The Plan of the Ages

God’s Dispensational Dealings with Humanity

Definitions of Grace

Lesson IV

June 12, 2005

Each dispensation begins with an act or acts of God in grace

I Some Definitions of Grace

1) God’s Grace is Sovereign

a) 1 Peter 5:10 God is the source of all grace

Sovereign grace is the Superior bending down to help the Inferior

b) A Bible illustration of Sovereign grace – OT – David’s kindness

2 Samuel 9:1 David the King longs to show kindness

2 Samuel 9:3 David’s kindness is the kindness of God

2 Samuel 9:8 Mephibosheth saw himself as “a dead dog.” What is more inferior to that?

c) A Bible illustration of Sovereign grace – NT – God’s kindness through Christ, Ephesians 2:7

Titus 3:4,5 kindness and love. This is not simple love, but the love of a Superior to the inferior

Ephesians 2:8 we are not saved by God’s mercy or love, but in mercy and love He stooped to save us by grace

2) God’s Grace is Free

Romans 3:24 “freely” means without cause

Hosea 14:2 He receives us graciously

God has a perfect right to send rebellious men to Hell

3) God’s Grace is Unlimited

Romans 4:4,5 if you deserve pay for your work that is a right, grace is given to those who have no rights

Romans 11:6 not of works

Hebrews 4:16 found at the throne of grace

Philemon 25 be with your spirit

4) God’s Grace is Costly (To God)

2 Corinthians 8:9 rich became poor

Romans 3:23-27 through redemption

Matthew 13:44-45 He gave all

5 God’s Grace is Enriching

1 Corinthians 15:10 I am what I am

Ephesians 1:7 riches of His grace

Ephesians 2:7 will take eternity to reveal

Man contributes nothing to God’s work of grace

God’s grace includes all that the sinner and the saint need for time and eternity