Saturday, August 16, 2008
Romans 5:20 But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.
GRACE
Our God wraps our whole life in His grace. Very often this is expressed with other words used together with grace: "Election of grace," "Time of grace," "Means of Grace."
Means of Grace - This term describes how the Holy Spirit brings the blessings Christ earned to individual hearts. The "Means of Grace" are the tools the Holy Spirit uses to create and sustain faith. The Means of Grace are the Gospel in Word and Sacrament. The Spirit uses the good news of Christ dying for our sins to change people from unbelievers to believers.
Time of Grace - This term describes the period of life here on earth during which God confronts people with the Gospel. It is during our lifetimes that God is about the business of restoring that righteous and holy image which Adam and Eve lost for us.
Election of Grace - Grace is one of the reasons God chose people already in eternity to come to faith. Christ's redemptive work is the other. The definition many learn already in the Catechism serves well for our understanding of grace: "undeserved kindness." It's in the general category with God's love, good will, and mercy. Without the quality of grace on God's part, there's no reason in all the world for Him to save mankind. In spite of all the evidence He left of His power and Godhead, people prefer a lie and their idols. Yet man's rebellion against God did not stop Him from sending His Son to save the world. "Where sin abounded grace abounded much more."
So, the next time your pastor greets you as he begins his sermon, take particular note: "Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." You don't deserve it. I don't either.
By grace! This ground of faith is certain;
So long as God is true, it stands.
What saints have penned by inspiration,
What in His Word our God commands,
What our whole faith must rest upon,
Is grace alone, grace in His Son.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 374)
- Adapted from "The Lutheran Spokesman"
(used by permission)
