G R A C E Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

G R A C E Occurs 156 Times In N.T. derives from the Greek, charis G R A C E Occurs 156 Times In N.T. Derived from the Greek, “charis” and came to signify “favor,” “goodwill,” and “lovingkindness” God’s grace has been offered to the entire human family. “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit. 2:11).

G R A C E Conditional or Unconditional The fact of God’s grace, its prevalence or availability, is unconditional.  His abundant goodness provided without any merit But grace is conditional in terms of its enjoyment or its appropriation. (Heb. 5:9). All the ingredients for an abundant crop are God’s unconditional gifts: but the farmer has work.

it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” C E Is Not Earned “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

“Not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV) G R A C E “Not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV) Written to Gentiles who were not troubled by the issue of salvation by works of the Jewish law (Eph. 2:11; 3:1). Paul says "not by works," leaving off the characteristic end of this phrase, "of the law" (Rom. 3:20, 28; Gal. 2:16; 3:2, 5, 10). So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done. Our obedience does matter but we must never think of them as a means to earn what God freely gives: grace, mercy, love, salvation, new life. (Cf. Lk. 17:10)

G R A C E Been Defined G God’s R A Riches Simply C Insufficient E At Christ’s Expense

G R A C E God’s Unmerited Favor W. Tozer expanded on that: it is favor bestowed on sinners who deserve wrath. God’s Unmerited Favor W. Tozer expanded on that: "Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines him to bestow benefits on the undeserving." It is favor bestowed on sinners who deserve wrath.

A dynamic, active, working principle: Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

Is Not a One-Time Event In The G R A C E Is Not a One-Time Event In The Christian Experience Thus we could properly define grace as: “The free and benevolent influence of a holy God operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners.” Rom. 5:2 We stand in grace  Heb. 13:9 Driven and empowered by grace 2 Pet. 3:18 We are to grow in grace

What Makes The Grace of God so Amazing?

I.

G R A C E Bought With a Price I Cor. 6:19-20 Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. I Peter 1:18-19 Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

God’s Most Amazing Display of Grace… THE CROSS

G R A C E The Cost Jesus Paid Jesus was despised and rejected He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering, 3.He took our infirmities 4.He carried our sorrows 5.He was considered stricken by God (See Deut. 21:22, 23: Gal 3:13) 6.He was pierced (wounded) for our transgressions 7.He was crushed (bruised) for our iniquities 8.The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him 9.By His wounds we are healed 10.The LORD laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

God’s Grace is so Amazing Because of it’s Extent II. God’s Grace is so Amazing Because of it’s Extent

G R A C E Offered To The Entire Human Family “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit. 2:11). Does Not Mean All Will Be Saved

Potentially Available To All Who Will Accept God’s Plan of Redemption Rom. 3:21-26 Rom. 5:1; 6:3-4, 17 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13)

Relax: God’s Grace Covers Your Sin Extends To The Lowest Depths of Sin “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (I Tim. 1:15-16). I Cor. 6:9-11 Relax: God’s Grace Covers Your Sin

III.

Will Motivate Us To Excel In Good Deeds R A C E Will Motivate Us To Excel In Good Deeds Titus 3:7-8 “That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Zealous for good works – Tit. 2:14) Acts 4:33  “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”

God’s Great Love & Mercy “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them [the other apostles]; yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” I Cor. 15:10 Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

IV.

The Lord Provides Benefits G R A C E The Lord Provides Benefits  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits” (Psalms 103:2). “What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me?” (Psalms 116:12). He loveth righteousness and justice: The earth is full of the lovingkindness of Jehovah. (Psa. 33:5) He provides for all of our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16). Psa. 145:9

The Benefits of His Grace Healing for every wound Psa.147:3 Comfort for every sorrow Matt. 5:4 Assurance for every despair Psa. 34:17-20 Love for the unlovable Lk.6:27-26 Forgiveness For the unforgiven I Jno. 1:9 Courage for the discouraged Josh. 1:9

What these benefits Mean G R A C E What these benefits Mean Can climb every mountain Can cross every valley Can endure painful suffering Can bear every burden Thank God for the benefits of His grace.

Infinite – Limitless - Unfathomable G R A C E God’s Love is Infinite – Limitless - Unfathomable “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him” (Psa. 103:11). “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psa. 136:1). “Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love” (Micah 7:18).  John 3:16

The First & Foremost Question we should “listen to Him: (Matt. 17:5) G R A C E Conclusion The First & Foremost Question “Have you accepted God’s gift of love in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ?” Jesus Christ is the “beloved Son” of God, in whom God is well pleased (Matt. 3:17) Therefore, we should “listen to Him: (Matt. 17:5)

G R A C E