We have seen how that a sinner’s salvation is all of grace, and how the saved one is brought from under condemnation and wrath (John 3:18, 36), to “stand in grace” (Rom. 5:2). His feet are set there by God; it is not a slippery Place, but good firm footing.
He can never fall out of it into hell. He is “under grace” (Rom. 6:14).
How blessed then it is for us to know that grace has reached us not at the expense of righteousness, but according to it.
“Grace reigns through righteousness.” (Rom. 5:21). Well may we sing—
“Saved by grace alone,
This all my plea;
Jesus died for sinners, lost,
And Jesus died for me.”
It is “His grace” (Eph. 1:6); the riches of “His grace”(Eph. 1:7); “the exceeding riches of His grace” (Eph. 2:7).
Now, as saved ones we have still to do with grace to begin with, and grace all through.
Grace is our teacher (See Titus 2:13) Under grace (Rom. 6:14) we are to learn how to walk and please God. Forever step of our journey we need grace, and blessed be God we have the assuring Word
“My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2 Cor. 12:9).
You need not break down, you see, dear young saints, for want of supplies.
“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8).
Take a good grip of this, you who are in offices among unconverted mates, who tease and trouble you, and try to rouse your temper, or get you to dishonor God by doing wrong things. Be strong in grace (2 Tim. 3:1); go boldly to the throne and “find grace” (Heb. 4:16) there; and having found, hold it fast, that you may serve God acceptably (Heb. 12:28).
Then as regards others, to your enemies be gracious, as God is to His. Let your speech be always “with grace” (Col. 4:6); not giving tit-for-tat, nor paying back those who say or do wicked things, in “their own coin.” No, no; leave God to deal with all that. He will “square accounts” with them sooner or later.
Now, in closing, I will give you a “Motto Text” to take with you.
“For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:11).