8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. If you are facing a situation that would normally be devastating or overwhelming to you, grab hold of this good news: God has made a special measure of His “mercy” available to you! As Titus 2:12-14 and Romans 12:1-2 (above) teach us, God’s grace in Christ demands the denial of the wrong things in life (by the strength of God’s grace) and direction and obedience toward the right things. John 1:14, 16 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Grace, mercy, and peace - Grace, the favor and approbation of God. So when a person greeted someone with this salutation, it was the equivalent of his saying, “I greet you with grace and favor.”. 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Where are we seeking our peace? Grace and Mercy: What do They Mean? Philippians 4:6-9 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. In all of the apostle Paul’s epistles, he begins by greeting his readers with “grace” and “peace.” The exact wording from letter to letter may vary, but each of these epistles begin with some variation of a greeting that involves the words “grace” and “peace.” (See Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; and Philemon 1:3). Grace, one might say, is the work of God for man and encompasses everything we receive from God. 14 But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Its basic idea is simply “non-meritorious or unearned favor, an unearned gift, a favor or blessings bestowed as a gift, freely and never as merit for work performed.”, Grace is “that which God does for mankind through His Son, which mankind cannot earn, does not deserve, and will never merit”1. Grace breaks down the wall of hostility; mercy removes the consequences and peace is the result. God shows both mercy and grace, but they are not the same. Writing Timothy to encourage him to be strong in the Lord, Paul began his second letter by once more inserting the word “mercy” between the words “grace” and peace.” He said, “To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace…” (2 Timothy 1:2). 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Then – and only then – comes the peace of God. Philippians 2:1-4 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. The Search OF the Savior: Why Jesus Came, Part 1 (Luke 19:1-10), Bible Storying Series - Teaching The Story Of God Chronologically, Bible Teaching Ideas: The Ten Commandments And Ten Fingers. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. Answer: Mercy and grace are closely related. Every believer a priest—members of a royal priesthood (1 Pet. They are two faces of the same coin – the love of God. May we be praise God for his grace and shalom peace we have because of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:1-5There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. His throne is the throne of grace! Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? The word for peace is eirhnh. Grace. Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. The apostle Paul starts all of his letters with the prayer that grace and peace will come to the reader. The circumstances Titus faced were so immense that when Paul wrote to him, he said, “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace…”(Titus 1:4). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For instance, when he wrote his first letter to Timothy (the book of First Timothy), Timothy was feeling overwhelmed by the phenomenal growth in the church under his care. Now, what does this outpouring of “GRACE, PEACE, and MERCY” mean? 1 Charlse Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life, Moody Press, Chicago, 1986, p. 416). 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain-- if indeed it was in vain? he chose his two terms “grace” and “peace” carefully. A salvation by grace through faith is simply too easy. 2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Romans 5:20–6:1 And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Though weak and without capacity for spiritual things, grace means special divine ability is secured for the believer through the grace of God which is ours in Christ. “Peace” was a typical Jewish greeting (cf. Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion; it is often spoken of in the context of God’s not punishing us as our sins deserve. 4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. "Grace" and "mercy" are words that most people are familiar with in a general sense. Question: "What is the difference between mercy and grace?" It refers to a state of harmony and well being. 36:6), Walking by our own man made fire brands to light our path (Isa. All Rights Reserved. 17:5), Hewing out cisterns, broken cisterns that hold no water (Jer. Gifted for ministry (1 Pet. 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. was a 1966 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a former pastor of 28 years. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. The following study is a brief overview of the grace and peace offered to believers in Christ. Romans 13:1-7 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Humans are weak and unworthy – we all need God’s mercy and grace. (2) The Blessing of Enablement (spiritual power and capacity). God’s gracious salvation and work for man in Christ is to the “praise of the glory of His grace.”. In the faith - The word πιστις, faith, is taken here for the whole of the Christian religion, faith in Christ being its essential characteristic. Consequently we turn to our own solutions, strategies, and methods for life which range all the way from humanism and legalism—we ignore God’s divine operating assets or grace and depend on self to the opposite, which is license—using God’s grace as an occasion for the flesh. If you’ve ever felt like problems were mounting and growing all around you and you didn’t have enough strength to make it another step, then I have some very good news for you! Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Indwelt by the Spirit of God for power or ability to live the Christian life (Rom. It becomes quite evident from this that grace never means the right to unbridled living or doing as one pleases because we stand in the grace of God. God promises mercy to me, and I receive it by faith. 6:15), Christ is Himself called our peace (Eph. Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. L. M. Grant. Paul calls attention to three major themes: grace, peace, and love. While “grace to you and peace” recall the normal Greek and Hebrew greetings. 5:20). 3 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, The Grace of God, Moody, Chicago, p. 52. Another meaning is ‘favour’, and so we see that the words ‘grace’ and ‘mercy’ are closely intertwined being used at the same time. MERCY is God’s “DIVINE RELIEF” in providing a Saviour for sinful mankind. 1. Believers will be judged or examined for their works for rewards, but not as a basis of salvation. Several years after Paul wrote that first letter to Timothy, the political environment in the Roman Empire radically changed and public opinion turned violently against believers. Timothy was feeling so challenged that he apparently wrote a letter to Paul, asking him for advice on how to choose leaders for his fast-growing congregation. Jesus taught Mercy (Mt 9:13) a. b. Until we know and appropriate grace, we can’t experience peace. 16 Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. Grace, mercy, and peace were common … The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Paul’s salutations add a new flavor, however, due to the meaning of the words “grace” and “peace” for believers in Christ. This grace does not cease with salvation from sin’s penalty, but continues on as the foundation of the believer’s life with God throughout all eternity. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. So, God can show His goodness and kindness to any man or woman, in order to give them a favour. For many believers, the concept of grace goes little beyond the basic definition of “unmerited favor” or “the free gift of God.” But since grace is at the very heart, indeed, it is the very foundation and fountain of true Christianity, we should have a better grasp of this important word and its truth. It literally teaches us how we should live and motivates us to do so. When you became aware of that special mercy, how did it affect both your attitude and the situation you were facing? Rather than works that merit God’s favor, the idea is we are to walk in a manner that is consistent or fitting with our calling, not in a manner that merits God’s love. This would have been a monstrous task for even the most seasoned leader, and it loomed before Titus as a huge and daunting assignment. This is the personal peace which God gives to the individual through fellowship with the Lord, or through walking in concord with God with all known sin confessed and turned over to God’s grace. Grace. This is the peace of a world without war and disharmony which can only occur with the return and reign of the Lord (cf. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved. 1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. But what about Ephesians 4:1 which reads, “I … entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called?” Does that not suggest works that are worthy? Grace is something that comes from God. 2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. John’s comment here is more a reminder of God’s promised blessings than a simple friendly greeting. 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Ryrie puts it this way, “The final cause of the revelation of the grace of God in Christ is not creed, but character”3, (5) Grace glorifies God because it reveals God’s person, His glory and excellence. 1) First, as some commentators have suggested, Paul’s use of “grace and peace” echoes elements of the Aaronic benediction, originally spoken over Israel, recited at our church every week at the conclusion of our gatherings—May the LORD be "gracious to you…and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26, emphasis added). 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:2-9). Do you want to have no fear of authority? This threefold cord is wonderfully strong when each of its strands is woven rightly with the others. Children of God, members of God’s family (Eph. It is safe and correct to say that grace is God's kindness to those who do not deserve it. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Do you lack peace in some area of your life? Leaning on the arm of the flesh which leaves one in desert like conditions (Jer. Just as the Church had grown quickly before this change occurred, it now began to quickly diminish as believers were captured, imprisoned, enslaved, and killed. 28 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" The epistles of Paul begin with a salutation that always includes the words, “grace to you and peace” or “grace, mercy, and peace” as in the case of 1 and 2 Timothy. There are four main areas or blessings that God’s grace provision encompasses. 3. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 2. 8:30). 12:4-7). 3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Do we really know what they mean when we proclaim them in prayer? f. It is the foundation for Grace. So the little phrase "from God" is rich with meaning. 20). 2:5,9). Not only do we need to be oriented to grace, but we need to grow in our understanding of the multiple facets of grace in all of life. This is the peace or tranquility that we experience when we do things decently and in order. …13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Furthermore, the doctrine of God’s Grace in Christ is multi-sided. You may need to be reminded of the same thing today. 5:1). Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. Do you have the peace of God so you are resting in God’s supply? 1 Corinthians 10:31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Again, because of our works mentality, we tend to fail of the grace of God (Heb. Galatians 6:12-16 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Mercy and grace are two vital Christian terms whose meanings are often misunderstood. In Ephesians 2, Christ is seen as the Peacemaker. The Greek word for grace is caris. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. Grace, mercy, love and peace – words that describe an omnipotent God. (4) Though grace is the New Testament way of life, it still contains rules and imperatives that God expects us to live by, but not as a means of merit, but because of God’s grace. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It wasn’t enough for Titus to hear about grace and peace — he also needed to be reminded that there was special mercy available to help him in his situation. Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; Galatians 5:1-5, 13 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Grace is all that God freely and non-meritoriously does for man and is free to do for man on the basis of Christ’s person and work on the cross. This, I believe, Paul knew, and so out of all the Christian terms he could’ve used (love, mercy, glory, faith, hope, etc.) Though sinful and deserving of God’s wrath, grace means: 1 Corinthians 1:29-30 that no man should boast before God. A great man like Abraham may be able to boast about his works to people who may be impressed with his achievements, but there is never any place or room for boasting before God. I thank You in advance for pouring this mercy upon me, and by faith, I receive it right now. 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. This was therefore a very challenging time in Timothy’s life. the early chapters of Isaiah). It is no wonder grace is an important word and one that Paul desires to be experienced by all. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This greeting is found in some form at the opening of all of Paul's epistles, most commonly, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Grace includes kindness and compassion, but also carries the idea of bestowing a … 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. My son, be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ his goodness and kindness to who! Clicking “ Accept ”, you who are seeking to be justified by works, his wage not! A state of mind and heart we experience when we proclaim them in prayer features of the website to them! 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