Grace in the Church Age

In the age we live in, called the Church Age, we encounter the unyielding and transformative power of grace. Grace is not something you work for; it's a gift from God. This gift transforms lives and unites us all into a single spiritual family. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Grace is like receiving a gift you didn't earn, can't pay for, and don't deserve. You can't add to it or improve it—you simply receive it with open hands.

What makes this era, the Church Age, so remarkable is that grace doesn't just save individuals—it unites them. The walls that once divided Jews and Gentiles, slave and free, have been demolished. Through Christ, we're now one body, one family, brought together not by our similarities but by His grace.

1. Grace in Our Era  
   - Ephesians 3:1-6: We live in a time marked by grace, freeing us from old rules. This changes how we live our faith.

2. Unity Through Grace  
   - Galatians 3:28: Grace eliminates barriers, making us one people under Christ.

3. The Journey of Grace  
   - Romans 4:13-16: God's plan through grace is an ongoing story of love and unity.

Grace sets us right with God through faith, not our deeds. It places us in a big family, uniting us beyond cultural and ethnic lines. As 1 Corinthians 12:13 reminds us, we are all part of one Spirit, one family. Grace dramatically demolishes the walls between people. That's revolutionary!

The acronym, TULIP, explains key beliefs about grace:

1. Total Depravity  
We were spiritually lost but grace saved us out of love, not because we earned it.  (Ephesians 2:1-9)

2. Unconditional Election  
We’re spiritually revived like a dead battery brought to life. God elected us before we decide to follow Him (Ephesians 1:4-6)

3. Limited Atonement  
We are forgiven completely because Jesus took our place. Christ died specifically for the chosen (John 6:37-40)

4. Irresistible Grace  
God's love is relentless, like a shepherd who never gives up on a lost sheep. God’s call changes even the most stubborn hearts (John 6:44)

5. Perseverance of the Saints  
Once saved, we are always secure in grace. God's grace makes our salvation secure, like the safest security system.
(John 10:27-29)

Grace isn't about our efforts but about God's actions.

Living in grace means knowing we've all sinned, but through Jesus, God makes us right without us having to earn it (Romans 3:23-24). This understanding changes us, freeing us from trying to earn God's approval. Instead, we live with thankfulness, letting love guide what we do, not fear.

- Grace, a divine gift, transforms and unifies us spiritually.
- It liberates faith, breaking barriers and uniting us in Christ.
- TULIP teaches about God's grace through the doctrines of moral deprivation, election, atonement, and perseverance.
- Grace transcends cultural barriers, emphasizing unity through faith.
- Living in grace means knowing we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
- It ensures our reconciliation with God, based on faith, not deeds.

Reflecting on this age of grace, we see that our secure relationship with God lets us live confidently, extend grace to others, and hold onto hope until Christ returns. Although this time of grace will end with His coming, we are called to be ambassadors, showing the world how grace transforms lives.

- How is grace presently evident in your life?  
- How does it strengthen your relationships with God and others?
- How can you live with grace and unity daily?

Grace is not just a belief; it's a daily reality that grounds our salvation, fuels our growth, and gives us hope. Live freely, connect with unity, and share this hope in every part of your life.

As you go through your week, remember you're in the age of grace, which strengthens your bond with God and others. Grace isn't just a biblical idea—it's what shapes our lives and secures our future. Hold on to the fact that you are loved and secure, not by your deeds but by God's grace. This is the Church Age of grace and you're living in it right now.