Grace—Progress, 1of4

~ 3 Stages of Grace ~

Saved By Grace (power in salvation)  ~  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

Standing In Grace (position of the saved)  ~  “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”(Romans 5:1-2).  

Growing In Grace (progress of the saved)  ~  “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever.  Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18).

Summary  ~  Salvation is the first stage—there can be no spiritual growth until this point.  The second stage is a new position—no longer under the law but under grace.  Finally, spiritual growth is the normal progression—evidence of spiritual reality becomes evident. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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