The Grace of God: Boundless and Eternal
God's grace is an awe-inspiring attribute that offers hope and transformation to all who receive it. As A.W. Tozer so eloquently writes in The Knowledge of the Holy, grace is not merely a concept or occasional action from God—it is an intrinsic aspect of His nature. This infinite and eternal grace flows from the very heart of God and reaches us through Jesus Christ, the ultimate channel of grace.
Mercy and Grace: Two Sides of Divine Goodness
In Tozer's words, mercy is God's goodness confronting our misery and guilt, while grace is His goodness addressing our debt and demerit. Grace is God's inclination to bestow blessings upon the undeserving. It is through grace that He forgives, redeems, and transforms us into heirs of His kingdom. Grace takes brokenness and weaves it into beauty, not because of our merit but because of His goodness.
The Channel of Grace: Jesus Christ
Tozer reminds us that the grace of God flows to us exclusively through Jesus Christ. Paul and John emphasize this truth repeatedly in Scripture. Grace and truth came through Christ, not as a replacement for the law but as its fulfillment. While the law of Moses revealed God's holy standard, grace provides the power to meet it. The atoning work of Christ on the cross is the ultimate manifestation of God's grace, offering redemption to humanity.
Grace in All Times
Some mistakenly view grace as unique to the New Testament, contrasting it with the supposed harshness of the Old Testament. Yet Tozer dismantles this misconception, pointing out that grace has always been operative. From Noah to David, grace was the means by which God interacted with His people. Even in the Old Testament, we see the radiance of grace enabling sainthood and drawing humanity into relationship with God.
Grace Abounding Over Sin
The grace of God is not only infinite but also greater than all human sin. As Tozer points out, sin, no matter how abounding, is finite. It has limits. Grace, however, knows no boundaries. Where sin increases, grace overflows even more. This truth assures us that no sin is too great to be covered by God's grace.
The Invitation of Grace
Through Christ's atonement, the barrier of sin has been removed, and we are invited to return to fellowship with God. Like the Prodigal Son, we can approach the Father, assured of His welcome. The way back to the Garden, to communion with God, is open. The flaming sword of judgment has been withdrawn, and the tree of life stands accessible to all sons and daughters of grace.
Living in Grace
Tozer's reflections on God's grace compel us to consider its implications for our lives. Grace is not merely a theological concept to be understood; it is a reality to be experienced. It invites us to live in freedom, to walk in the righteousness provided by Christ, and to extend grace to others. It reminds us that our shortcomings are not the end of the story—God's grace writes the final chapter.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Let us close with Tozer's prayer, slightly adapted to emphasize our personal response:
"Lord of all grace, we marvel at the riches of Your kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. May we live as recipients of Your boundless grace, walking in the joy and freedom it brings. Thank You for inviting us into Your fellowship and making a way through the cross. All glory to You, now and forever. Amen."
Through the lens of grace, we see not only the character of God but also the hope and purpose for our lives. In His grace, we find the power to move forward, the strength to rise above sin, and the assurance of eternal life with Him.