Grace Comes from God

Welcome to our journey into understanding God's amazing grace! In our last lesson, we began to explore what grace is. Today, we're going to dive deeper into the very source of this incredible gift. Where does grace come from? The answer is simple yet profound: grace comes from God. It's not something we earn or something we create; it is a divine outpouring from the heart of our loving Creator. Understanding God as the ultimate source of all grace helps us appreciate its richness and its boundless nature.

The Fullness of Divine Grace

The Bible beautifully illustrates that grace flows directly from God, especially through His Son, Jesus Christ. John, in his gospel, highlights this truth, showing us that Jesus is the channel through which God's abundant grace is poured out.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 1:16-17

Here, we see a powerful declaration. The phrase "of his fulness have all we received" tells us that everything good, including grace, originates from the complete and perfect nature of Jesus, who is God incarnate. It's not a small portion, but a fullness that we receive! And "grace for grace" suggests an endless supply, grace upon grace, a continuous flow of God's favor and blessing. Verse 17 then draws a clear distinction: while the law came through Moses, grace and truth—the very essence of God's character—came through Jesus Christ. This emphasizes that Jesus is not just a messenger, but the embodiment and dispenser of God's grace.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

This well-known verse reminds us that God's greatest gift, His Son, was given out of His immense love, and through Him, we receive the ultimate grace of salvation and eternal life. All of these blessings originate from God's heart.

God's Universal Offer of Grace

God's grace is not reserved for a select few; it is a universal invitation extended to all humanity. The apostle Paul eloquently states this truth, emphasizing the broad scope of God's loving provision.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:11

Consider the powerful message in these words: "the grace of God... hath appeared to all men." This means that God's loving favor and saving power are not hidden or exclusive. They have been revealed and made accessible to everyone, regardless of background, status, or past mistakes. God, in His infinite love, desires that all should experience His goodness and receive the salvation He offers. This grace, originating from Him, is actively working to draw all people to Himself.

The God of All Grace

Throughout Scripture, God is consistently presented as the fountainhead of all grace. He is not merely a giver of grace, but the very essence of it.

But 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.

1 Peter 5:10

What a beautiful description! Peter calls Him "the God of all grace." This title assures us that every aspect of grace—saving grace, sustaining grace, comforting grace, empowering grace—originates from Him. He is the source of our calling, our perfecting, our stability, our strength, and our settlement in His eternal glory. His grace is comprehensive and all-sufficient.

We are encouraged to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that He is the source of the help we need.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

The "throne of grace" signifies that God's very dwelling place is where grace abounds. It's a place of access, a place where we can confidently receive His undeserved favor and timely assistance. This grace is always available because it flows from His unchanging character.

Indeed, God desires to shower us with His grace in abundance:

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:8

This verse highlights God's incredible capacity to make "all grace abound." His supply is limitless, His generosity boundless. He provides not only what we need for ourselves but also empowers us to "abound to every good work," enabling us to be channels of His grace to others.

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:24

Our justification, our being declared righteous, comes "freely by his grace." It's a gift from God, not something we earn. This reinforces that grace is a divine initiative, wholly dependent on God's character and His provision through Christ.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

This powerful verse reminds us that all good things, including grace, ultimately originate from our unchanging God. He is the constant, unwavering source of every perfect gift.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean to you that "of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16)? How does this concept impact your view of God's generosity?
2. Titus 2:11 states that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." How does knowing that God's grace is universally offered encourage you?
3. The Bible calls God "the God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10). In what areas of your life have you experienced God's specific grace (e.g., strength, comfort, forgiveness)?
4. How does knowing that grace comes directly from God, and not from human effort, change your approach to your spiritual walk?
5. Read Hebrews 4:16 again. What does it mean to you to be able to "come boldly unto the throne of grace"? How does this encourage you to seek God's help?

Conclusion

Our study today has reinforced a foundational truth: grace comes from God. It is His divine favor, His undeserved goodness, His loving provision, flowing from His very being. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, this boundless grace has been revealed and made accessible to all humanity. From the fullness of His being, He pours out grace upon grace, enabling us to receive salvation, strength, and every good gift. As we continue our journey, let us constantly remember and cherish the beautiful truth that our God is indeed the God of all grace.