GRACE — The Different Kinds of Grace

by BOB L. ROSS

"MY GRACE is sufficient for thee." — 2 Corinthians 12:10

"Grace is simple, yet complex. The grace that quickens, the grace that convinces of sin, the grace that consoles, the grace that instructs, the grace that sustains, the grace that sanctifies, the grace that perfects — it is all a very simple matter, but how varied are its operations! How marvellous is the 'all grace' which God makes to abound unto us. Think of the triple ray which we find in grace — the grace of the Father in election, the grace of the Son in redemption, the grace of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. Consider, admire, and adore the manifold grace of God. Grace cannot be depraved, it is ever pure and good; it cannot be overcome, it will effect its purposes; it never corrupts, it is the seed of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Oh, precious grace, if thou be in the soul, if, as yet, it be but thy first day, thou are good." — C. H. Spurgeon [Excerpted from The First Day of Creation MTP Vol 21, Year 1875, pgs. 501-502, Genesis 1:4]

"The longer I live the more sure I am that salvation is all of grace, and that the Lord gives that grace according to his own will and purpose." [Excerpted from "OUR MANIFESTO" MTP Vol 37, Year 1891, pg. 44, Galatians 1:11]

There are different kinds of grace; at least, God's grace is given to us at different times, for different needs. The Covenant of grace is the source of all grace (2 Timothy 1:9). Let us take note of the following —

|1| PREVENIENT, PREPARATORY GRACE

This kind of grace is that which precedes conversion and leads up to conversion. Paul mentioned it in Galatians 1:15. Also see Jeremiah 1:5. John the Baptist had this grace from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15). This grace looked over Moses, in saving him from death as a babe (Exodus 2:3-10). I am sure that every child of God can look back to the time prior to his conversion, and single out numerous instances of prevenient grace, either protecting him or preparing him for conversion.

|2| CONVICTING GRACE

Conviction for sin is a blessing of grace (John 16:8). We would remain in darkness and unconcern were it not for this grace (John 3:19). The prodigal son would still be in the hog-pen of sin except for convicting grace. The thief on the cross would not have awakened to his sinful condition but for convicting grace. The Philippian jailer would not have cried, "What must I do to be saved?" if it had not been for convicting grace.

|3| SAVING GRACE

This is the grace which first of all provided our redemption (1 Corinthians 15:3). "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9).

This grace gives the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through grace we believe — "Them which had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). Saving grace shines the blessed Gospel into our heart so that we receive Christ as Saviour (2 Corinthians 4:6).

|4| GROWING GRACE

After a person is converted, he needs more grace — another kind of grace. He needs grace to grow as a Christian. He needs to develop Christ-like habits and bring his life into harmony with the Written Word. He needs to learn the truths revealed in God's Word.  He needs the grace mentioned in 1 Peter 5:10: "The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

The disciple of the Lord is exhorted to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

|5| PROTECTING GRACE

The saint needs protection from self, sin, the world, evil spirits, evil men, false doctrine, and the devil himself. For this reason, God "preserveth the way of his saints" (Proverbs 2:8). David had the assurance of protecting grace when he said, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8). "Safety is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31).

See protecting grace exemplified in the experiences of Joseph, Moses, David, Paul, and other of God's children. See how He protected Daniel amidst the lions and the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace. Both spiritual and physical protection are from the Lord.

|6| KEEPING GRACE

Why can't we fall and be lost, after we have been saved?  Because we are kept on the same basis we were saved — by God's own grace. If we were saved by works, then we would have to stay saved by works. But since we are saved by grace, we are kept by grace (Romans 11:5-6; Galatians 3:2-3). What God gave us at the beginning was eternal life (John 3:14); this is what we still have and none can take us from His grace (John 10:27-30). Romans 8:35-39 shows us how well-kept we are in His grace.

|7| DYING GRACE

People ask, "Do you have dying grace?" No, I don't need it just yet. I will need it when I come to die, or I may not need it at all; I could be raptured before dying (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). But when God's children come to depart this life, rest assured, His grace will be sufficient. It was sufficient for Stephen, even with stones bruising his body (Acts 7:59-60). It was sufficient for the martyrs, even in the fiery flames. Moody said, while dying, "If this is death, it is my coronation day."

| CONCLUSION |

The greatest lesson we need to learn and apply is to be empty of self and dependent upon grace. If there is anything men need more of, it is grace. Sinners need grace. Saints need grace. Churches need grace. Preachers need grace. Our only hope is grace. Health, wealth, education, and power won't heal our spiritual ills. Only grace is sufficient.

Author: Bob L. Ross

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