As a last point, many have wondered how a definition of “desire and power” fits the following verses, already cited:

  • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

There are a couple of ways to look at this. If this grace is solely the role of the Lord, then this is referring to His “desire and power” to save us. As the Sunday School song goes:

  • “He’s ready; He’s willing; He’s able to save you, Only believe His word . . .”

But we have seen how grace is also the hand that moves us to do God’s will. Thus He offers us faith as a gift, that assurance that God loves us and is trustworthy. And that, if received, ministers grace, a burning desire to know Him and strength to rise up and receive Him, confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

  • “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

To conclude…

“Amazing Grace”, John Newton wrote, was something that first made him desire to be right:

  • “T’was grace that taught my heart to fear”

and then empowered him to come and trust Christ:

  • “and grace my fears relieved”.

Julia Johnston’s in her hymn “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” calls it “Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace”. An enormous topic, springing from the depths of all God is. Perhaps this explanation had helped you learn more about grace, spurring you to examine Bill’s treatment of it a little more closely in the light of Scripture. God bless you, and may you discover and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Visit previous in series, Grace – On Our Lips