What is grace? What does it do for us? How does it help us in our daily lives? How can we make sure that others are being bless with it?

GRACE—WHAT IS IT?

What is Grace? Strong’s Concordance defines it as: “The divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.”

Grace is unmerited favor, and the believer is justified without any merit of his own, without any claim to offer to God. He is justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
What is the purpose of Grace? Ephesians 2:8. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

How many people really understaing this and are experiencing it? Grace is a free gift. It cannot be bought with money. We should always remember that we do not deserve grace because of anything we do.

Is there any limit on who can receive it? Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."

1. What does God do for those who are humble? James 4:6. "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

1. Romans 1:5. "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name." We receive it from Christ.
1. 1 Timothy 1:14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2. 2 Timothy 2:1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2. Where do we go to get grace? Hebrews 4:16. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
1. Romans 5:2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1. Romans 5:20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. Psalm 45:2. Grace poured into "thy lips"
1. Whose lips? V.6 "Thy throne O God is forever and ever."
2. Who is this? Heb 1:8--the Son--Jesus.
2. What if this grace had not been given?
3. "Without the grace of Christ every soul would have been bankrupt for eternity; therefore we can rightfully claim nothing. But while we can claim nothing, yet when we are faithful stewards, the Lord rewards us as if the merit were all our own. He says, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'" Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 166:2.
4. What would we have had to work with? "If it were not for his advance capital of grace, we should have nothing to improve. All that we have is given us on trust. Yet when he rewards us with his approval, it is as though the merit were our own: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' It is not the greatness of the work which we do, but the love and fidelity with which we do it, that wins the approval of the Saviour. It is the use which we make of our talents which determines our woe or weal. We may have faith to remove, mountains, and understand all mysteries, and give our bodies to be burned, yet without charity--that love which finds utterance in good works, that feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and visits the afflicted--we are 'as sounding brass or a thinking cymbal.'" The Sanitarium Patients at Goguac Lake, p.13:3.
5. 1 Peter 4:10. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
1. "The stewards of God have not done their duty. If they had, the work would be far in advance of what it is today. But we labor under far less difficulty than the world's Redeemer had to encounter. We should feel that we are stewards of His grace, trusted with our Masters goods. If we do our best, exercise our entrusted capabilities with the sole purpose of doing our Master's work and promoting His glory, the smallest talent, the humblest service, may become a consecrated gift, made acceptable by the fragrance of His own merit." The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, p. 141:1.

1. "It is utterly impossible for man to sanctify and purity and bless himself. God alone is our helper. Grace will be imparted to every soul who sincerely desires it. We must put away from us our selfishness, and become righteous--not by merit, but by grace. Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be,' but when he who is our life, shall appear, then shall we appear with Him in glory." The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 927:3.

1. "Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him." Faith and Works, p. 19:3.
1. "Christ for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. And any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness. My requests are made acceptable only because they are laid upon Christ's righteousness. The idea of doing anything to merit the grace of pardon is fallacy from beginning to end. "Lord, in my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.'" Faith and Works, p. 24:2.

1. What does grace first do for us?
1. "Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
1. This word goodness is from the same root as grace.
2. "To those who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour, He imputes His merit and imparts His power. To those who come to Him with their burden of grief, disappointments, and trials, He will give rest and peace. It is through the grace of Christ that the soul sees his need of repentance toward God. . ., and is led to look to Christ by faith, realizing that His merit is efficacious to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. . . . Let us open our hearts to receive the love which it is so essential that we should cultivate in order that we may fulfill the commandments of God." That I May Know Him, p. 288:4.
2. How long are we to wait until we repent? "Just as soon as you commit sin, you should flee right to the throne of grace, and tell Jesus all about it. You should be filled with sorrow for sin, because through sin you have weakened your own spirituality, grieved the heavenly angels, and wounded and bruised the loving heart of your Redeemer. When you have asked Jesus, in contrition of soul, for his forgiveness, believe that he has forgiven you. Do not doubt his divine mercy, or refuse the comfort of his infinite love." The Signs of the Times, 02-15-92, par. 5.
3. What happens when grace does its work in our hearts. "When the heart is softened and subdued by the grace of Christ, there is peace and satisfaction in the soul; for the love of Christ rules in the heart, bringing into captivity the secret motives of action. Then the easily aroused temper is soothed by the oil of grace. The tumultuous heart at the word of Christ grows calm. When there is a sense of sins forgiven through the merit of the blood of Christ, and there is a consciousness of union with Christ, we are encouraged to strive more earnestly to correct every wrong habit, and our harsh manner will be refined and cease to work against the sanctifying influences of the truth, against the existence of the union which Christ prayed should be manifested among his disciples. When the people of God are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, all variance will disappear, and that which we have thought should be corrected in our brethren will not serve to alienate us from them; for we shall feel that greater evils have existed in our own hearts than those we have criticised in our brethren." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 01-02-94, par. 3.
1. TO JUSTIFY
1. After bringing us to repentance, what else does grace do for us?
1. Titus 3:7. "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
1. Romans 3:24. "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
2. What does it mean to be justified? Justification is defined as "the act of God declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to him."
1. 1344 dikaio,w dikaioo {dik-ah-yo'-o} from 1342; TDNT - 2:211,168; v AV - justify 37, be freed 1, be righteous 1, justifier 1; 40 1) to render righteous or such he ought to be 2) to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered 3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be
2. Romans 5:18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
3. Ephesians 1:6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
4. "The grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he is pardoned. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt God's forgiving grace." The Faith I Live By, p. 107:2.
5. "We are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve Him in the nature we have, that has been redeemed by the Son of God; through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. We will never gain strength in considering what we might do if we were angels. We are to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, and show our love to God through obedience to His commands." 5BC, p. 1142:5.
2. What will make us acceptable to God? Ephesians 2:5 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"

1. "The pride of man hinders him from accepting the provisions of salvation. But human merit will not admit a soul into the presence of God. That which will make a man acceptable to God is the imparted grace of Christ through faith in his name. No dependence can be placed in works or in happy flights of feelings as evidence that men are chosen of God; for the elect are chosen through Christ." The Signs of the Times, 01-02-93, par. 4.
2. "Take Jesus home to your hearts, to your houses, and present him to your neighbors. Let your families, your children, see the sweet grace of Christ at work in your hearts, and exemplified in your characters. Let the efficacy of the blood of Christ avail in your behalf, and his righteousness become your righteousness. Let a living testimony be borne from every church member, 'Oh come hither, and hearken, all ye that love the Lord, and I will tell thee what he hath done for my soul'.... Let Christ be lifted up before the people, acknowledge his power, revealed through the instrument in doing a good work, but let all the glory be given back to God. Grace always humbles the receiver. It never exalts man. The grace of Christ is to be recognized and exalted; but sinful man never. Rejoice with trembling, nevertheless, rejoice." The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 63:1.
1. POWER FOR OBEDIENCE
1. What else does grace do for us?
1. Does it help us in our daily life? Hebrews 12:28. "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
2. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
3. 2 Corinthians 1:12. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
1. Conversation = "to conduct one's self, behave one's self, live."
1. In other words, living our daily lives by the grace of God.
2. What does this tell us? Does grace actually give us power?
4. What is this daily walk with God called? Learning and living a godly life day by day?
1. It is called sanctification.
2. Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
2. Does grace help our weaknesses? 2 Corinthians 12:9. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
1. Ephesians 3:7. "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
1. "It is the fragrance of the merit of Christ that makes our good works acceptable to God, and it is grace that enables us to do the works for which He rewards us. Our works in and of themselves have no merit. When we have done all that it is possible for us to do, we are to count ourselves as unprofitable servants. We deserve no thanks from God. We have only done what it was our duty to do, and our works could not have been performed in the strength of our own sinful natures." Selected Messages Book 3, p. 200:2.
2. "Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives man power to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables him to break the bondage of evil habit. This is the only power that can make him and keep him steadfast in the right path." The Ministry of Healing, p. 115:1.
3. "He who calls upon the Lord in humble, fervent prayer will receive the strength and grace which he needs to battle with temptation and to endure trials." The Youth's Instructor, 07-07-92, par 1.
3. Testimony. I remember a time when I did not understand the subject of sanctification--of the power that God can give us to obey. I was be caught in an endless round of sin and confession, and although I was taught that that was the only way to heaven, I had no peace with the thought that I could go on sinning and confessing indefinitely. You can imagine my joy when I learned that God has POWER there for us to resist and overcome temptation. I realized that with God's help I could put a stop to the bad habits and things that I didn't want to do.
1. "After the temptation, it seemed as if the Son of God would die on the field of conflict; but the angels ministered unto him, and he was revived. He became our surety and substitute, and he can be 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities,' for he 'was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.' How is it that men can make their hearts like adamant, and not be moved by the love of Christ? Through the merit of Christ's blood, every one can be a conqueror. Jesus has brought moral power to combine with human effort, whereby we may obtain the victory. Christ is our helper, and he invites us to take hold of his strength, and we shall make peace with him. In our conscious weakness we are to lay hold of his merit, and we may become triumphant through the grace of the Man of Nazareth." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 07-16-89, pr. 6.
2. "You can see the condition on which you become the children of promise, and receive the love of God. Jesus knew that of yourself you could not obey God's law; for you were sold under sin; therefore he came to our world to bring to you moral power, that through faith in his name you might live. He brings his divine power to combine with your human efforts, that through his righteousness appropriated to yourself, you can keep his law. Our liberty was procured by Christ, by his spotless, meritorious life and death. We receive the righteousness of Christ, and through his merits enjoy liberty, and are identified with him. We have the promise that if we abide in him, and his words abide in us, we may ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. Is it indeed possible that Christ may abide in us, and we in him? Christ says, 'If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.' Would he tempt us and deceive us?--No, indeed. There is everything to encourage any soul who by faith claims the promises that God has given us, for through his grace we may be overcomers. The law cannot lower the standard or take less than its full demands, therefore it cannot cleanse us from one sin; but God's Son, who is one with the Father, equal in authority with the Father, paid the debt for us. We are to add to faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. You are not to think that you must wait until you have perfected one grace, before cultivating another. No; they are to grow up together, fed continually from the fountain of charity; every day that you live, you can be perfecting the blessed attributes fully revealed in the character of Christ; and when you do this, you will bring light, love, peace, and joy into your homes." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 07-29-90, par. 8.
3. "Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives men power to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables him to break the bondage of evil habit. This is the only power that can make him and keep him steadfast in the right path." God's Amazing Grace, p. 103:6.
4. "In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus presented his own love and character. The life of Christ was filled with works of love toward the lost and erring. In the man bruised and wounded and stripped of his possessions, the sinner is represented. The human family, the lost race, is pictured in the sufferer, left naked, bleeding, and destitute. Jesus takes his own robe of righteousness to cover the soul, and whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. The Lord Jesus gives no encouragement to the idea that one is superior to another, and justifies no one in cherishing feelings of contempt or even indifference toward his fellow-men. The law of God is the standard to which all must attain, and sinful man can obey that law only by the merit and grace of Jesus Christ, who has died for his salvation." The Signs of the Times, 06-23-94.
5. "In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. We are accepted through Christ's merit alone; and the acts of mercy, the deeds of charity, which we perform, are the fruits of faith; and they become a blessing to us; for men are to be rewarded according to their works. It is the fragrance of the merit of Christ that makes our good works acceptable to God, and it is grace that enables us to do the works for which He rewards us. Our works in and of themselves have no merit. . . . We deserve no thanks from God. We have only done what it was our duty to do, and our works could not have been performed in the strength of our own sinful natures." God's Amazing Grace, p. 244:2
6. "Without the grace of God, men love to do evil. They walk in darkness, and do not possess the power of self-control. They give loose rein to their passions and appetites until all the finer feelings are lost and only the animal passions are manifested. Such men need to feel a higher, controlling power, which will constrain them to obey. If rulers do not exercise a power to terrify the evildoer, he will sink to the level of the brute. The earth is growing more and more corrupt." Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 362:2.
7. "Our precious Saviour gave his life that fallen man might be saved. It was impossible for those who had once weakened themselves by transgression to fulfill the requirements of God; the consequence and penalty of sin was upon the race; but the Lamb of God paid the penalty of the past transgressions, and will impart to those who believe on him power to become the sons of God, power to obey the commandments of the law. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we may be conquerors in the battle with 'the world, the flesh, and the devil.' Jesus says, 'Without me ye can do nothing;' we are dependent upon him for divine grace and help from day to day. 'As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.' But let no one think that because Christ has died for us we are released from all personal responsibility, that we need not be particular to obey his will, to glorify God or to honor the rule of his government. 'Sin is the transgression of the law,' and sin is very offensive in his sight. We must put it away if we would enter the city wherein is nothing that defileth." The Signs of the Times, 02-10-88.
8. "Under the covenant of grace, the conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in Eden. The believing sinner, through his divine substitute and surety, renders obedience to the law of God. Mercy granted to man is the reward of the merit of Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and "purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with good works, release us from our obligation to keep the law, nor lessen in the least its holy claim. Christ came to exalt the law and make it honourable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace is the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a way of salvation through obedience to the law of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit." The Messenger, 05-10-93, par. 2.
2. GROWING IN GRACE--ELEVATION of CHARACTER

1. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1. What does knowledge of Jesus do for us?
1. John 17:3. Gives us eternal life.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:18. Changes us into the image of Christ.
2. How do we grow in grace?
1. Remember (1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.)
2. "We may grow in grace by improving through the grace we already have." Faith and Works, p. 48:3.
3. iii) "We must have new grace and fresh strength daily in order to be victorious." Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 541:1.
3. What does this growth in grace accomplish? "Many are satisfied with business activity in the cause of God, while their hearts are destitute of love and compassion one for another. They know nothing of the tender sympathy that dwelt in the bosom of Jesus, and unless their characters are transformed, unless the heart is made tender, and they become partakers of the divine nature, they will make grave blunders, and fail to become inhabitants of heaven. Those who are holding responsible positions need to drink deep at the fountain of Christ's love, that their hearts may be made kind and their actions considerate. By his word, by the testimonies of his Spirit, God is appealing to his people both early and late, urging them to the attainment of the divine ideal. It was for this end that Christ took human nature upon himself. The elevation of man is the object of the plan of salvation. This elevation of character is to be reached through the merit and grace of Christ. We are continually to behold him, to meditate on the grace of his character, to contemplate his love; and by beholding, we shall become changed." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 06-30-91, par. 10.
4. "Through the plan of salvation, abundant provision has been made for all. Those who choose to accept the invitation of Christ to come unto him may find grace through his divine merit to perfect a character for the future, immortal life. Christ is calling that souls may come to him; and it is for the present and eternal interest of each one of us to hear and obey the call. Jesus says, 'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.' Then let all who would be children of God respond to the invitation of Christ, and place themselves where the light of heaven will shine upon them, where they will realize that it is their privilege to be hearers and doers of the words of Christ, follow the Light of the world, and be accepted in the Beloved." The Youth's Instructor, 09-01-92, par. 2.
1. CHANNELS OF GRACE

1. How does grace affect our conversation with others?
1. Hebrews 13:15. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." ["Thanks" here = "grace"]
1. We may minister grace unto others. Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
2. What does it do for us as workers for God? 1 Corinthians 15:10. "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
1. Colossians 4:6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
2. Ephesians 3:8. "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
3. "Christ's true followers use their knowledge to make others the recipients of His grace. With their lamps filled with holy oil, they go forth to give light to those in darkness. Such workers see many souls turning to the Lord. New truths continually unfold to them, and as they receive, they impart." Signs of the Times, 07-09-02, par. 3.
4. "Through the grace of Christ our efforts to bless others are not only the means of our growth in grace, but they will enhance our future, eternal happiness. To those who have been co-workers with Christ it will be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own. When we have done all the good we can possibly do, we are still unprofitable servants. We have done only what as our duty. What we have accomplished has been wrought solely through the grace of Christ, and no reward is due to us from God on the ground of our merit. But through the merit of our Saviour, every promise that God has made will be fulfilled, and every man will be rewarded according to his deeds. The precious rewards of the future will be proportioned to the work of faith and labor of love in the present life. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." We should be most grateful that now in probationary time through the infinite mercy of God, we are permitted to sow the seed for our future harvest. We should carefully consider what the harvest will be. Whether the crown of our eternal rejoicing shall be bright or dim depends upon our own course of action. We may make our calling and election sure, and may come into possession of the rich inheritance, or we may defraud ourselves of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 06-27-93.
2. Will we be rewarded for our efforts? "The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ." The Desire of Ages, p. 314:2.
3. What was shown to Zechariah?
1. Zechariah 4:1. "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it."
2. What is the oil in those lamps?
1. Zechariah 4:6 "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
1. It is the spirit. And what does it bring? "Grace, grace unto it."
2. "Can the human mind comprehend this statement? Can we by faith comprehend the fact that we are beloved by the Father even as the Son is beloved? Could we indeed lay hold of this and act up to it, we would indeed have the grace of Christ, the golden oil of heaven, poured into our poor, thirsty, parched souls. Our light would no longer be fitful and flickering, but would shine brightly amid the moral darkness that like a funeral pall is enveloping the world. We should by faith hear the prevailing intercession that Christ continually presents in our behalf, as he says: 'Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.'" The Signs of the Times, 06-18-96, par. 6.
3. "Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holiness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity. They understand that the Christian's character should represent the character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is imparted the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer, makes him complete in Christ. It is not a decided evidence that a man or a woman is a Christian because he manifests deep emotion when under exciting circumstances. He who is Christlike has a deep, determined, persevering element in his soul, and yet has a sense of his own weakness, and is not deceived and misled by the Devil, and made to trust in himself. He has a knowledge of the word of God, and knows that he is safe only as he places his hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, and keeps firm hold upon him." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 09-17-95, par. 8.
1. Just like the oil keeps the lamp burning, God's grace keeps the light on in our soul. It keeps our experience
4. "When men and women give themselves unreservedly to the exercise of unselfish works, it is because the grace of Christ is in the heart, molding the life to his example. But if the heart is destitute of the Spirit of God, if it does not possess the rich grace of God, there is no oil in the vessel with the lamp, there is no treasure in the earthen vessel." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 09-17-08, par. 12.
1. If the Spirit of God is not in our hearts, then we will not have the oil of grace in our hearts.
1. CONCLUSION

1. As we look back on our life experience in Christ, we will be able to see where His grace has helped us along the way. "When railing accusations and taunts more cruel than spears and arrows have fallen upon you, the influence of the Spirit of God upon your heart has led you to speak calmly, dispassionately. It was not in nature to do this. It was the fruit of the Spirit of God. It was the grace of God which strengthened your faith amid all the heartsicknesses of hope deferred. Grace fortified you for the warfare and hardships, and brought you through conqueror. Grace taught you to pray, to love and trust, notwithstanding your unfavorable surroundings. As you repeatedly realized that your prayers were answered in a special manner, you did not feel that it was because of any merit in yourself, but because of your great need. Your necessity was God's opportunity. Your life in those days of trial was to trust in God. And the manifestations of His special deliverance when in most trying places were like the oasis in the desert to the faint and weary traveler." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, p. 270 :1.
2. May we each one receive the grace of Christ every day, for forgiveness of sin, and power to obey and overcome.