Campus CrossWalk Magazine: 2007 Summer Issue -- G.R.A.C.E.

I remember hearing as a teenager the acrostic of grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. I did not appreciate at the time the tremendous splendor that is packed in that simple statement. I had grown up hearing that grace was simply God’s undeserved favor. While that is true, there is more to God’s grace. Much more.

Many may feel like Max Lucado who understands God’s grace as the means of salvation. He asks the question in “In the Grip of Grace,” if salvation were all there were that God gave to us, would that be enough, would that be sufficient? He then argues that the Lord thought that it should be enough because when Paul requested that his thorn of his flesh be removed, the Lord replied, “No, my grace is enough.”

In other words, we should be satisfied with salvation and that should be enough.

A closer examination of the text in 2 Corinthians 12 reveals that Jesus had more in mind than just salvation. Jesus’ explanation of His totally sufficient grace is that He would express His power through Paul’s weakness. “When you are weak, then I am strong.” Grace, then, in this passage refers to power to accept the “no” answer and to carry on in spite of the thorn of the flesh.

The author of Hebrews adds insight to this when he says that we have a great, sympathetic High Priest in Jesus because, even though He was weak and had the desire to sin like we all do, HE OVERCAME. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Grace is God’s help for our need. What need? Tempted to do wrong? Go boldly and confidently to Jesus and ask for help. “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)

Grace is His power to overcome. Are you sick? His grace is expressed in healing. Are you anxious and stressed out? His grace supplies peace.

The extra special nature of this passage is found in the mercy statement. Sometimes we don’t turn to Him for help when we need it. We sin. What do you need when you blow it? Well, what do you need when you are guilty of breaking a law and you are standing before the judge who has all the evidence in front of him and is ready to pass judgment? You “throw yourself at the mercy of the court”, right? When you blow it, you need mercy. Christ’s grace – His power expressed in your life to meet your needs – is communicated in mercy when you have sinned.

Deserve it? No. Do you earn it? You can’t. Understand it? Impossible! Need it? You bet. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Kevin Skidmore grew up in West Virginia, graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with an MA in communication and graduate work in religion. He has worked with campus ministries and churches in Cincinnati, Port Huron, Columbia, MO, Logan, UT and Springfield, MO. Kevin and Jan will be moving to preach for the Boise church in August. More info at http://kevinskidmore.info.