Grace is the love and power of God working in us to transform us into the image of Christ.
We cannot sanctify ourselves by our own effort; we depend completely on the Holy Spirit, who gives grace to be forgiven, redeemed, and empowered to live soberly, righteously, and godly.
By cooperating with grace through humility and obedience, we grow in holiness and live as adopted children in the family of God.

Introduction

Grace is the means by which we grow to be more like Christ.
The call to holiness, maturity, and perfection may seem heavy — but God does not leave us alone.
Christ and the Holy Spirit are present to help us.
God has provided means to receive grace: these means are the sacraments.

What is Grace?

Grace is the love and favor of God, and His power acting in us and through us.
Grace is the means by which we are sanctified.
The world teaches self-improvement centered on oneself, but the Christian depends on the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the source of all grace (Hebrews 10:29).

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Grace

The Holy Spirit was poured out abundantly upon us (Titus 3:4–6).
Sanctification does not occur by human strength or effort, but by the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6–7).
Grace transforms us into the image of Christ.

Forgiveness of sins.
Redemption from the power of sin.
Healing of the wounds of sin.
Growth in holiness.
Grace does not exist to allow sin, but to free us from it and move us toward virtue and good works (Titus 1:11–12).

Purpose of Grace

Cooperation with Grace

Initial grace is undeserved — God loves us first (Romans 5:8).
But the Christian cooperates with grace to grow in grace.
Cooperation is demonstrated in humility and obedience.
1 John 4:1 — We love because He loved us first.

Grace in All of Life

Grace is not only spiritual: God wants to sanctify every area of our life.
God gives grace to work, study, raise children, and live.
We seek first the Kingdom, and God orders the rest (Matthew 6:33–34).

Does God grant grace only to Christians?

Scripture shows two types of grace:
- 1.Common grace: Goods that God grants to all (Matthew 5:45).
- 2.Saving grace: Gives salvation, peace with God, and sanctification (Romans 5:1–2).
The one who is outside of Christ is not at peace with God (Ephesians 2:3).
Without conversion and regeneration one cannot love nor live like Christ.

Identity and Adoption

Those who are outside of Christ are like prodigal sons: created by God, but far away.
Only in Christ do we receive the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15).
In Christ — we are part of the family of God.