GRACE

Trusting trumps trying

Grace is God’s unmerited favor that transforms the daily life of the believer. It is the unearned gift of eternal life. Grace is distinct from mercy, which is not receiving punishment rightly deserved. A judge may grant mercy, but no human court can extend grace for only God can impute righteousness.

Grace and mercy are distinct in another important aspect. While a court conditions mercy upon future behavior, reserving the right to rescind it for transgression, grace is unconditional. Once a man has received grace through a sincere profession of faith it his regardless of conduct.

Thus, while mercy must be earned and retained through effort, grace is received eternally by faith alone. Faith is confidence in what is hoped for and assurance of what is not seen. To have faith a man must believe, to believe he must have trust in full.

Men implicitly understand mercy: if I do this, I get that—a bilateral contract. All I have to do is try. But grace surpasses human understanding: I don't have to do anything other than believe and I receive eternal life? All I have to do is trust?

Yes, because trusting trumps trying.