A Theology of Grace

Grace may be the most important concept in the Bible!  What do you think?  I would love to hear from you about your favorite theology in the Bible.  Paul certainly felt that grace was central to the Christian message.  For instance, nearly two-thirds (100 out of 154) of the NT occurrences of charis, normally translated "grace," are found in the Pauline letters.  Paul is concerned with God's grace (i.e. love), the grace of salvation (i.e. unmerited favor), and gifts of grace (i.e. endowments for service).

In Galatians, Paul is especially concerned with God's grace in comparison to human effort or "law observance".  His message throughout the book of Galatians is that human effort is a by-product of God's favor rather than a precursor.  Only by connecting with God's grace in Christ Jesus can we experience the Christian Life and expect a change of heart and mind.  God's grace sets us free and lifts us up to live a better life!

Join us this Sunday at New Life as we continue to focus on God's grace in Galatians.  Paul wrote in 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ set you free."      See you at the ARC.  Pastor Tom