GRACE in the Bible refers to the nature of God’s character, which has to do with His goodwill toward mankind. This nature finds its supreme expression in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:4&5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.”

Grace is the gift of God by which He extends mercy, loving-kindness, and salvation to people. Christ represents the fulfilment, the embodiment, and the dispenser of divine grace. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”- John 1:14. The word of God from Genesis to Revelation is filled with examples of ordinary men and women, whose lives became extraordinary because of God’s grace in their lives and situations.

The Virgin Mary in her generation was visited with the uncommon grace of God. She had the privilege of giving birth to the world’s saviour. “Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “For God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus”- Luke 1:28-31.

The adulterous woman’s situation was dramatically turned around simply because she encountered this great grace. (John 8:1-12) This adulterous woman was dragged before Jesus Christ by her accusers, wanting Him to endorse the judgment to stone her to death. Glory to God, instead of condemnation, she was forgiven. That was an unusual grace from Jesus Christ. If you are a sinner, the provision is already made in Jesus Christ to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. The criminal at the cross: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘‘are not you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him.

‘‘Don’t you fear God,” he said, ‘‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, ‘‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, ‘‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”- Luke 23:39-43.

God’s grace delivered the criminal few minutes to his death; the grace of God saved him from the eternal punishment. The lesson here is that God’s grace is greater than our sin. It can handle and forgive any sin. If only you are prepared to live a new life in Christ. “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, 5 that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favour that you have been saved!) Eph.2”4-5.

• Prophet (Dr.) Abiara is General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide
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