Understanding the Riches of His Grace
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB
Grace is God’s gift to mankind. It is never earned by works but it is received by faith. God’s grace has multiple facets like a beautiful diamond. While we were yet sinners God demonstrated His grace. This is His unmerited favor that Christ died for us. We don’t deserve it but God gave His Son to die for our sins and bring us back into a living relationship with Him by the blood of Jesus. In Christ, He also raised us up and seated us with Him in the heavenly places. His grace did not just save us. His grace brought us back to glory!
It is by His grace through faith that we receive and inherit glorious state and identity in Christ. Without grace, we are hopeless creatures separated from God and headed for eternal judgment. His grace gave us a new life, a new identity, and a new reality! We now live from the reality of heaven as we face the challenges of life here on earth. We are no longer slaves to the forces of this world. Victory is assured for His grace is enough.
We are His workmanship of grace and we have a glorious destiny that lies ahead of us we are now fashioned unto good works prepared by our Good Father. Oh, the depths of His wisdom and His love towards us!
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
Amazing Grace by John Newton