Amazing Grace—this famous tune is well-known far beyond Christian circles. The words to this song, drenched in rich theology, were written by a man who knew precisely “how sweet the sound” that saved him. John Newton, a late 18th century pastor from Olney, England, is well known for penning the words to this treasured hymn. Lesser known, is that prior to his salvation and ministry, he was a sailor and captain, who spent years running African slaves as part of the English slave trade. His story of coming to faith is certainly compelling. To know Newton's story, is to know how personal this amazing grace was to him. This week’s attribute: God’s (amazing) grace.
Exodus 34:6-7 has been the cornerstone for this study of God’s attributes. Among the many attributes named in those verses, we find from God’s own words, that He is gracious. Any person truly reborn through faith in Christ, should pause at the thought of God’s grace. It is fitting to follow up talking about God’s mercy, by talking about God’s grace; the two are intertwined—yet, they are not the same thing. Mercy, as we learned, is not being given what your crime or offense deserves. Grace, on the other hand, is being given what you do not deserve (goodness), despite your crime or offense. Similar to mercy, God’s grace is not something that one just goes and takes hold on. God’s grace is the miracle work of salvation to the sinner, through faith in Christ, and it comes according to God’s mercy. It is by grace that we are saved—not by our works (Ephesians 2:4-8). God, in His mercy, does not give us what our sin deserves; instead, He gives us that which our sin does not deserve—forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) and eternal life (Titus 3:7).
Not only does God save us by His grace, He sustains us in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), He strengthens us for His service, (2 Timothy 2:1), He reaches others through our gospel witness (Ephesians 3:7-10), and He helps us to live simply and sincerely (2 Corinthians 1:12). God’s grace is not only the means by which we are saved, it is the means by which we are held, sustained, and live the Christian life. As we live the Christian life, we glorify a gracious God, only because we are saved and empowered to do so, by His grace. May the reality of God’s undeserved grace cause us to be gracious to those around us, as we embrace those beautiful words: “How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.”
Go Deeper:
Have you, through faith in Jesus Christ experienced God’s grace?
In the example of a gracious Lord, are you gracious toward others?
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)