from the series The Grace Awakening

John 1:11–17; 8:30–32, 36

What is grace? Ask any theologian or serious Bible student and you will likely hear a two-word answer: unmerited favor. That definition, while true, is not entirely complete. As we’ll learn in this series, grace surrounds us—in fact, envelops us—every day of our lives. Grace is behind all of God’s actions. Grace prompts God’s involvement in our lives. It takes the galling exactness out of our efforts to please Him, and it relieves us from the choking grip of needless guilt.

When grace is understood and applied, we are no longer afraid of God and no longer demanding of others. Grace is at the heart of our eternal salvation. It removes all human effort from God’s plan, and it motivates us to unity, harmony, and tolerance. Small wonder Satan, the enemy of our souls, works overtime to distort and deny this magnificent truth. Grace: it is truly amazing!