GOD’S GIFT: EVIDENCE OF THE LOVE OF THE GIVER

GOD’S GIFT: EVIDENCE OF THE LOVE OF THE GIVER

The Greek χάρις (charis), is translated as “grace” over one hundred fifty times in the New Testament. However, it is translated seven times as “favor,” as well, and all of them occur in the writings of Luke (Lk. 1:28, 30; 2:52; Acts 2:47; 7:10, 46; 25:3).  Oddly enough, the writings of Luke also have χάρις translated as “grace” eleven times (Lk. 2:40; 4:22; Acts 1:23; 13:43; 14:3, 26; 15:11, 40; 18:27; 20:24, 32).  Even if the words are interchangeable, one would think the two would show up in other New Testament books.  But, that is not the case.  And after looking at the context where the word “favor” is used, I hate to admit it, but I still have no clue as to why the word “favor” was used.
Nevertheless, the Word of God supplies us with a definition of χάρις, so that there can be no confusion as to the Lord’s meaning.  Ephesians 2:7-9 gives us the meaning of ”grace”: 
“That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  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.” 
The first fact in defining “grace,” is that it is an attribute of God!  He is gracious!  Like “mercy,” “grace” is evidence of God’s love for us.  The two explain just how much God “loved the world” and what that means in John 3:16.
The second truth about God’s “grace” toward mankind, is that it cannot be earned.  It has to be a gift, or it is no longer “grace.”  The two are contrasted as opposites in Romans 11:16, which says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace:  otherwise work is no more work.”
Finally, the text itself declares that salvation is a “gift!”  And just like you and I purchase what we give as gifts to others, salvation is a “gift” purchased by God, to give it to us:  the price?  The life of His only begotten Son (Rom. 5:15)!

 
At Christmas time, we honor God’s gift to mankind:  our Lord, His Son!

Reblogged from Paul Mutschler on http://skipslighthouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/gods-gift-evidence-of-love-of-giver.html

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TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY !

       

  TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

 

Because we are saved by God’s grace (unmerited by us), that means whatever good that we do in this life, God deserves all the credit! 

It is His salvation!  It is His working!  It is His power!  To God be the glory! 

Knowing this, here are seven reasons we should walk in humility with our God (Mic. 6:8)!

*  “But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:  which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Jn. 1:12-13). *  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it (salvation) is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10).

*  “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).
* “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”Jn.14:26

* “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

*  “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

*  “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

There is no place for pride, arrogance, superiority, or self-righteousness in God’s child!

http://skipslighthouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/to-god-be-all-glory.html