In this fifth and final article in this series, we will focus our attention on the subject of “grace.” By way of recalling what has brought us to write these articles, we quote: “A second minority group has moved away from legalism to a more orthodox position consistent with other Protestants. This second group emphasizes, like most other Christians, that salvation is by grace.” These words come from a webepage called “Faith Fact” (No name was found on this page, but for your information, there is more than one such page.). The writer, when he says, “A second minority group,” and by “This second group,” he is referring to a group within the churches of Christ. It is these words that has caused this series of articles.
The subject of “grace” is so misunderstood, it is hard to start an article addressing the subject. One of the first things in studying the subject of grace is to know beforehand that the word is not always used to refer to the same thing. This is true both of the Greek and English word! Here are a few: 1) “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward” (Eph. 3:2). First, notice the word “dispensation” (oikonomia) which is best understood by the word stewardship; and second, this helps us understand the word “grace” that it refers to Paul’s apostleship. Thus, the word “grace” is used in connection with Paul receiving the gospel to preach to the Ephesians! 2) “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor. 8:1-2). Here the word “grace” refers to the opportunity which the churches of Macedonia, Gentiles, had in sending physical relief to the Hebrew brethren in Judea. And 3) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Clearly here the words “the grace of God” teaches and refers to “the teaching of Christ,” or the gospel of Christ. This naturally brings us to Paul’s words: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). “The word of his (God’s, frw) grace” the gospel of Christ, which is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). The conclusion here is simply, the person who believes that he can separate the grace of God from “the word of his grace” is sadly mistaken!
Just what is grace? It is the favor of God! Of course, our subject is that of salvation and grace; if we are saved, it will be by the grace of God! However, within the word “grace” is everything related to our being saved. Yes, every “little” part necessary to our salvation is included in the word “grace.” Keep in mind, it is God who put all the parts within “grace!” Is the blood of Jesus necessary to our being saved? Yes, then it is included in the word “grace.” Is Jesus’ death upon the cross necessary to our being saved? Yes, then it is included in the word “grace.” Is faith that God exist and that he will reward us necessary to our being saved? Yes, then personal faith is included in the word “grace.” Is repentance necessary to our being saved? Yes, then repentance is included in the word “grace.” This helps us understand Paul’s words: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” The “word of his grace” teaches us “that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tit. 2:12-14). There is grace as revealed in “the word of his grace!” If not, just what is it? Therefore, when one preaches “the word of grace” he is preaching “grace!”
You see, God did not owe any of us the opportunity to “repent,” but he gave us out of his love, which produced his grace, the opportunity to “repent!” How beautiful are the words: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Is this “grace?” Yes, but it is all that is included in the word “grace,” when Paul wrote: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Please notice that being “saved” is not by grace only, for Paul wrote: “through faith,” and here it is “the faith!”
Therefore, our salvation is made possible by God’s grace, appropriated by means of “the faith” which is “the word of grace” and being saved is not of ourselves, but neither is it without obeying “the word of his grace” and to emphasize one over the other is only to fail the charge to: “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).
With these words we bring to a conclusion this series of articles which have been written in trust that eyes may be opened to see some of the dangers facing the churches of Christ; that those who love the truth may “having done all, to stand. Stand therefore!”
Frank R. Williams