"But it is by Grace."

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6 ESV)

A plain and simple statement made by Paul. Rational in thought and concept, biblically supported by Scripture. Yet many have been indoctrinated with the false reality of works-based religions. Something that says, be it rituals, service, or other caveats, you have to earn your salvation. Never has a greater tale been spun.

One thing often disregarded in these religions or by non-believers is that the saving grace of God is unmerited. We do not deserve God’s grace, but that is exactly what reconciles us to God through the blood of Christ. The grace of God is an example of God’s sovereignty, His goodness towards us who are sinners. God’s grace is often confused with God’s mercy. They are not the same. God’s mercy is love and goodness towards those who are suffering. The important thing is that God’s grace is a gift. It is given through God's divine intervention when He leads someone to salvation in Christ.

Another important thing about God’s grace is that it is irresistible. This grace is unconditional; God’s saving grace cannot be earned. God’s saving grace is the foundation for God’s gracious gifts and empowerment of the Christian life, nourishing and sustaining us.

Finally, this grace is fundamentally the presence of God in covenant with his people. In John 6:44, He wrote, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” Jesus spoke these words, referring to the elect of God who will be drawn to Christ by the irresistible grace of God. We can refuse or ignore the human given gospel calling, but we cannot resist the divine calling of the irresistible grace of God.

We know God is great, but not only is God great, but it is important to acknowledge His grace towards those who are evil, you and me. If there were no grace, all those who are evil would receive the wrath of God. That includes the entire population of the world, for we know Paul wrote, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) However in the next verse Paul gives us assurances of our morally righteous God, when he wrote, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (v.3:24).

We are saved by grace, through faith in Christ alone. But what does “saved’ mean? It does not mean being delivered from drowning, illness, poverty, or depression. Being saved, or salvation, means we are saved or delivered from the well-deserved, well-warranted wrath of God against our sin.

The tragedy of the human soul is not injustice, poverty, war, or hate; it is the fact that unbelievers are alienated from God, an enemy of God, we are rebellious, hateful, and subject to His wrath. That is the true tragedy of the human soul in this world.

Calvin wrote of John 6:44 regarding irresistible grace by saying: “The statement amounts to this, that we ought not to wonder if many refuse to embrace the Gospel; because no man will ever of himself be able to come to Christ, but God must first approach him by his Spirit; and hence it follows that all are not drawn, but that God bestows this grace on those whom he has elected. True, indeed, as to the kind of drawing, it is not violent, so as to compel men by external force; but still it is a powerful impulse of the Holy Spirit, which makes men willing who formerly were unwilling, and reluctant.” 1

Grace is the voluntary, unrestrained, unmerited love and favor of God, granting one grace and salvation instead of wrath and destruction.2

Grace has no meaning unless we understand the depravity of human creation. Unless we understand the depth of sin, that humans are fallen, grace has no meaning. When we read the epistles of Paul, we then understand why he tells us how sinful, dead in our sins and trespasses, before we were saved. It is only then that we understand the gift of irresistible grace.

Lastly, grace is only grace if God is not compelled to give it. Grace is unmerited; it is a part of our unmerited salvation. It is also not grace if God is compelled to remove because of human failure to do their part in receiving it. Receiving grace is not a result of treating one better or less than they merit. Grace is received through the sovereignty of God alone.

Have you received the grace of God? Do you know Christ as your Savior? If you feel an irresistible pull towards God, a question of who He is and what you mean to Him, seek the risen Son of God, Christ Jesus, and receive salvation by grace, through faith in Christ alone.

Grace and Peace.

[1] Previously published in John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, & Doxology by Burk Parsons

[2] Bavinck, The Doctrine of God, 208.