Everywhere we turn, we run into this word (104 references-NIV). Throughout the New Testament the effects of God’s grace are emphasized. The ramifications of God’s grace to us in Christ vitally affect our lives on every hand. The Significance and Meaning of Graceįor many believers, the concept of grace goes little beyond the basic definition of “unmerited favor” or “the free gift of God.” But since grace is at the very heart, indeed, it is the very foundation and fountain of true Christianity, we should have a better grasp of this important word and its truth. So exactly what was it that Paul was wishing for his readers? The following study is a brief overview of the grace and peace offered to believers in Christ. Judges 19:20), but for the Christian, it carries a much deeper meaning than it did among the ancient Hebrews. “Peace” was a typical Jewish greeting (cf. Until we know and appropriate grace, we can’t experience peace.
Grace always brings benefits and one of these benefits is reflected in the word “peace” which the Apostle always associates with God’s grace.
These blessings of grace Paul and his associates wish for their readers. This grace does not cease with salvation from sin’s penalty, but continues on as the foundation of the believer’s life with God throughout all eternity. Through God’s marvelous grace sinners are delivered from their sins and brought into a saving relationship with a holy God by the work of God on their behalf completely free of charge. By doing this he placed the focus on the unmerited blessings given to believers in Christ. Charis (“grace”) goes beyond the typical chairein (“greetings” see Acts 15:23 23:26 James 1:1). Paul basically coined a slight variation to connote the deepened Christian truth of grace. While “grace to you and peace” recall the normal Greek and Hebrew greetings. Paul’s salutations add a new flavor, however, due to the meaning of the words “grace” and “peace” for believers in Christ. Paul’s salutations include the writer, the recipient, and the greeting proper, which follows the style of other letters of his time. The epistles of Paul begin with a salutation that always includes the words, “grace to you and peace” or “grace, mercy, and peace” as in the case of 1 and 2 Timothy.
0 kommentar(er)
