Grace (Article by Murl Helwig)

God created a sinless man in the beginning, but it did not take long before man was deceived and sinned. Satan, the “prince of the power of the air,” has destroyed the lives of many. (Ephesians 2:1-3) “(1) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, (2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (3) among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Satan only has power over men who allow or permit him to have such power. We also know without doubt that God loves all men according to the following passage, (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” However, we should note that even though God loves all men and has extended His grace to man does not mean all will be saved. The saved or those granted everlasting life are those who love and believe in God. The apostle Paul concluded his letter to the Ephesian church with these words. (Ephesians 6:24) “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Loving our Lord was a condition placed upon receiving God’s grace. Paul also says, (Ephesians 2:8-9) “(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.” Paul tells us how we obtain knowledge and receive the grace of God. (Colossians 1:5-6) “(5) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, (6) which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.” God’s word is truth. (John 17:17) “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Faith in God is dependent upon the word of God." (Romans 10:17) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”