Theology 10: Grace = Jesus

Grace = Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:4, “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”

“NO! You dense, irritating, miniature beast of burden! Ogres are like onions! End of story!” I hope you recognize that quote from ‘Shrek.’ “There are a lot more to ogres than people think,”

The same is true for the word ‘grace.’ Seriously! Simply put, grace means favor or love. But God gives grace such a rich, deep, layered meaning in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 1:4 helps us see one of those layers of grace. If you looked up the word ‘grace’ in a Biblical dictionary, one of the meanings you should see is simple: Jesus. Grace = Jesus. 

Grace isn’t about what we do for God. It’s not about our effort. It’s not about us at all. It’s about Jesus. It’s what Jesus has done for you and me. “God so loved (grace!) the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life.” Because Jesus loved, suffered, died, and rose for you, do you know what God gives to you, free of charge? Forgiveness of sins, life in heaven, and salvation for body and soul. 

As we prepare for Christmas, let’s focus on God’s grace. In other words, let’s focus on Jesus and on what he does for us