Importance Of Growing In Grace
Importance Of Growing In Grace
By Prof Chris Aigbokhaode Imonokha Anegbe
Romans 5:15 “But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many”
Grace, Instead of being based on our good behavior or lack of it, it is based on God’s incredible goodness and unconditional love for us. But how do we grow in it?
Ephesians 2 says that “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:4-9,
Interestingly, Paul includes one more verse after this incredible description about our salvation by grace, lest anyone object to the idea of grace by cautioning that people receiving it will just take it for granted and live sinful, selfish lives. He reminds believers: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God’s grace is not bestowed on us because of our good works, but it is bestowed on us to enable us to do the good works that God had in mind for us to do before the creation of the world!
In his second letter, Peter shares with his readers that God’s grace makes possible a godly life and that are to grow in that grace. By the power of God’s grace being applied to the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit, growth is possible even when faced with false teachings and other hardships. At the end of the letter, Peter states that “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13), and then spends the last few verses instructing believers on what to do in the meantime. In conclusion he says: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). It’s a beautiful idea, but how does one do this practically?
PRAYERS & MEDITATION
Gracious and Immortal God, You are our creator who chooses humankind to be in a relationship with You. Through Jesus, You have extended grace to us poor and ungrateful sinners. By that same grace, we have been saved. Help us to comprehend Your grace more and more in our lives. Increase us graciously this day so that we can respond to Your love by our good deeds.
Gracious Father, remind us during trials and tribulations that Your grace is sufficient for us to withstand all principalities and powers and forces of evil. Whether in wealth or poverty, hunger or feasting, we will, like the apostle Paul boast in our weaknesses. For it is our weaknesses, Lord, that make Your grace manifest even more so in our lives. In your mercy grant us the will uphold the grace You supply us in Jesus Name Amen
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