IMAGES OF GOD #9

'For you are the Lord,
the compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
maintaining love to thousands
and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin ... '

These words from Exodus 34:6,7 teach us that God is gracious. What does this mean?

Grace is the opposite of merit. Its significance is captured in these words from Psalm 130:

'If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.'

If God relates to us on the basis of our merit, he gives us what we deserve: the just punishment for our sins.

If he relates to us on the basis of grace, he gives us what we do not deserve, what we cannot earn - the free gift of forgiveness, totally independent of our ability to keep his laws.

Concerning this grace of God the Bible teaches: it is an abundant provision (Romans 5:17); it is incomparably rich (Ephesians 2:7); it comes through faith (Ephesians 2:8); it brings free legal acquittal (Romans 3:24); it brings salvation (Titus 2:11); it enables confident access into the presence of God (Hebrews 4:16).

In addition: Romans 4:16 teaches us that because God's promise of salvation is through faith and by grace, with no relation to our ability or performance, it is guaranteed.