MORNING MANNA 4-4-24
GRACE
In a Word, grace is divine favor, which . . .
arises in God as its fountain;
centers in Christ as its depository;
appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror;
flows to sinners as its objects; and
peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design.
Grace is . . .
the glory of Jehovah;
the charm of the gospel;
the delight of Jesus; and
the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is . . .
eternal in its existence;
holy in its nature;
free in its acts;
sanctifying in its tendency;
and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the True Grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness — grace is . . .
the root on which holiness grows,
the fountain from which holiness springs, and
the principle that produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the Word with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! Acts 14:3
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said “to believe through grace!” Acts 18:27
True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God — and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! Galatians 1:15; Zechariah 12:10
True grace makes obedient to the faith, and leads the soul to receive “grace upon grace” out of the fullness of Jesus! Romans 1:5; John 1:16
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin, and leads us from the law to the gospel! Romans 6:14
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul, and imparts everlasting consolation! Ephesians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! 2 Corinthians 12:9
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! Acts 20:32; Hebrews 13:9
True grace leads to holy, scriptural, and consistent practice! Titus 2:11-15
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! 1 Corinthians 15:10
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! 2 Corinthians 1:12
True grace will make him generous and liberal in the Lord’s cause, and to the poor! 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-14
True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6-8
True grace is always a gift, and is invariably free! Romans 11:6; Ephesians 4:7
True grace communicates more and more to its possessor, until the victory and conquest is complete! James 4:6
The man that possesses the True Grace of God, and is living under its sacred influence . . .
mourns over his state as a sinner,
longs for perfection as a believer, and
cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution.
He . . .
loves God as His Father,
cleaves to Jesus as His Friend,
views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit,
hates, fears, flies from sin,
loves, pants for, and follows after holiness,
worships a sovereign Jehovah,
obeys a reigning Redeemer, and
ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He . . .
depends on the Lord in his troubles,
flies to Jesus from his foes, and
pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object,
salvation his subject, and
to glorify God is his aim!
He realizes union to Christ, proves His relationship to Christ, and offers up His body and soul as a living sacrifice to God; Romans 12:1
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his corruptions. He rests on the oath of Jehovah, accepts the invitations of Heaven, and washes in atoning blood. He renounces self, abhors His own righteousness, and glories in the cross of Christ. He comes out of the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in sanctified believers. He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the bread of life, and dies daily; 1 Corinthians 15:31. He lives believing, dies rejoicing, and will return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon His head; he shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away; Isaiah 35:10.- James Smith, 1842
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx
