The Grace Of God

by S. S. JARDINE | Category: General | Nov 1936

It is most interesting and profitable to peruse the subject of the grace of God in all its occurrences and various uses in the New Testament. We propose, in this brief article, not to deal with all its occurrences, but only with a few which record the grace of God in association with Him through whom grace came.

At the outset our thoughts go to Him from whom the grace comes the Origin and infinite Source, as Peter discloses in that unique and sublime statement-" THE GOD OF ALL GRACE " (1 Peter 5. 10). As we write thus, we are reminded of those other all-precious words written by Paul, "GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND unto you," etc. (2 Corinthians 9.8). The value and preciousness of such statements are more fully appreciated by a prayerful and careful study of their respective contexts.

Two scriptures which claim our attention in reference to the grace of God in association with Christ are Luke 2. 40, and Hebrews 2. 9. The first reference cited is in the Gospel according to Luke, and Luke, as most will know, portrays the Lord Jesus as "the Son of Man," an expression which occurs frequently in Luke's account of the Lord Jesus.

"And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2. 40.

Such are the words which describe the childhood days of our Lord Jesus: words pregnant with life and meaning. He grew-waxed strong-filled with wisdom-and, the crowning statement is, "The grace of God was upon Him." The grace of God, it seems to us, was as a mantle cast over Him. How indebted to God we are for giving us this precious picture of Him, who, even as a child, was dwelling "in the secret place of the Most High" and abiding "under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91. 1). Our interest is sustained when we discover that this is the only place, in the records of the Gospel, where we meet with the expression-" the grace of God." With unshod feet, standing on holy ground, we witness this

"great sight." We view with wondering and adoring eyes the only One of whom it is written in the four Gospels, "The grace of God was upon Him."

Perhaps, in this beautiful relation, David may serve to remind us of the Lord Jesus: the young man who described David's beautiful traits to Saul-traits which distinguished David from others, sums up his description with "and the Lord is with him" (1 Samuel 16. 18). These additional words, we think, may in a small measure answer to "and the grace of God was upon Him." In great measure we should covet to follow His steps.

Our second scripture you will find in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and please note that in the second chapter Christ is seen to be "The Son of Man."

"But we behold Him, who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that by the grace of God He should taste death for every man."

Hebrews 2. 9.

The death which the Lord Jesus tasted was no ordinary death, even as it is recorded in another place :--" Becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Philippians 2. 8). We see the marvellous grace of God displayed fully in His tasting of death for others. As the great "Endurer" of the cross, and of such gainsaying of sinners, we indeed would "Consider Him." He has endured all and hath now sat down with His Father in His throne. Let us then seek grace from God to endure for Him; yea, if needs be to suffer for Him, and so to inherit the promise to the overcomer (Revelation 3. 21), and sit down with him in His throne.

"Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though lie was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8. 9).

S. S. JARDINE | Nov 1936
General