Grace and Peace – Special Culmination of the Gospel
You probably notice whilst reading almost any of the Pauline Epistles that Paul’s greetings are usually more or less the same. The question then is: Was it habitual or theologically intentional? The Word of God is God-breathed and inspired, so it is crucial to put emphasis on every single word in the Bible, because it was delegated by an omniscient living God.
Philippians 1:1-2
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:2
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:3
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Here are just a few examples, but I want you to focus on the common denominator in all these greetings. It all bestows the grace and peace from God upon the saints. Why is the grace and peace so significant that it is almost always in the greeting? Are we missing something when just reading it as a normal phrase or slogan?
Let’s give those two words some well-deserved attention and I promise you that you will stand in awe.
Grace
By quoting almost one of the most used verses world-wide: For we are saved by Grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
The grace of God upon us is the only means by which the Gospel unto our salvation is made possible (Important note: it has appeared to ALL men). We cannot dare even allow a thought in the direction of salvation apart from grace, therefore we can rightfully say that grace is an accurate depiction of the Gospel. The Gospel’s foundation rests upon grace. The fact that Jesus was willing to die for us is due to His grace upon us. Salvation is possible, because of God’s grace. Do not ever take it for granted!
Romans 5:15
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Ephesians 1:6-7
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
The grace that is able to abound to the whole world came only by Jesus. His grace is not poor, but rich. Able to save anyone willing to submit thereunder.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
The Gospel is grace. Grace is the Gospel. We need to testify the gospel of the grace of God. The word of His grace is able to build us up. Grace summarizes a whole lot of the Gospel.
Peace
In reference to peace most people tend to refer to two types of peace. That is peace with God due to our right standing with Him after our justification and sanctification through Jesus Christ. Secondly, our peace with man, due to the love of Jesus Christ that we have inherited for the lost.
Those reasons are both very true, but I want us to search deeper into the richness these words provide. Theologically, it goes much deeper, creating an intensely fine-planned greeting.
Ephesians 2:14
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Not only does Jesus provide us with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), but as we abide in Him He becomes our Peace.
Thus we can conclude, that through the sacrifice of Jesus, that is founded upon His grace, we have access to His peace. That’s the culmination of the Gospel for you!
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