Many people are aware of the word grace, owing to the popularity of the hymn written by John Newton, 'Amazing Grace',but of course many don't know what the word means. The meaning of grace is as follows,'The free mercy of God,or the enjoyment of His favour (Cruden's),but it is also seen as a Christian virtue( 2 Cor 8 v7 ), the end of that verse is interesting and indeed challenging ,were it reads,'excel in this grace of giving'. Let us remember as Christians we are not to be tight fisted, It may surprise some people that the word grace is to be found in the OT,not a lot,but what is clear it is manifested in abundance throughout the O.T..I am studying at book of Judges, and if you are familiar with that book you would be aware of a downward spiral spiritually of Israel. Time after time the nation turned from God to other god's, in fact the history of Israel is of a continued forsaking Him.So time after time He dealt with them very severely.But here is were grace comes in, for time after time He forgive them and showed mercy to them. At their darkest moment God declares,'I have loved you with an everlasting love'', (Jeremiah 31 v 3 ) That is the God of the O.T, and indeed the God of the N.T, the wonderful truth is, there is a way back to God from the dark paths of sin, Calvary cross is where we begin ,when we come as a sinner to Jesus.
'Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost,but now am found,
Was blind ,but now I see.'
John Newton.
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