Paul wrote extensively about grace —God’s favor given to the undeserving. And wherever the apostle traveled, he spoke about the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). He knew firsthand sin’s controlling power and the freedom that comes through faith in Christ. He described himself as the worst of sinners because he persecuted and imprisoned many believers prior to his conversion (1 Tim. 1:15).
Once we accept Christ’s death on our behalf, the penalty for our sin is considered to be paid in full, and the power of sin over us is broken. When the Holy Spirit indwells us, we become spiritually alive. What’s more, we are then given a new family and purpose for living. Scripture compares our conversion experience to receiving a heart transplant (Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17), changing citizenship (Phil. 3:20), and moving to a new country (Col. 1:13).
Paul exhorts everyone who has been saved to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:43; Eph. 2:8)—our heavenly Father’s desire and will is that we relate to Him on this basis alone. Just as we needed to rely upon Christ’s substitutionary death for salvation, we are to live a life of dependence upon Him. It’s our faith, expressed through obedience, that pleases Him (Heb. 11:6).
Grace is the most powerful, life-changing force in the world. God freely offers His unconditional love to whoever receives His Son. At salvation, our life is placed upon the immovable Rock—Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 10:4)—whose favor is extended over us. And from then on, He sees us through the everlasting grace He has provided us. What’s your response to this miracle of grace?
