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Kingdom of YAH Milk Series - Lesson 13 - BEING CIRCUMCISED IN HEART AND IN FLESH

An Exhaustive Study on Grace and How It Works

 Introduction: What is Grace?

Grace, in the Bible, is often misunderstood as merely a free pass or unmerited favor. However, Scripture presents grace as both a gift and a power that enables the believer to walk in righteousness. Grace forgives past sins, transforms the believer’s life, and empowers obedience to God’s laws. This study will provide a detailed understanding of grace from a literal biblical perspective, focusing on how grace works and its role in the life of a believer.

 I. Defining Grace: More Than Unmerited Favor

The Greek word for grace is “charis,” which can mean favor, kindness, or goodwill. However, biblical grace is not passive; it is active and transformative. Grace:

1. Forgives past sins (Romans 3:25).

2. Empowers the believer to live righteously (Titus 2:11-12).

3. Instructs in godliness and holiness (Titus 2:12).

4. Provides restoration when a believer falls into sin (1 John 2:1).

Thus, grace is both pardon and power. It is God’s gift that opens the way to salvation and teaches believers to reject sin and live obediently.

 II. How Grace Works: A Threefold Process

 1. Grace Forgives Past Sins

– Romans 3:25 (KJV) 

  _”Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”_

At the moment of repentance, God’s grace covers all past sins. This forgiveness is not an ongoing license to sin but a cleansing of the old life, giving the believer a clean slate.

– Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) 

  _”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”_

This saving grace brings us out of the condemnation of our past sins, but it also demands that we now walk in newness of life.

2. Grace Teaches and Empowers Righteous Living

– Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) 

  _”For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”_

Grace teaches us to reject sin and live according to God’s commandments. It provides the strength needed to overcome the sinful desires of the flesh and align with God’s will. Through the power of grace, believers are not only forgiven but also enabled to live in obedience.

– Romans 6:14 (KJV) 

  _”For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”_

Here, Paul explains that under grace, sin no longer has power over the believer. Grace empowers us to choose righteousness and walk according to God’s laws. It shifts us from bondage to sin to a life of freedom in righteousness.

 3. Grace Restores When We Fall into Ignorant Sin

Even though believers are empowered to live righteously, they may still stumble in their walk. Grace provides restoration through confession and repentance. However, this restoration is not for willful sin but for sins committed in ignorance or weakness.

– 1 John 1:9 (KJV) 

  _”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”_

When a believer acknowledges and confesses their sin, God’s grace provides cleansing and restoration. However, this confession must be followed by turning away from that sin.

– Proverbs 24:16 (KJV) 

  _”For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”_

The righteous may fall, but grace gives them the power to rise and continue walking in holiness.

III. Grace Does Not Permit Willful Sin

The grace of God is not a license to sin. The Bible warns that willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth is a rejection of grace.

– Hebrews 10:26-27 (KJV) 

  _”For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”_

Grace requires submission to God’s commandments. Those who misuse grace as an excuse for sin will face judgment, for grace empowers obedience, not lawlessness.

– Romans 6:1-2 (KJV) 

  _”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”_

True grace leads to death to sin. Those under grace cannot live in habitual or willful sin. Instead, they live in obedience to God’s commandments.

 IV. Grace and the Transformation of the Believer

When a believer receives grace, they undergo a transformation. This transformation is known as conversion or being “born again.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 

  _”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”_

This new life is marked by a departure from sin and a commitment to live according to God’s commandments. Grace is not merely the forgiveness of sins; it is the power to live righteously.

– Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV) 

  _”That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”_

The grace-filled believer puts off the old sinful nature and embraces a new, righteous life through the power of God’s Spirit.

 V. Walking in Grace: A Daily Journey of Obedience

Living in grace is a continuous walk of obedience. Grace provides the power, but the believer must make the daily choice to walk in righteousness.

– Galatians 5:16 (KJV) 

  _”This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”_

Grace enables the believer to walk in the Spirit, overcoming the flesh and aligning with God’s commandments.

– John 14:15 (KJV) 

  _”If ye love me, keep my commandments.”_

Obedience to God’s commandments is the fruit of grace. A believer walking in grace does not continue in sin but strives to live a holy life.

 VI. Summary: How Grace Works in the Life of a Believer

1. Grace forgives past sins at the point of repentance, providing a clean slate (Romans 3:25).

2. Grace teaches and empowers righteous living, enabling believers to reject sin and live according to God’s commandments (Titus 2:11-12).

3. Grace restores the believer when they confess and repent of sins committed in ignorance or weakness (1 John 1:9).

4. Grace is not a license for willful sin. Those who deliberately continue in sin reject God’s grace (Hebrews 10:26-27).

5. Grace transforms the believer, making them a new creature in Christ, empowered to live a holy and obedient life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

6. Grace requires a daily walk of obedience, demonstrating love for God through the keeping of His commandments (John 14:15).

 Conclusion: Living Under Grace

Grace is a powerful gift from God that forgives, transforms, and empowers. It is not merely an escape from the penalty of sin but the power to live in holiness and obedience to God. The believer who walks in grace rejects sin, embraces righteousness, and strives daily to align with God’s commandments.

– Romans 6:14 (KJV) 

  _”For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”_

Through grace, sin no longer has dominion over the believer. Instead, they live as servants of righteousness, reflecting the holiness of God in their thoughts, actions, and lifestyle. This is how grace works: it saves, transforms, and empowers believers to walk in the light of God’s commandments, free from the bondage of sin.

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