Foundational Scripture:
Romans 12:1-3 (KJV, AMPC, NLT)
Ephesians 3:1-3 (KJV); Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
Let’s get a clear understanding of grace.
Grace Defined (G5485) – Charis
Strong’s Definition
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): – acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Dispensation Defined – G3622 – oikonomia
From G3623; administration (of a household or estate); specifically a (religious) “economy”: – dispensation, stewardship.
There are two schools of thoughts. One group, majors on faith and the other group, majors on grace.
We will gain greater understanding of grace as we study the relationship (balance) between grace and faith.
Accepted Defined – G5487 – Charitoo
From G5485; to grace, that is, indue with special honor: – make accepted, be highly favoured.
Ephesians 1:6 (KJV) – To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Grace is defined in a few different ways, including:
- What God has already done for us in Christ.
- Unearned, undeserved, and unmerited:
- Divine Favor (Luke 2:40; 2:52)
- Divine Power (Grace is not passive)
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV); 2 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV); Philippians 4:13 (KJV);
Acts 4:33 (KJV)
- Divine Influence
Reign – G936 – basileuō
Thayer Definition: metaphorically to exercise the highest influence, to control
Romans 5:17 (KJV); Acts 2:47 (KJV); Luke 2:52 (KJV)
Now we must reconcile all these meanings and discover how they came to these conclusions.
Some definitions come by revelation of the Holy Spirit and others come through the interpretation and study of the scriptures where we can see how words are defined by the scripture.
#1 What God has already done through Jesus; Already provided.
John 1:14 (KJV); John 1:16 (KJV)
Salvation includes everything, every aspect of the redemptive work of God through Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:11 (KJV); Acts 4:12 (KJV)