Comparison: God's Grace (Of) VS In God's Grace VS By God's Grace VS Through God's Grace
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Ephesians 2:7 In order that in the ages to come the exceeding riches of his grace may be revealed in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:10 However, it is by God’s grace that I am what I am today, and God’s grace did not come to me in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than all the apostles. But this is not me, but God’s grace and grace. I am with you.
Ephesians 3:7 I am a minister of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given to me according to the working of His power.
Aspect |
Grace of God (God's Grace) |
In God's Grace |
By God's Grace |
Through God's Grace |
---|---|---|---|---|
Definition |
Refers to the essence and source of grace, emphasizing that grace belongs to God and is His attribute and nature |
Refers to believers being within the realm and environment of God's grace, expressing a continuous state |
Refers to relying on God's grace to act, emphasizing the source of power |
Refers to accomplishing things using God's grace as a medium or instrument |
Distinctive Features |
• Emphasizes the essence and ownership of grace • Indicates the source of grace • Expresses the relationship between grace and God |
• Emphasizes the sphere of existence • Expresses a state of living • Indicates grace as living environment |
• Emphasizes reliance for strength • Expresses the foundation for action • Indicates source of ability |
• Emphasizes grace as pathway • Expresses method of completion • Indicates channel of achievement |
Specific Description |
God Himself with divinity going through incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension - these elements constitute God's grace |
Growing in grace, making grace the environment for living and growth, like plants growing in nutrients |
Living by relying on God's given grace as the source of power and ability |
Completing God's will through grace as the channel and means |
Examples & Application |
• Christ as the embodiment of grace • Divine nature becoming believers' life quality |
• Growth in church life • Daily life in Christ |
• Paul's ministry work • Believers' good works |
• Gospel preaching work • Completion of spiritual service |
Related Scripture |
• 2 Pet 3:18 - Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ • Eph 1:6-8 - Grace freely given to us in the Beloved |
• Eph 2:7 - His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus • Eph 2:10 - Created in Christ Jesus |
• 1 Cor 15:10 - By God's grace I am what I am |
• Eph 3:7 - Made a minister according to the gift of God's grace |
Practical Application |
• Know and accept God's essential grace • Receive God's life nature • Live out divine life |
• Rest in grace • Enjoy grace's supply • Experience life growth |
• Live by grace • Not by own strength • Let grace be power |
• Let grace be channel • Complete commission through grace • Manifest God's work |
Key Conclusions:
- 1. These four aspects show the complete picture of believers' relationship with God's grace:
- * Source (of God)
- * Environment (in)
- * Power (by)
- * Means (through)
- 2. These aspects are not mutually exclusive but complementary:
- * From knowing grace's essence
- * To living in grace
- * Then living by grace
- * Finally completing God's will through grace
- 3. Integration in practical application:
- * Knowing grace is God Himself (of God)
- * Living in the reality of this grace (in)
- * Relying on this grace to act (by)
- * Letting grace be the channel for completing God's will (through)
*Please refer to the 2024 International Thanksgiving Conference
Message Five: Grace in Peter's Epistles - Living the Christian and Church Life under God's Government for God's Economy