The Grace in Which We Stand

“Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

What a graphic word picture Paul uses to describe our position as recipients of God’s grace. He takes an almost indescribable element (grace) and mixes it with an everyday reality, giving us a unique glimpse into the character and properties of grace.

Paul’s statement, “this grace in which we stand,” conveys a steady state of affairs and an assurance of a position known by those who have been justified by faith in Christ. We stand in a condition of grace: it is all around us, surrounding, undergirding, and supporting us.

There’s a great contrast between the life apart from grace and the life which is standing in grace. The two can be immediately recognized as being opposed to one another. Compare your life before you responded to the grace of God with your life now as a recipient of His grace. Do you see any differences?

If you’ll look closely and if you are walking in fellowship with Christ daily, the changes will be obvious. Attitudes and actions, responses and desires shift dramatically when the grace of God is realized in one’s life. His grace displaces our self-centeredness and draws (never forces) us to loyalty, love, obedience, and true reverent worship. Praise God today for His grace in which you stand.

“Nor can a man with grace his soul inspire, more than the candles set themselves on fire.”