Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
Grace is a very common theme in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it usually refers to lovingkindess while in the New Testament, it usually means divine favour or goodwill. Grace is an essential part of God’s character. In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt with so generously. So the first part of our grace anatomy is:
Saving Grace
Salvation is God’s work. He gives the grace we need. Our “saving grace” is Christ Himself. His work on the cross is what saves us, not our own merit. Salvation is the work of the trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Without the gracious purpose of the Father, without the satisfactory work of the Son, and without the faithful agency of the Spirit, there is no salvation. Our salvation is A grace of God alone. Our salvation is IN Christ alone. Our salvation is BY His Spirit alone. So, understanding this really emphasizes Ephesians 2:8, “that not of yourselves.” We really have no contribution to our salvation. It is all by God’s grace that we are saved.
Sanctifying Grace
Saving grace results in our sanctification. To sanctify means to set apart or to declare holy; to consecrate; to be free from sin; or to purify. Therefore, sanctification the process by which God conforms us to the image of Christ. At the moment of salvation, God makes us new creatures.
Positional sanctification
When we are saved, our position will change from unholy to holy because now, as children of God, we belong to God. We are holy people, according to 1 Peter 2:9, but it’s not because we are “good people.” We are declared holy because we belong to God. We are now His children.
Progressive Sanctification
Although believers are made holy in Christ at salvation, we still sin. A Christian does not change his or her ways overnight. It is a work in progress which can be attained by taking a closer look at the Word of God – by studying our Bible.
Strengthening Grace
It is God’s plan for all of His children to experience His strength in their daily lives. Because of what Jesus did for us in His redemptive work, strength is now available to those who are in Christ. Just like saving grace must be received through faith, strengthening grace is received and released through faith. Faith can receive strength like it can receive salvation.
Sharing Grace
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been entrusted with the incredible privilege and responsibility of sharing the grace of God to others. Our lives are meant to be a living testimony, pointing people towards a personal relationship with Jesus, where they can experience the transformative power of His love and salvation. When we get saved, it should not stop there. We should pass the message. We should tell others about Jesus.
What a privilege that we can come boldly unto God’s throne of grace! Thank God we serve a loving and gracious God. Amen!