What Is the Depth, Height and Breadth of Grace?

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:1-2

 

As I pointed out in the past post, Paul was writing this letter from prison to the church of Colossae who were being bombarded by false ideologies. Such a young church who would be facing lots of hardships and those who would condemn and ostracize them for their beliefs; as they clung tight to the gospel truth. Sounds a lot like our world still today; yet, note this God’s word has held fast throughout the centuries. The gospel message is still being proclaimed today; because of those who clung fast to the truth despite so much opposition. God’s Grace has proclaimed His truth, persevered His words throughout the ages. He has used faith filled men and women to carry the torch; thus, Graciously Sharing in His Glory with each. So, let us begin this letter.

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” Paul knew that his salvation occurred only by the express will of God. Beyond that, Paul had been chosen by God to the 12th apostle replacing Judas Iscariot. Paul certainly would not have been chosen by the other Apostles. After all, Paul had been a persecutor of the early church before he met Jesus face to face on the Damascus Road. It was God’s Will and God’s Grace that lead Paul to a saving knowledge of Christ. That truth humbled Paul. Were it not for the good pleasure of God’s Will, I would have never been saved. I know that! It was Grace Alone that reached out to me, opened my eyes that I might see, and saved me just as I had been found clothed in all my filthy rags. God saw that it would take years to reveal to me all the dark crevices in my heart; yet, He loved me just the same. He was willing to spend a lifetime transforming me with such patience and Grace; as He continues even today.

“And Timotheus our Brother”. Paul often referred to Timothy as his son in Christ; however, this time he denotes Timothy as his brother in Christ. Timothy was equal in position and standing with Christ; despite Paul having been his mentor and teacher. There is no place of prominence or position. Each believer of Jesus Christ are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are each adopted into the family of God by Grace alone through faith.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16

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. Ephesians 2:8-9

“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ.” All those who know Christ as Savior, are declared Saints and are brothers (and sisters) by faith in Jesus Christ. Though we may not look much like saints at times; we are covered by the blood of Christ and thereby in the eyes of God the Father we are declared as Saints. He, who is faithful; has already declared us so because He will complete the work of our Sanctification.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

Grace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul prayed that Grace be given to these believers from God the Father and God our Lord Jesus Christ. This was not merely the Grace of Salvation he referred to as he already had pointed out that his letter was addressed to believers. So, to what grace is he referring? I do believe there are 5 areas of Grace, he is referencing and those 5 areas of Grace are ours to proclaim as well. When we understand these 5 areas of Grace we are each given as believers; then, our lives can become fully empowered.

1. The Unmerited Grace of Salvation purchased by Christ on Calvary. (As we have already discussed above)

2. The Unwavering State of Sustaining Grace in which we stand every moment of our lives as Christians. If my salvation were dependent upon my feeble hands to hold me, I would indeed be in a desperate state of affairs. My standing forever within God’s favor is dependent on Sustaining Grace.

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

3. The Provisional Grace which bestows upon us gifts, blessing and further acts of God’s kindness toward us. Answers to prayers, miracles, friends, a joyous heart and even love all fit within these acts of grace.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings Proverbs 28:20

4. The Grace that gives us wisdom and strength to tell others about Christ. The work of spreading the gospel cannot be done without God’s grace. Whatever I write or tell others about God would be of no effect were it not God’s Grace that guides and makes it come alive to others. That also is a gift of God’s Grace.

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ Ephesians 3:7-8

5. The Future Grace always present for each moment that lies before me or you. Every step of this journey, I can boldly come before God’s throne of grace to seek guidance, hope and help for the next moment, the next need; knowing He will provide. There is no fear when you understand Future Grace is yours always into eternity.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

[bctt tweet=”Calvary Grace, Sustaining Grace, Provisional Grace, Ministerial Grace, & Future Grace N Christ” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]When I fully comprehend the depth height & breadth of Grace I am fearless[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Because of all that Jesus Christ purchased for me on Calvary’s Cross; I am engulfed by Grace” username=”effiedarlene”]

I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below.

original photo by permission: https://unsplash.com/@wandervisions  I added the inscription’’

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.