For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
What is faith? Little? Much? Jesus clearly demarcates the two adjectives.
“Just have a little faith,” I have heard people say. No! What is the meaning of this word, faith?
The etymology of words is essential for an optimal understanding of the Bible.
It is a belief that is not based on proof. It is trust in God and in His promises. These promises are made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
Why are there so many ways to describe the meaning of grace in the context of God’s relationships with men? James 1:17 reveals to us the answer. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning.“
God calls us. He leads us. He equips us. He empowers us. All to carry out His will on Earth. Philippians 2:13 says, “For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.” ‘To will’ indicates that He gives us a desire. ‘To do’ signifies He empowers us to accomplish what He has called us to do.
- a particular occupation, business, or profession; calling.
- a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career.
- a divine call to God’s service or to the Christian life.
- a function or station in life to which one is called by God: the religious vocation; the vocation of marriage.
In years gone by, a good mechanic would be described as gifted. This was true of artists, doctors, teachers, carpenters, electricians, and other trades. The word for this is vocation. [source: WordReference.com] Calling is another word for your vocation.
Our contemporary word vocation derives from Latin vocātiōn- (stem of vocātiō) a call, summons, equivalent. to vocāt(us) past participle of vocāre to call.
Who calls you? Your mother? Your neighbor? No! God’s divine influence on your heart calls you to specific acts and trades.
Unwrapping Grace
Thus, think of the Biblical word grace as “a gift.” The word gift means
- something given to another freely and without payment in return, as to honor a person or an occasion or to provide assistance; a present: birthday gifts, for example.
- something received without being earned: This wonderful weather has been a gift, for another example.
- a special ability; natural talent: a gift for music, for still another example
Wrapped up within His grace is the power and the desire to do His will. God’s grace is a gift of the power and the desire to do His will.
- God is faithful, and by Him you were called to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9 - But when it pleased God, who set me apart since I was in my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the nations, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. But I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Galatians 1:15-17 - But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, beloved brothers of the Lord, because God has from the beginning called you to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief of the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 - Because of this he must offer sacrifices for his own sins, just as he does for the people. No man takes this honor for himself, but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”
Hebrews 5:3-5
What has God called YOU to do?
John White
Rockwall, Texas
John N. White 