Grace is one of the most profound and essential doctrines of the Christian faith. It is the unearned, unmerited favor of God, extended to humanity not because of our worthiness, but because of His character and love. As Lewis Sperry Chafer rightly observed, grace is eternal—it existed before creation, operates in the present, and will be fully revealed in eternity. Grace is not only central to salvation; it is foundational to the Christian life. Despite its importance, many churches fail to emphasize grace, leaving believers and unbelievers alike impoverished in their understanding of God’s boundless love. This essay explores the eternal nature of grace, why it must be proclaimed, and how it transforms every aspect of life.
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Grace: Rooted in Eternity
One of the most remarkable aspects of grace is its eternal nature. Grace is not a reaction to humanity’s sin; it was God’s plan from the very beginning. Paul writes, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Timothy 1:9) This truth reveals that grace is inseparably tied to God’s eternal character. Before the foundation of the world, God chose to extend grace to sinners through Jesus Christ.
This eternal aspect of grace is important because it assures us that salvation is not a fragile or temporary arrangement. It rests entirely on God’s unchanging purpose and not on human effort. As Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 1:4-6, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace.”
Grace, then, is the starting point of all that God has done and will do. It was not an afterthought or a contingency plan; it is the cornerstone of His redemptive work.
Grace for the Believer
For believers, the eternal nature of grace is a source of profound assurance. Because grace is rooted in God’s purpose, it guarantees our salvation from start to finish. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) This confidence enables believers to rest in God’s promises, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every trial, failure, and weakness.
Grace also frees believers from the crushing weight of performance-based religion. In a world that constantly demands achievement and worthiness, grace reminds us that our standing before God does not depend on what we do but on what Christ has done. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Furthermore, grace empowers believers to live holy lives. It teaches us to say no to sin and pursue righteousness, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what God has done. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12) Grace is not a license to sin; it is the power to overcome sin through the Holy Spirit.
Grace for the Unbeliever
For unbelievers, grace is the message of hope that breaks through despair and hopelessness. The Bible describes humanity’s condition apart from Christ as one of spiritual death: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1) Grace is the only solution to this dire situation. It is the invitation to receive forgiveness, new life, and reconciliation with God. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Grace offers what every human heart longs for but cannot achieve: peace with God, purpose in life, and the hope of eternal glory. It eliminates the need for striving and self-justification, offering instead the free gift of salvation. Jesus Himself extends this invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Proclaiming Grace in the Church
Despite its centrality to the gospel, grace is often neglected in Christian teaching. Many churches, perhaps unintentionally, emphasize moralism, legalism, or human effort rather than the unmerited favor of God. The result is a congregation burdened by guilt, striving to earn what has already been freely given. Others reduce grace to a mere theological concept, failing to explore its practical implications for daily life.
The doctrine of grace must be proclaimed with clarity and passion. It is not only a truth to be understood but a reality to be lived and celebrated. Pastors and teachers have a responsibility to ensure that grace remains central to their preaching and discipleship efforts. Believers must be reminded regularly that their salvation, sanctification, and ultimate glorification are all rooted in God’s grace.
Grace must also be emphasized as a doctrine that transforms relationships within the church. Just as we have received grace, we are called to extend it to others. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) A church that truly understands grace will be marked by humility, generosity, and unity.
The Transforming Power of Grace
Grace is not merely a theological abstraction; it is a force that changes everything it touches. It transforms how we view ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we worship God. Grace humbles us by reminding us that everything we have is a gift. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)
Grace also produces gratitude and joy. When we grasp the magnitude of what God has done for us, our natural response is worship. Paul’s doxology in Ephesians 3:20-21 captures this beautifully: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Finally, grace gives us hope. Because grace is eternal, it guarantees that our future is secure. “In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7) This hope sustains us through trials and gives us confidence as we face the uncertainties of life.
Living in Grace
To appreciate the full impact of grace, we must dwell on it daily. Grace is not something we outgrow; it is the foundation of our faith and the lens through which we view the world. By meditating on the eternal nature of grace, we are reminded that our lives are part of God’s grand redemptive story, stretching from eternity past to eternity future.
Believers must also strive to reflect grace in their interactions with others. Just as God has shown us undeserved kindness, we are called to extend kindness and forgiveness to those around us. Grace should shape our words, actions, and attitudes, making us living testimonies of God’s love.
Conclusion: The Glory of Grace
Grace is the heartbeat of the gospel and the foundation of the Christian life. It is eternal, unchanging, and inexhaustible, reflecting the very character of God. For believers, it offers assurance, freedom, and empowerment. For unbelievers, it is the invitation to new life and reconciliation with God.
As Chafer so powerfully stated, “Grace is the very center and circumference of Christianity.” It is a doctrine that must be proclaimed, taught, and celebrated in the church. When we fully grasp the eternal nature of grace, we are drawn into deeper worship and greater awe of God’s love. Let us never cease to marvel at the incomparable riches of His grace, which He has lavished on us in Christ Jesus.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-21
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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