If we were worthy of Grace, it would not be Grace!  This saying reveals the essence of Grace in our Christian culture.  We realize we are not worthy to have this relationship that allows us to have "peace with God".  This peace places us in a safe place-the will and purpose of God.  We are no longer strangers, but part of the family of God.  "Believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm because we are united with Christ." Crosswalk.com Our relationship is sealed with the love of God revealing the purposefulness of our lives.  God has a purpose for each individual and it is revealed by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  This is all brought about by His Grace-great love.  "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace.  But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, work is no longer work." Romans 11:6 The Bible makes it very clear how Grace is not earned, nor is it rewarded, but is a "gift" from God because of His love for humanity.  Everyone is eligible but not all will recognize His love nor His Gift.

Grace is the key to our faith and is brought about by God's gift of His sacrifice in payment for our sin.  "8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.  10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10 This has been called the "Baptist Sugar Stick", because it helps us realize the importance of Grace and how it is active in the believer.  Many abuse the concept of faith in two differing ways.  The first is those who feel since they are under Grace they can do anything they wish.  The other are those we call believing in "hyper grace" where they feel they cannot sin because it has already been forgiven.  Both fail to see the essence of Grace and how it should impact the believer. 

            A short definition of hyper-grace should be examined because it has infiltrated the Church today and caused many conflicts and divisions.  Remember if something is new and improved and brings division in the Church, it is sin.  Let us speak about what Grace is not!  Hyper Grace: The term hyper-grace has been used to describe a new wave of teaching that emphasizes the grace of God to the exclusion of other vital teachings such as repentance and confession of sin. Hyper-grace teachers maintain that all sin, past, present, and future, has already been forgiven, so there is no need for a believer to ever confess it. Hyper-grace teaching says that, when God looks at us, He sees only a holy and righteous people. The conclusion of hyper-grace teaching is that we are not bound by Jesus' teaching, even as we are not under the Law; that believers are not responsible for their sin; and that anyone who disagrees is a self-righteous legalist. In short, hyper-grace teachers "pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality."

               Speaking of what Grace is, we see a Biblical teaching that reveals an awesome relationship.  Using programs to look up words in the Bible, we find a huge number of references to Grace.  We want to show them by differing references.  First Grace is "sufficient" for everyone.  Grace is shown to us by the Holy Spirit revealing a trustworthiness we may not find anywhere else.  "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 This was spoken to Paul when he complained about his "throne in his flesh".  There is a greatness about Grace that encompasses all humanity.  This brings about a "validation" of our existence, whereby Grace speaks: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." I Corinthians 15:10 We are who we are by faith!

            The Bible makes it very clear how Grace is "given".  "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it." I Corinthians 3:10 As in Ephesians 2 we find this gift is not from anything other than a "personal relationship" with God through faith in Jesus.  This same Grace must "grow" and mature, for it cannot stay dormant.  "...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 Our ability to comprehend the greatness of Grace brings about a closeness to God whereby we realize God is dwelling within the believer (indwelling).  It brings out humility in knowing we are saved by Grace, realizing everyone needs and may obtain this Grace.

            The last concept is how Grace is imparted to all who seek by faith in Jesus Christ.  It may not be obtained any other way.  "29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32 "9 ...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, 10 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..." 2 Timothy 1:9-10 We should receive this Grace as instituted by the sacrifice of Jesus.