THE GRACE OF GOD—INCENTIVE FOR EVANGELISM

Andrew M. Connally

 

This year marks the thirteenth anniversary of my wife’s and my involvement with Africa, her people, and her evangelism. Throughout these wonderful years, the “grace of God” has inspired us in every endeavor and work.

“For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Tit. 2:11-13). This beautiful and meaningful passage has always spurred us on in our evangelistic efforts both at home and abroad. When men believe the Bible, they realize universal salvation is a lie told by Satan and that the only way men can be saved is by obeying the commands of the gospel both in becoming a Christian and then remaining one. This constitutes “the grace of God.” The Bible knows nothing concerning God’s grace separate and apart from man’s obedience to the truth of God’s word.

People so often act as if God’s grace is mysterious, nebulous, and mystical. The Bible does not teach this. Such an idea is the product of emotionalism and error. If Satan can make men believe that “grace” is unknowable and mysterious, then he has undermined the necessity of obedience to the actual commands and thus perpetuates disobedience. This actually nullifies the grace of God.

When the angels announced the good news, they were bringing the grace of God to the attention of men. Jesus Christ is the expression of God’s grace in the flesh. The gospel is the record of his life and teachings. Hence, men are saved by obeying the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16), by accepting the “grace of God.”

So often when people find themselves in sin and do not wish to stop sinning by getting out of the sinful relationship, they say, “I’ll just throw myself on the mercy and grace of God.” Neighbor, this is a ridiculous statement for it implies God will be more merciful than he has taught in the Bible! If this was so, then why even have the Bible? If God does not have to abide by his word, why did he give it? Preachers who constantly exhort, “throw yourself on the mercy of God” while denying the responsibility of obeying the gospel are sending souls to hell!

 

The Grace of God Provides

 

The grace of God provides salvation. But how? Well, the Lord died and the Lord built the church, and this sums up the “grace of God.” His life, death, and blood are inextricably tied together to form the basis of our salvation (cf. Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:8-11). Yet our Master sanctified the church by His blood (Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28), and it became the avenue of salvation on this earth. Jesus will only save the faithful members of His body (Eph. 5:23-25). While as members of His church, we have providential care (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6), earnest concern (1 Pet. 3:12), and answers to our prayers (Matt. 7:7-11). We have a loving relationship with our Father and our brethren (1 Jn. 17:10), and a glorious hope for the future (1 Pet. 1:3; Rom. 5:23-25). So, God really has provided “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

Thus, we realize what is involved in the grace of God, and without obedience to it, we stand condemned. Then the grace of God motivates us to evangelize the entire world with all the power of our being and with all the strength of our resources. It is a privilege, joy, and heavenly calling to be so involved. Surely, “the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men.”

May God speed our efforts!