GRACE AND PEACE

              

GRACE AND PEACE… (Reference Galatians 1:3).

This is a continuation of our study of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians; we’ll begin today’s study from chapter 1 verse 2.

Gal. 1:2-3

And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches in Galatia:

Grace be to you and peace from God our father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Verse 2 points to the fact that Paul joined the brethren with him as witnesses to his message or letter to the Galatian church; but this is a message for another day God willing. I’d like to place my emphasis on the third verse which reads, “Grace be to you and peace from God our father… and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace, acronymed God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense by some local preachers I’ve listened to; but understood to mean God’s favour bestowed on the undeserving individual… reminds me of the popular hymn; AMAZING GRACE; which lines I’d love to repeat underneath;

  1.  Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

  That saved a wretch like me!

  I once was lost, but now am found,

  Was blind, but now I see.

  2. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

   And grace my fears relieved;

   How precious did that grace appear

   The hour I first believed!

3.  Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares,

     I have already come;

    ‘Tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,

     And grace will lead me home.

    4. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

    Bright shining as the sun,

    We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

    Than when we first begun.

    AMEN.

 GRACE DEFINED 

I define grace as an act of divine condescension that makes an individual a partaker of God’s blessing- salvation, health and divine providence, anointing (God’s Spirit indwelling) and glory- that qualifies us to be conformed to God’s image and makes all things work together for our good. (See Romans 8:28-30). 

These brings alongside a feeling of quiet contentment and understanding in the all sufficiency of the Most high (termed PEACE) as EL SHADDAI (God the provider) and JEHOVAH SHALOM (God our peace), via belief in Christ’s words and a cooperation with the workings and leading of God’s Holy Spirit in the individual’s life.

It makes the true believer say with all assurance of conviction, “I belong to the Lord God Almighty (El Elohim- the strong creator), He does His pleasure with and through me, for in Him I live, move and have my being”. (See Acts 17:28, Psalms 104:33 & 146:2).

The psalmist introduced a dimension to God’s worship when he said in Ps 146:2 … while I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.  

Would it have made any difference if I had been created a sheep, a shepherd dog, a chicken or a roach? ... Anyhow…! I will praise God while I have my (any) being. Psalms 48:14 - For this God is our God (Jehovah Eloheenu) and He shall be our guide even until death. Amen.

Till next time… I say… SHALOM, GOD’S PEACE!

      @Rev. Richie ’Bidemi Olu-Davies. Nigeria.

        All quotes from the scriptures were taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.