“……………, because of the grace that is given to me of God. That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,…………. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. – Romans 15: 15,16,17(KJV).
Paul the Apostle acknowledges that his apostleship to the Gentiles is by grace that was given him by God. The unconditional love of God extended to us manifested in Christ at the cross by which redemption was wrought for us. Grace is built on the eternal love of God for humanity. Grace can be defined as free and unmerited divine love shown to man through redemption for our regeneration and sanctification. This is further illustrated in Ephesians 2:5(KJV) “Even when we were dead in sins, hath he quickened us together with Christ, by grace are ye saved”. This divine unmerited favour was manifested in Christ Jesus as stated in John 3:16(KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. The grace of God conferred on man tremendous blessings that are immeasurable such as salvation, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” – Ephesians 1:5(KJV). Our salvation is by grace which is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8). We are also justified by His grace “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:24. Apostle Paul stated that his labour in Christ is by the grace of God. “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; for I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but by the grace of God which was with me” – 1 Corinthians 15:10(KJV). It is the grace of God that enables us to form a very strong Christian character. Our financial freedom and prosperity is also embedded in God’s grace, 2 Corinthians 8:9(KJV) “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” Our prosperity and liberality in grace is further stated in 2 Corinthians 9:8(KJV) “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
Finally the scriptures admonishes us to grow in grace “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18(KJV). We can grow in grace by a total submission to the Holy Spirit and having a lifestyle dedicated study and meditation of the Word of God.
Prayer: Oh God grant me the grace to live a life that is pleasing unto you. In Jesus name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo