In the past (through Scripture and even more particularly, through the great hymns of the faith), numerous words have been used to describe God's grace, words that emphasize the wonders of God's grace: God's grace is "amazing," "wondrous," "wonderful," "all-sufficient," and "glorious."

Truly His grace abounds in such a way as to provoke worship -- and this has always been God's plan.

God's purpose in demonstrating His grace in Jesus Christ was planned before the ages: "God has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ" (2 Tim. 1:9-10).

One of the greatest joys of heaven will be our wonder at the fullness of grace God demonstrated to us throughout our lives: "He raised us up with Him... in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7-8).

In short, in Christ we not only see the perfection of God's glory and the full extent of God's love, but we also see "grace upon grace" showered upon us (John 1:16).

Because of God's grace, God freely offers us pardon in Christ in spite of our sin. Make no mistake about it, He does not love us because we have earned it. No, He loves us because He is abounding in grace toward us. He initiates our redemption, He sustains our sanctification, and He carries us through to ultimate glorification. How could we possibly reject such a great love? How could be possibly respond with a cold heart? How could we possibly refuse to follow?

During the Thanksgiving break I read "The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus" written in the 2nd century (probably around A.D. 130). In this letter, Mathetes writes of one aspect of the multi-faceted salvation God provides by grace -- the "sweet exchange" brought about through the work of Christ:

"He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!"

God has not treated us as we deserve, but in accordance with his amazing grace! This is reason for worship, for love, for gratitude, and for faithful obedience. This also provides a foundation for hope, for if God has so graciously given us His Son, how much more can we be assured that he will give us all things in Him!

© Richard J. Vincent, July 21, 2002