It is not of works (Rom 4:4, 11:6). If you worked for one ounce of grace, then it would cease to be grace. If you could earn it, then God would be in debt to you. He will not allow that. His goodness and salvation can only be received. Your boss does not give you a paycheck by grace. You earn every penny. You worked for it. However, if he gives you a bonus at the end of the year, that is grace. You were already paid for what you did. A bonus isn’t earned, it is only received.

We frustrate, or set aside, God’s grace by trying to attain it through works (Gal 2:21). Was the death of Jesus worthless? That is what you say if you try to earn salvation through works. Grace is the highest level of God’s goodness. There is nowhere to go but down if you reject it. That is why Galatians 5:4 says you have fallen from grace if you try to earn it. Christ becomes of no effect unto you. You can never, never, never earn God’s grace! Never!

However, that does not mean grace is a license - a free pass - to sin. Paul answered that in Rom 6:1-2, 15. On the contrary, grace delivers you from sin (Rom 6:14). Anyone who believes God’s grace is an excuse to sin is either ignorant, unsaved, or both. In truth, the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:11-12). It actually motivates us to spiritual labor and good works (Eph 2:10, 1Cor 15:10).

We are declared righteous by faith in God’s grace (Rom 3:24, Titus 3:7). Through God’s grace, we stand justified: Just-as-if-I’d never sinned. We stand holy, pure, and accepted in His sight, because we stand in Jesus Christ. What an awesome truth!

We should grow in grace (2Pt 3:18). We should be strong in grace (2Tim 2:1). God’s grace is sufficient for us (2Cor 12:9). His grace builds us up (Act 20:32). God’s grace should be on our lips (Col 4:6, Eph 4:29).

Finally, God’s grace is the Gospel (Gal 1:6-7, Act 20:24). If you’re not preaching grace, then you’re not preaching the Gospel. They are one in the same. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Grace of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of God is the grace of God. Gospel means, “The almost too good to be true news”! God’s amazing grace is almost too good to be true - but it is true! Praise God for the Gospel! Praise God for His amazing grace! Until next time, rejoice in the Lord!