Grace, Grace, God's Grace

Steve

This blog attempt is to really define what God's grace has accomplished. As I sing Amazing Grace this undersanding is what is in that hymn. Now because it is in a nhymn and stirrs the emotions does not make the doctrine Biblical but I do believe the hymn was written not on emotion but based on the biblical definition of grace. May this writing bless you to grasp the depth of the love of Christ for you!

A. Mans Sinfulness - Humanity became corrupted in Adam’s fall (Gen. 3 w/ Rom.5)

1.) Sin brought death and bondage

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2.) Sinfulness of man (depravity) is inherited by all human beings. Adam was the federal head of man and our representative. In Adam sin passed upon all mankind.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

3.) All mankind is corrupt down in the core of their being .

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

4.) Sinful men are not able to do any spiritual good.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

5.) Eternal guilt is placed upon mankind due to Adams sin and each man’s actual sin.

Psalms 130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

6.) Depravity is total ( all the parts of man is depraved)

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

7.) Man’s total depravity can only be counteracted by mercy and grace from God.

Man’s healing (salvation) is provided in a sufficient manner in the cross of Jesus Christ on which he shed His blood as an atonement for the sins of His people.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

II. Unconditional Election

1.) God was not obligated to save anyone. In His justice he could have left fallen, sinful, depraved man in the guilt of his sin and eternally damned. God however, did not do this and the marvel is this: that He chose to save anyone. This we know he did according to His pleasure (Eph. 1:3-14).

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

2.) God did not choose His people because of anything He saw in them nor did he see what they would but only because of the pleasure of His good will.

John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

3.) He chose His people on the basis of His good will.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

4.) Paul gives the order of salvation in Romans chapter eight.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

NOTE: Election Affects Worship

a.) Election effects our worship of God. This doctrine causes His people to magnify Him as the Sovereign Lord.

(b.) Election humbles redeemed individuals. They see the depth of their sin and the great mercy and grace of God in their salvation.

III.Particular / Limited or Definite Atonement

Definition: Atonement is the covering of the guilt of the believer’s sin by the shed blood of Christ. In the atonement Divine justice satisfied, the believer is reconciled, and then is in the favor of God. Jesus paid the full penalty for sin. His blood turned away God wrath from His people (Matt. 1:21).

“For Whom did Christ Die?” This part of the doctrines concerning grace answers the question, “For whom did Christ die?” In history there has been four basic answers to this question. I will list the answers others have given. Answers that have been given are the following:

Answers:

# 1 Statement of an Answer: "Christ died for no one he was just a good person that died for what he believed."

Response:

The Christian church has always rejected this answer for there is no Biblical thought nor consideration in this answer whatsoever.

#2 Statement of an answer: "All human beings are saved. If Christ atoned for the sins of all human beings then all individuals are saved. Their sin then no longer offends God and there is no need for a judgment, damnation, or hell."

Response:

The church has held on Biblical grounds that not all individuals are saved and that there will be a judgment and an eternal hell (Rev. 20:15; 21:8)

# 3 Statement of answer: "Christ died for all human beings so that all that wanted to could be saved. God only made salvation possible for all people. In Christ’s blood there is value but that value is only applied when an individual chooses to accept it. God’s desire is that all will be saved but he did not accomplish this in the atonement of Christ."

Response:

This answer contradicts what God has said in the Bible about human beings (see the sinfulness of man / total depravity). This answer is man’s reasoning concerning the blood of Christ and not based only upon scripture. It is pure conjecture with a few “proof texts” taken out of context.

# 4 Statement of answer: "The blood of Christ was for a purpose and that was to make atonement to redeem the elect."

Response:

This is the only Biblical answer to the question at hand. The Biblical answer is outlined in the section below.

1.) God loved some particular fallen men prior to the creation of the world. This was part of His eternal decrees.

Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

2.) Jesus came from the Father to redeem His particular people.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

3.) Jesus prayed only for His people specifically.

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

4.) Jesus did not just make salvation possible but He made it particular. He came for a purpose!!!!

John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

5.) Those whom He died for will be saved and none of them will be lost.

John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

IV. Irresistible Grace

1.) There is unity in the Trinity in the desire and work. That work will be accomplished because they have decreed it to be so. This section of the doctrine of grace points to the undisputed fact that what God has decreed each member of the Trinity will do. They will accomplish their work to bring the decree into reality.

1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

2.) It is the pleasure of the Father, the first person of the Trinity, that elects and gives some fallen men to the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

3.) It is the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, that makes atonement for those whom the Father gave Him.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

4.) It is the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, that regenerates the heart of the sinner and brings then to repentance and faith for salvation. The Holy Spirit gives those given to the Son by the Father a new heart so that they can in faith believe for the application of redemption.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

5.) God’s grace unto salvation is expressed in the gifts of faith, repentance and life.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by

grace ye are saved;)

6.) Those who God has called will have the inward work of repentance and faith and will certainly believe in Christ’s work of redemption.

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

E. The Preservation and Perseverance of the Saints

1.) This section of the doctrine of grace gives the believer a real hope, a certainty that the destiny of their lives is glory. It is God who will fulfill His salvation in us and carry us to our eternal home to ever be with Him.

1 Peter 1:1-9 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ : Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

2.) The believer perseveres in his or her faith because the Lord perseveres with the believer.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(Look also at the benediction : 1 Thess. 5:23-24; Jude 1:24)3.) The whole Trinity works in their functions to secure the believer in the destiny set for them by the Father in their redemption. The Lord Jesus carried out the Father’s plan (see atonement).

John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. ( see Jn. 10:28-29; 17:11-12; 1 Cor. 1:7-9)

4.) The Holy Spirit applies and seals the work of the second person of the Trinity.

Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

5.) There is no salvation or security to unbelievers even though they use the name of Christ .

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

6.) By grace God called some from Spiritual death to Spiritual life.Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7.) True believers show evidence of the progressive work of God in their hearts and lives. This is called progressive sanctification.

Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

8.) True believers will repent when they sin. They may for a while ignore their conscience but God will by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God convict them and bring repentance.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.

I do hope this has helped simplisticly clarify God's amazinggrace in it depth and scope as much

as can be understood by humans. Now, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”