When I think of the word “grace,” this definition from Strong’s Concordance for the Greek “charis,” #G5485, matches my idea of the “Amazing Grace” of my God; it is the word from which practically any biblical reference to grace originates.
Of 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
In my walk with the Lord, I have focused much more on the first part – in bold, than on the italicized portion. His merciful kindness has saved me! Hallelujah! Where would we be if not for His merciful kindness?! But, wait! There’s more! Grace includes the power we need to go forward, to be more Christ-like, to grow, and endure. II Corinthians 6:1 says, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” In other words, do not waste what has been given. The amazing grace that we sing of not only saves us, but is available to empower us.
Several verses in the New Testament tie together grace and power or strength. Have we been cutting grace short? We don’t have to be intimidated!
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 2:1And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9 KJVThe Amplified version of that same verse explains further:
But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
II Corinthians 12:9 AMP
It is HIS power made perfect in my weakness. What wonderful news; I don’t have to count on myself alone. Acts 20:32 says, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” His grace builds us up! This grace empowered the apostles to endure heartbreak after Christ had gone back to the Father, to then establish the church, and even to face extreme persecution. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all,” (Acts 4:33). That same power is available to you and me, so nothing can stop us from building His kingdom.
Grace specifically gives us the strength to live holy lives. To receive the “merciful kindness” of the Greek “charis” without using the power to “increase in Christian faith, knowledge, affection…to the exercise of the Christian virtues” seems to indicate receiving grace “in vain” as II Corinthians 6:1 states.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Romans 6:15Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:6
The gospel of grace means Jesus has not missed a thing and He has made a way for us to be one with Him and to grow to live more and more as He lived. Grace upon grace! Glory to Him!
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1:14-17Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
II Peter 1:2-3
Grace and truth came by our saviour Jesus, His fulness! As II Peter 1:2-3 exhorts us with the promise of “all things,” let us not make excuses and take for granted the great grace that was made available to us at such a high cost! Let us draw strength and proceed!
*See also John Bevere’s The Awe of God p.127-131
