He Called Us By His Grace Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. He Called Us By His Grace

Introductory Remarks.

1. In this lesson, we will discuss: “He called us by His grace.” Of course, we are talking about the God of heaven. He calls all believers by His grace. We must appreciate the truth outlined in the scriptures, that salvation is procured: “by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9. Grace is solely bestowed upon us through our "faith and obedience" to the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. In Paul's Letter to the Galatians, he firmly and confidently reminded them of their calling. He wrote: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel…But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man…but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:6-12. The Galatians were in danger of “falling from grace,” Galatians 5:4. They were being troubled by some men preaching a perverted gospel, Galatians 1:7. Paul was writing to defend the gospel of the grace of Christ: “into which they had been called,” Galatians 1:6.

2. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians establishes that a man: “Is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law shall no (man) be justified,” Galatians 2:16. The Law brought condemnation, but the grace of God brings reconciliation: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation…For He hath made Him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

3. In Galatians, chapter three, verses 11-12, he wrote: "But that the Law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:10-12.

4. He reminded these Galatians: “For you are all the children of God through (the) faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as having been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ," Galatians 3:26-27. Here is where many strays from the truth in Christ, being unable to accept God’s grace on His terms: through faith and obedience.

5. Finally, he finishes: "Christ has become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; (for) you are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. What a different position of Paul to those that teach and profess: “You cannot fall from God’s grace?” But when it pleased God: He called us by His grace. With this brief introduction, let’s consider how God called us by His grace.

BODY OF LESSON

I HE CALLED US BY HIS GRACE

A. Justified by His grace. Paul wrote: “For all have sinned…Being justified freely by His grace,” Romans 3:23-24. The word “justified” in Gr., is dikaioo or dik-ah-yo'-o, which means to render (i.e., to show or regard as) just or innocent: —free, justify(-ier), to be declared righteous. To pronounce one to be just or righteous before God.

1. Paul affirms that we are justified freely by His grace. The word "freely" in Gr., is dorean or do-reh-an', which means undeservedly gratuitously: —without a cause, freely, for naught, in vain.

2. By His grace. The word “grace” in Gr., is charis or khar'-ece, which means to show graciousness on behalf of another, to find one: —acceptable, favorable, to bestow grace as a gift, to be grace (- ious), to show liberality, pleasure, good-will, loving-kindness, and divine favor. Observe,

a. Noah. Moses wrote: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD,” Genesis 6:8. God saw in Noah righteousness that he approved: faith and obedience.

b. Mary. Luke wrote: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God,” Luke 1:30. A young woman who waited and trusted in the Lord became the mother who gave birth to the Savior.

c. Paul. He wrote: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by his grace,” Galatians 1:15.

d. Believers. Paul wrote: "But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.

NOTE: Let me illustrate this truth. Will a brother give me a $5.00 bill, please? Well, I'm waiting, brothers. OK, Sisters, can one of you give me a $5.00 bill? Now, any little one in the audience who understands me. Come to me and accept this gift (hold the bill up for all to see). Grace is given, but grace must accept it. God offers His grace freely; we must willingly receive it! John 1:11-12.