GRACE
GRACE is what God may be free to do after Christ went to the Cross – and what he has been doing since the Cross. …… for 2,000 year. (This statement is one of many profound truths that every Seminary should teach its young ministerial students. God because of His Holy character could not offer forgiveness of sin and a righteous standing in the Kingdom. To permit God to offer Eternal life as a free gift someone had to take care of the sin problem. When Christ paid a price He did not owe – because mankind had a debt it could not pay – then God was free to exercise His Grace.
Distinguish GRACE from MERCY. (Eph. 2:4)
God quickened the dead body of Christ on Easter Morning.
He quickens us in a similar manner spiritually.
MERCY is the compassion of God that moved Him to provide a salvation from sin. Compassion alone could not save until there was a satisfactory way of dealing with sin.
Illustration: A relative because of hospital costs has gotten behind on his mortgage payments. My sympathy does no good at the bank; they want dollars. So, if I am going to really help, I’ll give him the money to meet back payments and save foreclosure.
MERCY is the Compassion of God which moved Him to provide a Saviour for the Unsaved.
DIVINE LOVE provided the plan (John 3:16)
God’s GRACE could not operate until a plan was provided to pay the debt of sin.
Illustration: Recently I knew of a man with cancer. His wife could not continue to work without medical assistance. I Prayed for them. But, until she could return to work they needed groceries. So, I sent money instead of a sympathy card.
Distinguish GRACE from MERCY. (Eph. 2:4)
God quickened the dead body of Christ on Easter Morning.
He quickens us in a similar manner spiritually.
MERCY is the compassion of God that moved Him to provide a salvation from sin. Compassion alone could not save until there was a satisfactory way of dealing with sin.
Illustration: A relative because of hospital costs has gotten behind on his mortgage payments. My sympathy does no good at the bank; they want dollars. So, if I am going to really help, I’ll give him the money to meet back payments and save foreclosure.
MERCY is the Compassion of God which moved Him to provide a Saviour for the Unsaved.
DIVINE LOVE provided the plan (John 3:16)
God’s GRACE could not operate until a plan was provided to pay the debt of sin.
Illustration: Recently I knew of a man with cancer. His wife could not continue to work without medical assistance. I Prayed for them. But, until she could return to work they needed groceries. So, I sent money instead of a sympathy card.
