0348. ABUNDANT GRACE.

ABUNDANT GRACE.

"The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1Ti_1:14).

The apostle has just been speaking of his guilty past as a blaspheming persecutor, and in using the above words he proves conclusively that he was saved only by the grace of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. In this short but most suggestive account of Saul’s salvation we note the-

1. Means. "Grace." "Where sin abounded grace did much more abound" (Rom_5:20). It is the nature of Divine grace to flood all the depths and to overflow all the heights of a sinner’s need. "By grace are ye saved" (Eph_2:8).

2. Source. "The grace of our Lord." "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich" (2Co_8:9). He loved us, and gave Himself for us.

3. Fulness. "It was exceeding abundant." Far above what we ask or think. In this ocean fulness of infinite mercy there is room enough for the chief of sinners. "Exceeding abundant." Who can fathom it? "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2Co_12:9).

4. Channel. "In Christ Jesus." It is through Him that the renewing of the Holy Ghost is shed on us abundantly (Tit_3:5-6). There is but one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. By Him also He made the worlds.

5. Accompaniments. "With faith and love." The grace of God which bringeth salvation, bringeth with it faith and love, without which salvation could not be received and enjoyed. The begetting of faith and love in the heart is part of that grace which is exceeding abundant (Eph_2:7-9). Faith lays hold on, and love constrains to serve and adore.

Autor: James Smith