AMAZING
GRACE
by: Rev. Dan Corse
1. Few if any topics in Christianity have recently garnered the attention that the topic of grace has. On the one hand, for those having little or no understanding of grace, where they have received sound teaching that can and often has been a very good thing. On the other hand, for those encountering and embracing some of the out of balance and scripturally errant teachings that have appeared related to the topic of grace that has not been a good thing. With that understanding in mind, let’s briefly consider the subject of grace, hopefully revealing or reinforcing sound teaching on the topic while exposing and debunking some of the out of balance and errant things that have been said.
We shall start by clarifying the meaning of the word grace (charis) as used in the
New Testament related to salvation and spiritual growth. Thayer’s GreekEnglish Lexicon of the New Testament defines grace as “good-will, loving-kindness, favor.” Furthermore, Thayer’s notes that the word grace “contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved.” Expanding the definition Thayer’s states, “the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues” Focusing upon the idea of grace being good-will or favor, something granted which we did not earn, Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJ) quickly comes to mind: “For by grace you been saved
through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Clearly, this passage reveals that salvation is by faith alone (sola fide) with the realm of grace alone (sola gratia). The doctrine of sola gratia or salvation by grace alone is imperative in that it reveals to us that God saved us based on His mercy and goodness alone, not because we by virtue of our own inherent goodness or deeds were worthy of salvation.