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Simple Grace

Read 2 Peter 3

Near the end of his life, Paul met with the leaders of the church at Ephesus. This would be their last time together. Paul told them he was going to Jerusalem. Everyone knew this meant trouble for him. Yet he was compelled to go by the Spirit to carry out the task God had given him.

This task was Paul’s sole purpose in life: “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

In this bold statement, Paul connects the gospel to God’s grace. In essence there is no good news apart from the grace of God. This grace was everything to Paul and he wanted it to be everything to those he ministered to.

The same is true of Peter. He concluded his first letter with these words: “I have written you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1 Peter 5:12). Can you think of a better place to stand than in God’s unmerited favor?

Peter’s encouragement goes even further. Believers are not only to stand in grace; they are to grow in grace. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

This isn’t something Peter tacked on simply as a nice way to end his letter. Concerning this grace, he said, “Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). What believers have in Jesus Christ has captured the attention of the angelic world.

The Bible begins with these words: In the beginning God…” It ends with these words: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Grace is the overarching truth of the gospel. God has shown his favor to man in Jesus. Forgiveness, new life and freedom are all gifts of grace, given freely and without conditions. The simple gospel is simply grace from start to finish.

For further study, read these passages: Acts 20:13-38; Romans 5:12-21.

Based on this reading plan, has your understanding of the grace of God grown and expanded? If so, in what ways?

This 7-day devotional series is based on Bob Christopher's book, Simple Gospel, Simply Grace. Get your copy today and learn how to experience the full benefits of the simple gospel - simply by grace.