The Grace That Has Appeared
You may recall that we began this year with a congregational theme drawn from 2 Peter 3:18—a final, loving exhortation from the Apostle Peter: to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this theme once more, let’s take a closer look at grace, especially as we enter into the blessing of the weekly Sabbath.
Grace is unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favor—something we can neither earn nor repay. Scripture not only describes grace but even personifies it in the person of Jesus Christ.
In Titus 2:11, Paul writes, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
This refers directly to Jesus Christ—God’s grace revealed in human form. The Gospel of John emphasizes this as well, saying of the Word who became flesh: “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
The fullness of God’s grace was made visible in the person of Christ. But what does that mean for us personally?
Paul offers a profound explanation in 2 Timothy 1:8–10 (NKJV):
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
These verses reveal extraordinary truths about God’s grace:
- Christ is called our Savior because He has abolished what we earned through sin—death.
- We have been extended a holy calling, not based on anything we have done, but according to God’s purpose and grace.
- This grace was determined before time began—before the universe, before days and years existed—showing that God's plan was established in eternity.
Through Christ, the Word born into flesh, we receive grace upon grace (John 1:16). The Amplified Bible expands this idea beautifully: “spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift.” This is the abundance of grace we have received in Christ.
I hope each of us deeply appreciates the grace of God that brings salvation. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, we’re also called to reflect that same grace toward others. We extend favor—even to those who may not “deserve” it by human standards. We offer words of grace even in difficult conversations. In doing so, we mirror our Savior, who is full of both truth and grace.
Paul encouraged Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” That encouragement applies to us as well. Let us be strong in grace, even as we continue to grow in it.
And so, in that spirit, I leave you with Peter’s blessing this Sabbath:
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2)
