GRACE
In the Bible, Grace has a wide meaning (Colossians 4:6), but when referring to salvation, it has the meaning of “unmerited favor,” that we did not earn salvation by our own merit, but it is a “free gift” (Romans 5:15–18). Grace is what saves our souls, and is acquired by faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Grace can also “teach” us to have a godly life (Titus 2:11–12), and work in us to serve God: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
GREAT TRIBULATION (see END TIMES)
GROWING SPIRITUALLY
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2; Colossians 1:9–11, 3:16; Ephesians 3:17–19). “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Unfortunately, there are Christians who live like the lost: “babes,” “children,” and “carnal,” but there are also those called “spiritual” and “a perfect man.” “And I, brethren [they were Christians], could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). The pastors and teachers God gave to His church can help us grow (Ephesians 4:11–14).
In the Bible, Grace has a wide meaning (Colossians 4:6), but when referring to salvation, it has the meaning of “unmerited favor,” that we did not earn salvation by our own merit, but it is a “free gift” (Romans 5:15–18). Grace is what saves our souls, and is acquired by faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Grace can also “teach” us to have a godly life (Titus 2:11–12), and work in us to serve God: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
GREAT TRIBULATION (see END TIMES)
GROWING SPIRITUALLY
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2; Colossians 1:9–11, 3:16; Ephesians 3:17–19). “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Unfortunately, there are Christians who live like the lost: “babes,” “children,” and “carnal,” but there are also those called “spiritual” and “a perfect man.” “And I, brethren [they were Christians], could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). The pastors and teachers God gave to His church can help us grow (Ephesians 4:11–14).
