Q: I hear the word being used, but what is grace?

A: Funny how Christians develop this tendency to talk in a sort of spiritual shorthand assuming the whole world understands what we’re talking about. Christianese terms such as fellowship, blessed, halleluiah, glory, glory halleluiah, sloppy agape or even greasy grace might make sense to some, but not everybody gets what we’re talking about.

When somebody asks, “Who is going to say grace?” They mean, who is going to thank God for providing the meal they’re about to consume. In some instances, they may even request He turn that chemical‑laden, sugar substitute of a dessert into actual food.

An easy way to spell out the meaning of grace is to consider the acronym, “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Grace is undeserved favor, or getting what we do not deserve.

According to scripture there is nothing we can possibly do to earn eternal life with God outside of surrendering everything we are to Him. (See John 14:6) It is the power of Jesus’shed blood on Calvary that cleanses all, not some of our sins away. (See 1John 1:7) Paul wrote, “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God; not the

result of works, so no bragging allowed.” (Eph 2:8‑9)

Paul’s letter to the Galatians was a rebuke. He even corrected Peter to his face for mixing his own personal efforts with God’s free grace in order to gain God’s approval. God so loves us that He sent Christ to die in our place, but He’s not impressed with our best efforts, good works or extraordinary accomplishments.

The logical conclusion is this: If we could attain eternal life by our performance of good deeds, we would have never needed Jesus to be crucified for our sins. God required death and bloodshed from Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. (See Heb 9:22) Jesus Christ has become our substitute sacrifice. (See Heb 10:10) Any sacrificial works or good deeds on our part are now the result of God’s free grace extended to us. Proper motivation for service is His never‑ending love for us. (See 2Cor 5:14)

We need God’s grace just to get anything right any day of the week. His grace even teaches us to deny ungodly behavior. (See Titus 2:11) The law says don’t lie, and then people start filling out their tax returns. The law doesn’t empower people to tell the truth; God’s grace does. (See Rom 2:4). The realization of God’s kindness leads us to repent, and repentance itself is a gift from God. (See Acts 5:31)

Are you serving God because you’re moved by His love for you, or because somebody expects you to? Learn to live in God’s grace and He’ll be doing the work through you with far greater effectiveness.

2 Peter 3:17‑18 Pastor Huck: www.calvarybcc.com