What is Grace?

This is a question in my study for this week.

What IS Grace? What is it?

Goodwill, Lovingkindness, undeserved favor....sure.

Here is the Websters version:

1. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
2. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
3. Mercy; clemency.
4. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
5. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
6. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
7. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
8. An excellence or power granted by God.
9. A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.


Our feable English language doesn't come close to defining what God's Grace is to us.

Ephesians 1: 1-2


1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace to you....this is not just a salutation...for as much as Paul loved this church I think this is what he had in mind when he said....Grace to you from God...


grace:
1. that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2. good will, loving-kindness, favour
of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

3. what is due to grace
the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
the token or proof of grace, benefit
a gift of grace
benefit, bounty

4. thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward


So I say to you today.....GRACE! to you from God our Father....