" The Gospel of the Grace of GOD "

Ephesians 2:1-9  "And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show 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."

     What comes to mind when you think of the Gospel ? The word itself is easy to understand; it means "a good message." It finds its source in two words that mean "well or good" and "an angel or messenger." So this message is that of glad tidings, good news, a good message. What is it about this message that makes it "good news" ? According to 1st.Corinthians 15, the Gospel involves the crucifixion and burial of JESUS CHRIST as well as HIS resurrection (1st.Corinthians 15:1-8). Furthermore, 1st.Corinthians 15:12-19 powerfully expresses the importance of the resurrection, emphasizing the fact that if there had been no resurrection, the Gospel is meaningless and worthless. This good news (the death, burial, and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST) should fill us with wonder. It is a message of GOD's grace - HIS unmerited favor. HE gave us something we did not deserve, yet HE gave it freely (Romans 3:24). This amazing grace so fully permeates the "good news" that is literally called "the Gospel of the grace of GOD" (Acts 20:24).

     Nowhere is this grace more evidently displayed than in Ephesians 2:1-9. In this text the LORD takes us from the depths of depravity to the mountaintops of grace. The Apostle Paul begins with the pitiful biography of every single person - no exceptions (vv.1-3; Romans 3:23) ! He depicts man's natural tendency toward sin and rebellion. Then, He aptly introduces the second section (vv.4-9) with the words "But GOD." Those described in the first three verses are doomed to wrath -- But GOD ! The only explanation from what occurs in salvation is summed up with the word grace, explained here as "HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS" (v.7). This is very GOOD NEWS indeed ! (JED)
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org