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Five Short Stories Of Grace

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Contributed by Chris Tiller on Nov 19, 2005 (message contributor)

Scripture: Psalms 103:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Summary: Five stories from Old Testament that demonstrate God’s graciousness. (Grace is not just a New Testament concept.)

In the second century, a hundred years or so after the death of Jesus and the birth of the church, lived a man named Marcion. Marcion was a Christian. Well, not exactly. Marcion called himself a Christian, but he had his own perspective about what that meant, a perspective shared by his followers, a perspective not shared by the church.

Marcion read the Old Testament and concluded that the God described there, the creator God, was tyrannical and judging, and not at all like the loving, gracious God described by Jesus. He decided that these were two different Gods, and that with the coming of Jesus, the merciful redeemer God defeated the cruel creator God. Jesus, Marcion said, was not the Messiah proclaimed by the prophets, and the Old Testament should not be regarded as scripture.

Marcion was not the first person to find themes of judgment in the Old Testament that seemed at odds with the message of grace in the New Testament. He was just the first person to put together a systematic theology based on this impression and gain a following for his views.

The second century church concluded that Marcion was wrong and his theology was heresy. Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah proclaimed by the prophets. The God of Jesus Christ—the God described in the New Testament—is one and the same as the God described in the Old Testament. Love, mercy, redemption, and judgment are all attributes of God’s character, and they always have been.

Love, mercy, redemption, and judgment are all attributes of God’s character, and they always have been.

Marcion was not the last person, either, to find themes of judgment in the Old Testament that seemed at odds with the message of grace in the New Testament.

Over the years that I have been in ministry, and even before, I have heard lots of people—new Christians and long-time Christians—wonder out loud if God didn’t somehow undergo a personality change between the Old Testament and the New Testament. They usually don’t go so far as to suggest that these are different Gods altogether, of course. That dispute was settled in the second century. But they wonder if maybe God mellowed with age.

When they read the Old Testament, they envision God with a stern face, his eyes full of wrath, quick-tempered and short on mercy.

When they read the New Testament, the face in their mental image softens, the eyes are full of compassion, and God’s arms are outstretched in mercy. Or, for some, the mental image of God the Father remains stern, and they imagine Jesus as the loving, merciful redeemer who extends grace to save people from the Father’s wrath. (These mental images are understandable. I’ve even come across the occasional preacher who presented the message of redemption this way. We’ve all got tapes in our head about God that are hard to erase and hard to record over.)

I know some of you watch football every once in a while. Do you remember that scripture reference that always seems to be on a sign somewhere behind the end zone so that it flashes on TV whenever there is a field goal or a point after? John 3:16 .

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And continuing in the next verse: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

The Father and Jesus are on the same page of the play book, and they always have been.

Of course, even some who know and accept the truth of this statement still struggle with the feeling, deep in their gut, that somehow God in the Old Testament is all about judgment while God in the New Testament is all about grace.

I don’t know all the reasons for this, but it has something to do with how the way we read colors our perceptions.

The New Testament is mostly short stories, parables, brief lessons, and succinct propositional statements. Grace practically jumps out of almost every page. It’s easy for the words of judgment to fade into the background. They are there, you know—words of judgment, that is.

The Old Testament is mostly epic narratives. The character of God is revealed in long, sweeping historical sagas. These narratives have all the makings of a TV mini-series—drama, passion, intrigue, violence. Judgment is in the details, and it captures our attention. It’s easy for the message of grace to fade into the background. It’s there, though—the message of grace, that is. You’ll begin to see grace on almost every page, if you learn to look for it.

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Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9-10 , Deuteronomy 7:7-8 , Exodus 2:23-24 , Ezekiel 36:24-28 , Genesis 1:1-3 , Genesis 12:1-2 , Genesis 50:18-20 , John 1:14 , John 15:16 , John 3:16 , Luke 4:18-19 , Psalms 103:1-22 , Romans 8:28

Sermon Topics: Mothers , Parenting , Raising Kids , God's Forgiveness

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100-Word Faith Stories: (Very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today

God is in all things. But we don’t always expect to feel God’s presence in a particular moment or place. We asked readers to share these stories of surprising moments of faith and grace in no more than 100 words. These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today include feelings of joy, sadness, laughter, anger and anything in between. They demonstrate the many ways in which God is with us, if only we would take the time to notice.

Two parents and four boys make a small house feel like a sardine tin packed with firecrackers. I had my eye on a larger fixer-upper nearby. But despite its apparent practicality and my eagerness, my husband wasn’t enthused. I suggested a quick attempt at discernment: Pray one Hail Mary while imagining we had settled on each choice, buy or stay.

We both felt God’s presence. The “Stay” prayer brought unwelcome but undeniable inner peace. “Buy” brought anxiety rather than excitement.

I could only respond, “Thy will be done.” Our house is cramped and noisy, but we’ll stay for now. Jessica Carney Ardmore, Pa.

My sons and I were enjoying the wave pool at our local amusement park on a beautiful sunny day. There was the usual crowd of people—of different ages, from different neighborhoods and cultures—all enjoying the pool. I closed my eyes and was suddenly aware of the joyous cacophony. All the voices, screams and laughter of my siblings, my fellow children of God. I was awestruck, and with my eyes still shut, I smiled broadly, and I thanked God for that sudden grace of connection and awareness. Matthew Whelehan Rochester, N.Y.

My husband is a stroke survivor; I’m his caregiver. Ron has balance issues, garbled speech and swallowing difficulties. Once the primary breadwinner, Ron’s now on SSDI. I struggle to bring in money while handling the numerous responsibilities of caring for my husband and household.

Earlier today I read the abandonment prayer of the newly canonized St. Charles de Foucauld: “Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.”

I am now at peace. Jerilyn Burgess North Olmsted, Ohio

At my first holy Communion, when I was 7 in 1958, I came up to the altar and was so small I had to stand rather than kneel at the rail. The priest approached and put the host on my tongue. I felt drawn out of myself, forgetting where I was, feeling a sense of presence. It was like being a mini Samuel, and I said to the Lord, “Speak, for your servant is listening . ” My love for the Eucharist continues to this day. William Eagan, S.J. Weston, Mass.

I invited my all-white classmates to Mass at my Black Catholic parish. During Mass, my friend nudged me, “Lee, we’re the only white people here.” I responded, “Frank, how do you think…” but before I could finish my statement, Frank added, “Lee, I never thought about you that way.” The experience helped him to see my struggles as the only Black kid in our classes. We had just had a class that taught we were made in the image and likeness of God. We saw that in one another more clearly now. Lee Baker New Orleans, La.

As I walked a labyrinth, I couldn’t shake the image of playing hide and seek with God. Shrubs around the path made me alternately feel hidden and then exposed. I know God is always there waiting for me, but I often “hide.” I fear I haven’t done enough, or I’m not good enough to earn God’s love. But those doubts come from me, not God. Although I may think I’m hiding, God sees and loves me. When I embrace God’s unconditional love, I will grow into the person he created me to be. Cathy Cunningham Framingham, Mass.

Deep in grief as I grappled with my husband’s determination to divorce, God felt absent, my faith rocked. My friend, Sister Noreen, told me to read the Bible. I mocked her. Unfazed, she insisted: “Open it at random. What have you got to lose?” On March 19, as I opened a newly purchased Bible, I cried: “God where are you?!” My eyes fell upon Jer 29:11. “For I know the plans....” I can still feel the jolt that coursed through my body at that moment—in shock and joy—the first of many such moments since then. Mary Margaret Cannon Washington, D.C.

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What is Grace? Bible Meaning and Importance

“The very center and core of the whole Bible is the doctrine of the grace of God.” – J. Gresham Machen

“Grace” is one of the most important concepts in the Bible, Christianity, and the world. It is most clearly expressed in the promises of God revealed in Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ.

Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely, the peace of God given to the restless, the unmerited favor of God.

Definition of grace.

Christian Quotes
Importance of God's Grace
Bible Meaning of Grace

Summary of God's Grace

Short prayer for grace.

In Christian terms, grace can be defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us, even though we fall short of living righteously.

" For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God " ( Romans 3:23 ).

" Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. " ( Romans 5:1-2 )

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 )

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." ( Titus 2:11-14 )

Modern, secular definitions of grace relate to a person's "elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; or a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment."

Merriam-Webster's list of definitions for grace includes:

"Unmerited divine assistance granted to humans for their regeneration or sanctification."
"Approval, or Favor"
"A charming or attractive trait or characteristic"
"—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop."
"A short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks."
"A musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura"

"What is Grace?" Christian Quotes

“Grace is free sovereign favor to the ill-deserving.”( B.B. Warfield )

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.”( John Stott )

“[Grace] is God reaching downward to people who are in rebellion against Him.”( Jerry Bridges )

“Grace is unconditional love toward a person who does not deserve it.” ( Paul Zahl )

"Grace is God's best idea. His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore justly - what rivals it? Of all his wondrous works, grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus." ( Max Lucado )

"The five means of grace are prayer, searching the Scriptures, the Lord's Supper, fasting, and Christian [fellowship]." ( Elaine A. Heath )

The Importance of Grace

Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness. We live in a world of earning, deserving, and merit, which result in judgment. That is why everyone wants and needs grace. Judgment kills. Only grace makes us alive.

A shorthand for what grace is - “mercy, not merit.” Grace is the opposite of karma, which is about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve and not getting what you do deserve. Christianity teaches that what we deserve is death as the price of sin, which separates us from God, Who is life.

While everyone desperately needs it, grace is not about us. Grace is a word about God: his un-coerced initiative and pervasive, extravagant demonstrations of care and favor. Michael Horton writes , “In grace, God gives nothing less than Himself. Grace, then, is not a third thing or substance mediating between God and sinners, but is Jesus Christ in redeeming action.”

Christians live every day by the grace of God. We receive forgiveness according to the riches of God’s grace, and grace drives our sanctification. Paul tells us, “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” ( Titus 2:11 ). Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight; we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” ( 2 Peter 2:18 ). Grace transforms our desires, motivations, and behavior.

In fact, God’s grace grounds and empowers everything in the Christian life.

The Biblical Meaning of Grace

Grace is the basis for:

Our Christian identity : “By the grace of God I am what I am.” ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 )
Our standing before God : “this grace in which we stand.” ( Romans 5:2 )
Our behavior : “We behaved in the world … by the grace of God.” ( 2 Corinthians 2:12 )
Our living : those who receive “the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ,”( Romans 5:17 ) by the “grace of life.” ( 1 Peter 1:7 )
Our holiness : God“called us to a holy calling … because of his own purpose and grace.” ( 2 Timothy 2:9 )
Our strength for living : “Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus Christ” ( 2 Timothy 2:1 ), for “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.” ( Hebrews 13:9 )
Our way of speaking : “Let your speech always be gracious.” ( Colossians 4:6 )
Our serving : “serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” ( 1 Peter 1:10 )
Our sufficiency : “My grace is sufficient for you.” ( 2 Corinthians 2:9 ). “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” ( 2 Corinthians 2:8 )
Our response to difficulty and suffering : We get “grace to help in time of need,” ( Hebrews 4:16 ) and when “you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace...will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ( 1 Peter 1:10 )
Our participation in God’s mission : As recipients of grace, we are privileged to serve as agents of grace. Believers receive grace ( Acts 11:23 ), are encouraged to continue in grace ( Acts 13:43 ), and are called to testify to the grace of God ( Acts 20:24 ). Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” ( John 20:21 ). God’s mission is to the entire world.
Our future : God and His grace, is everlasting. “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” ( 1 Peter 1:13 )
Our hope beyond death : “grace [reigns] through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ( Romans 5:21 )

Read more Bible verses about grace for an extensive list of scripture quotes.

Grace in the Bible

In the Bible, the concept of grace is a fundamental and significant theological concept that is central to Christian belief. Grace is often defined as the unmerited favor, kindness, and mercy of God. It is God's freely given, undeserved love and assistance to humanity, particularly in the context of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Salvation : Grace is often associated with God's act of providing salvation to humanity. In Christian theology, it is believed that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God through His grace. This is based on passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 , which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Forgiveness : Grace is also closely tied to the forgiveness of sins. In the Bible, grace is seen as God's willingness to forgive and cleanse individuals of their sins when they repent and turn to Him. An example can be found in 1 John 1:9 , which says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Empowerment : Grace is not just about forgiveness; it also provides the strength and empowerment to live a righteous and Godly life. This concept is sometimes referred to as "sufficient grace" and is exemplified in 2 Corinthians 12:9 , where God tells the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

God's Love and Compassion : Grace demonstrates God's love, mercy, and compassion toward humanity. It shows His willingness to reach out to people despite their imperfections and failures.

Means of Access : Grace is the means by which believers have access to God and are able to have a personal relationship with Him. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The gospel is all about God’s grace through Jesus Christ. That’s why Paul calls it “the gospel of the grace of God” ( Acts 20:24 ) and “the word of his grace” ( Acts 14:3 ).

The gospel of the grace of God is the message everyone needs. The word of grace is proclaimed from every page of the Bible and ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. The last verse of the Bible summarizes the message from Genesis to Revelation: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” ( Revelation 22:21 ). Through Jesus, “we have all received grace upon grace” ( John 1:16 )—the gratuitous and undomesticated grace of God.

Here are 15 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know By Heart for you to download or share with loved ones!

O Lord Jesus, grant us your grace and give us time for repentance.

We want to keep your commandments and do your bidding, choose the better part, and no longer follow evil.

Give us your strength to do this, O loving Savior, for your name’s sake. Amen.

Source: Dan Jeremy, 12th Century

Justin Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and teaches theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Se minary. Justin wrote On the Grace of God and co-authored with his wife Lindsey Rid of My Disgrace and Save Me from Violence . He is also the editor of Christian Theologies of Scripture . You can find him on Facebook , Twitter , and at JustinHolcomb.com .

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Peter Miranda

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What is Grace (in 90 Seconds)

More by ryan reeves.

What is Grace?

The Need for Grace

Grace is one of the most important realities of life in God. Grace, too, is the most important thing to shape our relationships with one another. Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8 can stand in as one example: ‘For it is by Grace you have been saved, and this is not from yourselves; it is a gift from God.’

I am writing this on the verge of the Easter celebration tomorrow. We will gather as a church, in our various congregations around the world, to celebrate the gracious giving of the Son by the Father. But for all the talk of grace in our day, there is at times some confusion as to what grace really is. For some, grace works out to be kindness. For others it’s something closer to pity. It turns out defining a doctrine with so much at stake can be tricky.

Any quick answer—especially one in roughly 90 seconds—runs the risk of being overly-simplistic. But we must start somewhere, and for me this is the answer I would give if a friend asked me to quickly summarize grace.

Ryan Reeves formerly served as associate professor of historical theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Charlotte, have three children.

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