Riches of Grace

Grace is more than just an unearned gift; it is the foundation of our relationship with God, transforming our lives in ways we cannot comprehend. In Ephesians, we are reminded of the immeasurable greatness of God's power and grace. Today, let’s explore the riches of God's grace and understand how it impacts us deeply.

Ephesians 1:19 - 2:10 (ESV)
“and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

The first and most profound effect of grace is the transformation of our position. Before Christ, we were dead in our trespasses, living according to the world. But God, being rich in mercy, changed our position. Ephesians 2:4-6 says, “ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.”

Our position has changed from death to life, from sin to righteousness, all because of God's grace. It’s not based on our works or effort but solely on God's mercy. We are now seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), living from a higher position, regardless of our earthly circumstances.

Grace doesn't just change our position; it also sets us free. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to, “lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely.” It’s grace that gives us the ability to throw off these weights—whether they be sin or the burdens we carry. Grace empowers us to walk in freedom, not bogged down by our past mistakes, regrets, or the guilt we often hold onto.

When we understand the riches of God’s grace, we realise that we don’t have to be enslaved by our failures or struggles. His grace is enough to cleanse us, forgive us, and propel us forward. It’s time to throw off the weight and live in the freedom He has given us.

Grace also activates divine authority in our lives. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Keeping our eyes on Jesus activates authority in us, because grace shifts our focus from ourselves to Christ.

When we focus on our own abilities, we see only our weaknesses and limitations. But when we focus on Jesus, faith rises within us, and with faith comes authority. Grace reminds us that our authority is not based on our efforts but on Christ’s work on the cross. This understanding empowers us to walk boldly in the authority God has given us.

Grace leads to faith, and faith leads to authority. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we begin to understand that everything depends on His finished work. This revelation of grace builds our faith, and faith, in turn, activates the authority God has given us.

In Christ, we are positioned to do great things—not because of our own strength, but because of the power of His grace. As we walk in faith, our authority increases, enabling us to face challenges and overcome obstacles with the confidence that we are backed by God’s immeasurable power.

The riches of God's grace are more than we can fully grasp, but they transform our lives in every way. Grace changes our position, liberates us from the past, and activates the divine authority we carry as believers. Let’s remember that it is not our works but God's grace that empowers us to live in victory.