The Grace of God

What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world?
Years ago that very question was discussed at a conference. Some of the participants argued that Christianity was unique in teaching that God became man, but someone objected, saying that other religions teach similar doctrines.
What about the resurrection? No, it was argued. Other faiths believe that the dead rise again The discussion grew heated.
CS Lewis, a strong defender of Christianity, came in late, sat down and asked, “What is all the rumpus about?” When he learned that it was a debate about the uniqueness of Christianity, he immediately commented, “Oh! That’s easy. It’s grace.”
How right he was! The very heart of the gospel is the supreme truth that God accepts us on the basis of righteousness of His own Son alone, imputed to all who believe in Jesus Christ. We can only come to God as helpless sinners in need of God’s grace.
When the much used evangelist, George Whitfield, passed by a place where a man was being hung, he said, “But by the Grace of God there go I.” He understood well the nature of grace. Grace is the unmerited favour of God.
We are saved, not by our moral character, not by the works of our own righteousness, not by keeping God’s commandments or by churchgoing, but by the rich and abundant grace of God. Good news indeed. What a gospel! What a Saviour!
NIV Romans 4 1-5 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about- but not before God. What does scripture say? “ Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”