Sinclair Ferguson Quote…
Grace is not a “Thing”
It is legitimate to speak of “receiving grace,” and sometimes (although I am somewhat cautious about the possibility of misusing language) we speak of the preaching of the Word, prayer, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as “means of grace.” That is fine, so long as we remember that there isn’t a thing, a substance, or a “quasi-substance” called “grace.” All there is is the person of the Lord Jesus — “Christ clothed in the gospel,” as Calvin loved to put it. Grace is the grace of Jesus. If I can highlight the thought here: there is no “thing” that Jesus takes from Himself and then, as it were, hands over to me. There is only Jesus Himself.
Grasping that thought can make a significant difference to a Christian’s life. So while some people might think this is just splitting hairs about different ways of saying the same thing, it can make a vital difference. It is not a thing that was crucified to give us a thing called grace. It was the person of the Lord Jesus that was crucified in order that He might give Himself to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. – Sinclair Ferguson
Original Link Here
I believe the word “Grace” is tossed around by many but yet many do not know what Grace is. People say “I’m saved by Grace” then you ask them what is Grace? They will say “Its the Gift of God” Then you ask them what is the gift? Then the answer is a stary eyed silence. Not having a clear understanding of grace will determine how precious Christ blood is to us and how much we know that we don’t deserve it. I believe it cannot be over emphasized enough that Christ is the Grace and the gift, there is no separting grace from Christ. When need to understand that Grace is our Sovereign Holy God gave the (God)man Christ Jesus as a substitute to satisfy his justice for our sins. Understanding that the God man Jesus is the grace or the gift then we are thankful and grateful for the Man Jesus Christ and not just “grace” as if it was a entity apart from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, I agree. Thanks Kathy!