Introduction: What is this thing that we call Grace? An unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or salvation. Grace is being let free from the barriers of our sinfulness. Ephesians 2:8 say, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. So Grace is a gift from God, that we cannot produce, it is received through faith for our salvation. Grace is only granted though God, He is the judge that will decide whether or not to extend a pardon. In order to understand grace, today we are going to see and understand that grace is a gift of God and cannot come from human efforts.
Big Idea: How can we receive Grace?
Point 1. We cannot earn grace, by doing good works. 2 Tim. 1:9-10 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. God had paved the road for grace long before creation. This plan of grace did not occur overnight, It occurs thought the redeeming blood of Jesus. Jesus defeated death and granted us a pardon though his death on the cross. Roman 11:6 says, And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. If we could produce grace then what would we need Christ for? His death would be worthless, and we wouldn't need to be gathered here today. No matter what we do here on Earth, whether we, serve the public, give to the poor, act as an all around good guy, it is still not enough. We will not receive grace though our works, if we did it wouldn't be grace.
Point 2, We must also have, a sense of humility, PR 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. It is very hard for a proud man to receive grace. PR 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. It is a shame but so often people never experience the grace of God because of their own pride.
Point 3, In order to experience the grace of God we must accept Christ. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. It is by Christ and his blood shed on the cross that Grace comes alive. John 1:17, says. For the law was given through Moses; Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace came though Christ Crucified, without him we cannot experience Grace. Jesus said(John8:32), that you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free, this is also true about grace. It is though Christ that we shall know grace and grace shall set us free.
Conclusion, Today we have come to the realization, that grace is something that we cannot earn, it cannot be bought, worked for. It comes though our humility and acceptance of the Crucified Savior. Our eternal salvation rests upon our acceptance, and granted pardon from God. Ephesians 2:8. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- Verse 9 is the rest of the story, not by works so that no one can boast.
