Ephesians 1:1-8; 2:1-9
by Derek Gentle
Grace is special treatment given by God
to people
who did not earn it, deserve it, or seek it.
This special treatment is a gift, paid
for by Jesus,
which God enables the unable to receive.
1. Grace is Special Treatment by God 1:6
". . . The angel said to her, 'Rejoice highly favored
one, the Lord is with you . . ." - Luke 1:28
(The word for "highly favored" is the word for
grace, the same word for "accepted" in 1:6 in KJV,
or "freely bestowed" in several modern
translations- we have been "gracified")
It is a special standing with God
". . . this grace in which we stand. . ."
Romans 5:2
2. Grace is Not Earned 2:8-9
It cannot be earned
"And if it is by grace, then it is no longer of
works; otherwise grace is no longer grace" - Romans 11:6
Do not try to earn it
"Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as
grace, but as debt" - Romans 4:5
3. Grace is Undeserved and Unsought 2:1-5
Grace is Undeserved 2:2-3
Grace is Unsought 2:1, 5
". . . those who had believed through grace" -
Acts 18:27
4. Grace has Its Price and Jesus Paid It 1:7
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels for the suffering of death . . . that He by the
grace of God might tasted death for everyone" - Hebrews
2:9
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
that you might through His poverty become rich" - 2nd
Corinthians 8:9
5. Grace is Abundant 1:7-8; 2:7
". . . But where sin abounded, grace abounded much
more" - Romans 5:20
