THE GRACE; II Corinthians 13:14

“NO PEN ever articulated grace like Paul’s”;^[1] it comes into clearer focus in his epistles than anywhere else in the other New Testament books. In fact, grace is a distinct and unifying idea in his writings; it starts and ends almost all his epistles. This word grace as translated here is from the Greek word “χάρις” (charis) which means “a favourable attitude.”^[2] But in the words of Charles R. Swindoll, grace is synonymous with an Old Hebrew term that meant “to bend, to stoop” which came to include the idea of “condescending favour.”^[3] This implies that the receiver of this favour is of a lower status than the giver, may not be able to reciprocate the favour, and as such does not deserve it. This is in consonance with the popular definition of grace as God’s unmerited favour.

Donald Barnhouse perhaps said it best:

“Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace.” ^[4]

To show grace is to extend favour or kindness to one who does not deserve it and cannot earn it. Recall that Paul had already received a series of ill reports about the Corinthian Church. Yet, in concluding his admonition to them, he still called for blessings on them (particularly grace). Even in Numbers 6:22-27, the Bible did not point to anything which the Israelites must do before they get Aaron and his sons to bless them; it is purely unmerited.

OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Also worthy of note, is the next clause after “the grace” as contained in our text, “of the Lord Jesus Christ” (του κυριου Ίησου χριστου). Though it is usually the priest who stretches forth his hands to say the benediction, the genitive case of the aforementioned clause implies that this grace is from our Lord Jesus Christ, who is called upon to condescend and favour (bless) the church despite her shortcomings, and not the priest. Our beloved theologian and reformer, John Calvin, defines this grace as “the whole blessing of redemption.”^[5] Analysing it in the light of what Jesus did for humanity on Calvary reveals that through the ministry of Jesus, his death, and his resurrection, he showered his grace on his people by saving them from their sins (Matthew 1:21).^[6] Yet, he did not stop at that, he accompanies it with so many other innumerable blessings.

What is the criterion?

There is no criterion. Grace is not based on affluence, intellect, ethnicity, strength, or righteousness. Not even salvation qualifies us for grace, as salvation is also by grace, God’s gift, we did not work for it (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is purely unmerited; God condescendingly dispenses it with his discretion. That is why the sun rises on both the evil and the good, and the rain falls on both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).

Apostle Paul clarifies this further through his admonition to the Romans, “…if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6; NIV). Most people are quick to adopt grace-based salvation, but quickly fall into the trap of works-related Christian life?^[3] This should be food for thought for us all. Believing in grace is one thing, but living in it is another.

“It is not by strength that one prevails”

(I Samuel 2:9; NIV)

The benediction is grace-centred. Therefore, as often as we take the benediction, it is very pertinent that we see it as a reminder of our human depravity and a call on the superior to manifest his favour on the inferior. John Calvin says that the people who learn the truth about human depravity, that even the best deeds are tainted and none is pure, can repent and depend on God the Father for salvation.^[5] Also, Ravi Zacharias opines that all conversion is born out of our recognition of our bankruptcy.^[7] Until we acknowledge our frailties like Paul did (II Corinthians 12:7-10), Christ’s power through grace may never rest on us. But when we do, then his power comes, which is an expression of his Love and evidence of fellowship with divinity.

In Part 4 we will look at THE LOVE OF GOD. Remain blessed, till we come your way next time.

Endnotes:

1. Lucado, Max. In the Grip of Grace. Dallas: Word Publishers, 1996.
2. Friberg, Timothy; Friberg, Barbara; Miller, Neva F. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000.
3. Swindoll, Charles R. The Grace Awakening. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2003.
4. Barnhouse, Donald Grey. Romans, Man’s Ruin, Vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1952.
5. Calvin, John. The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Translated by T. A. Small. Calvin’s Commentaries series. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964.
6. Kistemaker, Simon J.; Hendriksen, William. New Testament Commentary: Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2001.
7. Zacharias, Ravi. “A Fish Out of Water 1.” Let My People Think. Anonymous Publisher, 2005. MP3

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