Essential Grace

     There is no greater theme that can occupy man’s attention than salvation. As one begins to focus, one sees both God and man involved in man’s salvation. Paul is addressing man’s role when he wrote, "…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phili. 2: 12). Paul then turns his attention to God’s part when he penned, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (vs. 13). Man brings the "faith" (humble acquiescence) and God provides the "grace," Paul states another way (Eph. 2: 8-10). No man can be saved without accepting in simple obedience God’s grace and no man can be saved without God’s essential grace (Heb. 5: 8, 9, Tit. 2: 11-14). The resident warning in the scriptures is to not receive God’s grace in vain (cp. 2 Cor. 6: 1, see addendum 1). Before we further examine the theme of "essential grace," let us consider what grace is. The acclaimed lexicographer Henry Thayer wrote thus regarding grace (Greek charis):

     Regarding the foregoing comments on the Greek word translated "grace," we know that charis is so used because of such verses as Romans 11: 6 in which "grace" and "works" (earned salvation) are being placed in contrast:

     There were those in the audience being addressed by Romans who mistakenly thought that they could observe the commands of the Hebrew scriptures and be saved. However, Moses’ system required flawless obedience in order to obtain salvation through that system and there was no immediate provision of grace to cover any short comings. Some reasoned that the solution was to combine their traditional religion (Law of Moses) and Christianity. Romans 11: 6 is emphatically saying that such is not possible. If one could earn salvation by perfect law keeping, then, there would be no need for grace. On the other hand, provision for a condition short of sinlessness cancelled out "work" or earned salvation.

     A biblical fact that appears hard for some to understand and accept is that Christianity is a system of combined "law" and "grace" (cp. Gal. 6: 2, Eph. 2: 8). Hence, "…the perfect law of liberty" (Jas. 1: 25). Associated with Moses was "law," which implied perfect law keeping to be justified and associated with Jesus is "grace" (John 1: 17, 2 Cor. 8: 9). Since all men sin, salvation only through law is not possible. There is the circumstance of essential grace (I John 1: 7-10, Tit. 3: 5). Jesus stressed the plight of man not being able to earn his salvation in his following statement:

     The idea of "unprofitable servants" is indicative of the fact that man, in his lack of sinlessness, must depend on God’s mercy and grace to address his imperfection.

     I recently worked with an individual who was very spiritually disturbed and confused, even to the point of severe anxiety. Here is what he said (I shall refer to him as "Joe"):

     Joe manifested a good attitude and respect for the commandments of the New Testament (cp. I John 2: 1-6). However, Joe had not properly considered God’s part, His essential grace. Allow me to submit that any teaching relative to salvation that omits the role of either man or God, is patently false. Joe was omitting God.

     Grace is essential for a number of reasons. Grace is essential due to the fact that man is "justified by grace" (Rom. 3: 24, Tit. 3: 7). God’s grace makes man better in lifting him up out of the mire of sin (I Cor. 15: 9, 10, 2 Cor. 1: 12). The service of the Christian is "made acceptable" by grace (Heb. 12: 28, 29).

     Many verses set forth the essentiality of grace in areas of urgent practicality. For instance, it is by grace that the gospel, God’s power unto salvation, is effected (Gal. 1: 6-9, Rom. 6: 14, 15). Man is initially called to God by grace (cp. Gal 1: 15). The heart is "established by grace" and grace can be sufficient for the many trying experiences life offers (Heb. 13: 9; 2 Cor. 12: 7-10). Moreover, we can have "everlasting consolation" and "good hope" by or in God’s grace (2 Thes. 2: 16).

     I think all would agree that if all the above benefits of grace were removed, man would be in a hopeless state of spiritual despair. However, which individual benefit could be excluded? Could we spiritually flourish without "justification" (being pronounced pardoned, Rom. 3: 24)? How about the absence of just being able to render acceptable service to God? (Heb. 12: 28, 29).

     One great truth associated with God’s essential grace is the fact that it is made available to all men.

     Notice, God’s grace has "appeared to all men," hence, essential grace is universal in design and availability. It is understood, though, man must appropriate grace. Otherwise, we would have universal salvation, which is not the case (cp. Matt. 7: 13, 14). Grace "teaches us," a concept lacking in most theologies. God’s grace teaches the implementation of a certain lifestyle and the avoidance of another, ungodliness and worldly lust.

     Regarding grace being essential, perhaps no stronger verse anywhere can be considered than Titus 3: 5:

     In the setting of salvation, God and man, it is "not by works of righteousness…." The emphasis seems to be on, "…which we have done." It, salvation, is "…according to his mercy…." Still, baptism is necessary in that it is, "…by the washing of regeneration…." All of the combined "works of righteousness" that man could offer will not, cannot, and do not meritoriously eventuate in man’s salvation.

     In striving for perfection, a good goal, Matt. 5: 48, Joe lost sight of God’s essential grace (see addendum 2). If we are not careful, we, too, can by so totally focusing on man’s part, forget about God’s part.

     The intent of this material is not to eliminate or even de-emphasize man’s obedience and way in which he accepts saving grace or to use grace as a means to justify sin (cp. Rom. 6: 1ff.). However, we must also remember that without grace, salvation would not be obtainable. The matter must not be, "How much can I fall short and still have grace to cover my imperfection" but, rather, "I shall sincerely try with all my heart and ability to serve God the best I can and then look to God’s grace to address the shortcomings." In closing, I leave you with Paul’s famous words regarding the grace of God: