The Power of Grace

With my lesson this evening, I want to answer the following question: What is the power that is central to the New Testament church?

Or to put it another way: What is the essential element–the dominant force–that gives the church its life, its uniqueness, its appeal, and its divine right to be the true body of Christ in this world?

Many answer this question by saying our strength comes from following the New Testament pattern for church organization and function. The more exactly we follow it, the stronger and more genuine we are.

That is true–but it's like saying what makes a car move is pressing the ignition while stepping on the brake. It's accurate, but it doesn't explain what actually gives it power. To understand what makes the church the true church, we must understand the power of grace.

What the Power Is Not

Some would argue that the power is:

• Jesus
• The Word of God
• The Gospel
• The Holy Spirit

Each of these plays a vital role, and those arguments have merit.

But the real question is: What draws people to Christ–and keeps them there?

The answer is not Christ Himself in isolation. Jesus makes grace possible. He embodies it and offers it–but people come because of what He offers. We come to God because He extends something to us: grace.

• The Word announces grace
• The Gospel reveals grace
• The Spirit delivers and supports grace

But grace itself is the power.

What Is Grace?

In Scripture, the word grace carries several meanings depending on context.

1. Grace as God's Character

Grace describes God's nature–His kindness, generosity, and willingness to act on our behalf. It is the part of God that moves Him to bless us freely and spontaneously.

2. Grace as a State of Blessing

Grace also describes the condition of someone who has received God's favor. We live in a state of blessing that produces gratitude and thanksgiving.

3. Grace as a Greeting

In the New Testament, grace is often used as a greeting: "Grace and peace to you..." It expresses a desire for God's best blessings upon someone.

4. Grace as God's Plan of Salvation

Most importantly, grace summarizes everything God has done to save us, including:

• Sustaining the world
• Preserving Israel
• Sending Jesus
• His death and resurrection
• Establishing the church
• Preserving His Word
• Giving the Holy Spirit
• Promising eternal life

All of this is wrapped up in one word: Grace

Grace: The Central Power

The sum total of God's actions on our behalf is grace–and this grace is the central power of the Christian life. What does that power do?

1. The Power to Change

Real power is not lifting planets or shooting lasers. Real power is the ability to change who you are. Under grace, a person is transformed:

• From loving sin → loving righteousness
• From loving the world → loving eternity
• From selfishness → loving others (even enemies)
• From idols → the true God

The law cannot do this. It only:

• Points out sin
• Produces fear
• Relies on willpower

But willpower has limits. Grace, however, changes the heart. As Paul said:

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

- I Corinthians 15:10

Grace produces transformation that effort alone never could.

2. The Power to Praise

We often focus on the outward form of worship:

• Singing style
• Orderliness
• Sound systems
• Song leaders

These matter–but Scripture emphasizes something deeper: The heart.

"Sing and make melody with your heart to the Lord." It's not:

• The tempo of the music
• The size of the production
• The external format

It is grace that moves the heart. Grace:

• Produces gratitude
• Creates joy
• Fuels sincere praise

We can organize worship–but only grace can make it genuine.

3. The Power to Die

Everyone wants to go to heaven–but no one wants to die. Without grace, death is the end. But because of grace:

• We are saved from judgment
• We have hope beyond death
• We look forward to eternal life

This gives us a new kind of power: The power to die to self. Because we have life beyond this life, we can:

• Let go of selfishness
• Put sin to death
• Detach from the world

We begin living for the world to come–even now. Grace changes our perspective:

• For the world: death is the end
• For the Christian: death is the beginning

Final Challenge: Where Is Your Power?

Where does your spiritual power come from?

• Your church involvement?
• Your knowledge?
• Your behavior?
• Your traditions?

None of these can truly change the heart. The power of Christianity is found in the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

A Vision for the Church

Too often people identify churches by externals: "Oh, you're the no piano people."

But imagine if instead they said: "Oh–you're the grace people."

That is what should define us. Because:

• Grace transforms lives
• Grace fuels praise
• Grace prepares us for eternity

Invitation

Is this power active in your life? You receive this grace through:

• Faith in Jesus Christ
• Repentance
• Baptism

In baptism, you are buried–not only in water–but in the grace of God, and raised covered in it. If you have not done this, you are invited. And if you have, but that power has faded, you can return–because God's grace restores every time you seek Him.