The Transforming Power of God’s Grace
The grace of God is a gift that transforms every part of our lives. Through grace, we receive salvation in Jesus Christ—a gift freely given to all. God’s grace not only saves us but also guides us to live for Him each day, even in our weaknesses. Let’s embark on this study together, to learn how to receive and grow in the grace of God.
Grace as the Gift of Salvation
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NIV).
We are saved solely by the grace of God, not by any human effort or merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Scripture tells us that “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” before God (Isaiah 64:6), reminding us that our own deeds, no matter how noble, cannot achieve the righteousness needed to stand blameless before Him. This is why Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, took on our sins so that we might receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). This redemption is an act of God’s love—a gift that grants us eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is the undeserved favor of God extended to us, giving salvation and new life as a gift to all.
Grace Transforms and Guides
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12, NIV).
The grace of God transforms us continually, working within us day by day. Through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, we are empowered to resist ungodliness and pursue a life that honors God (Romans 8:13). Although the flesh and the spirit are in constant conflict (Galatians 5:16-17), grace enables us to grow stronger in spiritual disciplines, such as self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As we commit our lives, actions, and words as acts of worship, we draw closer to Christ. This deepened relationship produces a lifestyle marked by holiness and surrender, where we live as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1).
Sufficient Grace in Our Weakness
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9, NIV).
In every trial and tribulation, we can find assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). Even Paul, a foundational figure in the Christian faith, endured intense hardships, including a persistent affliction he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). God did not remove this challenge but instead assured Paul that His grace was enough. This teaches us that whatever we encounter in life—struggles, pain, or hardship—God’s grace is sufficient for us, sustaining us in our weakness (Philippians 4:13). Like Paul, we can "boast" in our weaknesses, because when we are weak, God's strength is made evident in us. Enduring these trials develops Christ-like character within us, as Romans 5:3-4 reminds us: "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." By depending on God in our moments of weakness, we allow His love and strength to work through us, making us truly strong in Him.
Grace-Filled Conversations
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6, NIV).
Our conversations should reflect our identity in Christ, showing others to whom we belong. Scripture reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21), meaning that our words can either build up or tear down. As believers, we’re called to avoid words marked by envy, strife, deceit, and other ungodly attitudes, as these reflect the "old self" which we are to put off (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8). Instead, we are to speak life, offering words that glorify our Father in heaven and edify others. Our words should be filled with love, patience, and kindness, uplifting and encouraging others, whether in our personal lives or public ministries (Ephesians 4:29). As ambassadors of Christ, we are to speak with grace to everyone, reflecting God’s love to both the godly and ungodly, the just and unjust. This grace in our words is like salt, adding the “flavor” of God’s goodness, so that all we say and do points others to Him (Matthew 5:13).
Jonathan Michelsen, M.A., B.S., Ph.D. Candidate in Christian Worship, Liberty University