Unique to Christian Faith. Salvation with no strings attached, free of charge seems to go against every instinct of humanity. Buddhist 8-fold path, Hindu concept of Karma, Jewish law, Muslim code of ethics. Only Christianity dares to declare God’s unconditional love. Acceptance without conditions.

GRACE IS UNFAIR.

Outrageous. We don’t deserve it. Grace is for anyone who wants it…it’s for you!

It’s for anyone who wants it…outrageously unfair! It’s there for the taking.

The parable of the great banquet Lk 14: 15-23.

The Prodigal Daughter. Read story.  

Grace is unfair. I am so glad we get what we don’t deserve.

Mercy is not getting what you do deserve;

Grace is getting what you do not deserve.

Don’t go to God wanting a fair trial…you might just get it.

GRACE IS FREE

Free gift from God. 2Cor 9:15…thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

Can’t brag or boast about it. Nature of a gift….free.

Not by Works.

By being good – How good? Trying hard.

By the law – Obedience to the 10 commandments. No one can!

By knowledge – By being an expert in religious matters.

By devotion – Prayer, Church, Religious things.

Rom 6:23…For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 4:1-5…Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness

GRACE IS RECEIVED

Given and received. Requires humility to receive grace. Requires facing the truth that you are in need. Some think they are too good… greatest insult to God is turning away from this offer because you think you are better and have no need of it. Just as you are.  Maurice Wagner…at the centre of human personality is the desire to be loved without having to qualify for that love.

Accept that you are accepted, in Christ…by grace.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

When you recognize your spiritual bankruptcy… there is God’s grace.

We are saved in mercy; by grace; through faith; for works.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

• Discuss the relationship between the Pharisees and Jesus in light of grace? Why was Jesus so hard on them?
• The first Beatitude has to do with being poor in spirit. What do you think this means? Matt 5: 3
• In order to accept the offer of grace, what attitudes do you think need to be present?
• What effect do you think accepting grace from God will have on a person? Eph 2:10.
• If salvation is a free gift what would you answer someone who says “does this not free me to do whatever I like? i.e. to sin indiscriminately. Why try to be good? Rom 3: 5-8; Rom 6: 1-4ff.