More Grace

In him I have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of my sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on me with all wisdom and understanding. For it is by grace I have been saved, through faith — and this is not from myself, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that I cannot boast. The grace of my Lord Jesus was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

This grace was given to me in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of my Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. By his grace God has given me eternal encouragement and good hope, encouraging my heart and strengthening me in every good deed and word. I am to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

By the grace of God Jesus tasted death for everyone — including me! Having been justified by his grace, I became his heir, having the hope of eternal life. It is good for my heart to be strengthened by grace. Grace and peace are mine in abundance. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. The gospel is growing and bearing fruit in me since the day I heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

I should use whatever gift I have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The God of all grace, who called me to his eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will himself restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast.

(Eph. 1:7—8; 2:8—9; 1 Tim. 1:14; 2 Tim. 1:9—10; 2 Thess. 2:16; 2 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 2:9; Titus 3:7; Heb. 13:9; 1 Pet. 1:2; Titus 2:11—14; Col. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:10; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:10)