John 1:17

grace

Grace. Summary:

(1) Grace is "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man. . . Not by works of righteousness which we have done" (Titus 3:4); (Titus 3:5).

It is, therefore, constantly set in contrast to law, under which God demands righteousness from man, as, under grace, he gives righteousness to man (Romans 3:21); (Romans 3:22); (Romans 8:4); (Philemon 3:9). Law is connected with Moses and works; grace with Christ and faith; (John 1:17); (Romans 10:4). Law blesses the good; grace saves the bad; (Exodus 19:5); (Ephesians 2:1). Law demands that blessings be earned; grace is a free gift; (Deuteronomy 28:1); (Ephesians 2:8); (Romans 4:4); (Romans 4:5).

(2) As a dispensation, grace begins with the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 3:24); (Romans 3:4); (Romans 3:24); (Romans 3:25). The point of testing is no longer legal obedience as the condition of salvation, but acceptance or rejection of Christ, with good works as a fruit of salvation, (John 1:12); (John 1:13); (John 3:36); (Matthew 21:37); (Matthew 22:24); (John 15:22); (John 15:25); (Hebrews 1:2); (1 John 5:10). The immediate result of this testing was the rejection of Christ by the Jews, and His crucifixion by Jew and Gentile (Acts 4:27). The predicted end of the testing of man under grace is the apostasy of the professing church:

(see "Apostasy"

( See Scofield) - (2 Timothy 3:1); (2 Timothy 3:1);

and the resultant apocalyptic judgments.

(3) Grace has a twofold manifestation: in salvation (Romans 3:24) and in the walk and service of the saved (Romans 6:15).

See, for the other six dispensations:

Innocence,

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 1:28).

Conscience,

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 3:23).

Human Government,

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 8:21).

Promise,

( See Scofield) - (Genesis 12:1).

Law,

( See Scofield) - (Exodus 19:8).

Kingdom,

( See Scofield) - (Ephesians 1:10).