Understanding Grace as God’s Foundation

(John Sanders)

What is Grace?

You’ve probably heard an old statement “There but by the grace of God, go I”

My research tells me that it was probably a 16th century Protestant martyr named John Bradford that first said this as he watched some criminals being led to execution.  He recognized that only God’s grace separated him from their fate.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:  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.

Grace is the bedrock of everything that follows.  It is the opposite of what we deserve.

Grace Transforms Us Inwardly

In Roman 6:14, Paul tells us “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

When we truly understand what God has done for us, it reshapes how we think and how we live.  Grace is demonstrated within us by our love, care and concern for others.

Grace Compels The Way  We Treat Others

Just as our LORD paid the price for our debt, we must be like that and forgive others.  Put another way:  Because God extends grace to us, we should extend grace to others.  It isn’t optional – it flows naturally from receiving grace.  

[ Wait, what? ]

Let me clarify that statement.  It’s not natural from us.  Extending grace flows naturally from the Spirit’s work within us.  Human nature does not have that ability, it  can only be a supernatural operation of God’s power. When we receive God’s grace, it reshapes our inner character and allows us to forgive others.

Practical Application:  Forgiveness and Generosity

It took me a long time to forgive others, well some of them anyway.  I don’t know about you, but if you are holding on to some of that old baggage, I want you to know from my personal experience that it is like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  Weight that I didn’t even realize I was carrying.  

If you aren’t convinced, then let me suggest you pray for discernment and  read and study Matthew 18:21-35.  You may remember that it starts out with Peter asking “Lord, how often should I forgive my brother who sins against me?  Now, when he refers to brother, I think Peter is talking about fellow believers, but the principle extends further.  Jesus’s teaching on forgiveness extends beyond believers.  He explicitly commands us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us.  

It’s truly important for us to shine our light, show our grace and forgive others.