The root word for grace (Gr. charis) is not new to Christianity. It also applies to gift (donation, present, gratuity, compassion, etc.) and is frequently found in the Old Testament. God reveals Himself as “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”, but nevertheless, “by no means clearing the guilty…” Exodus 34.6,7.

The law, in the Old Testament, was a manifestation of the grace of God, because it was a path, a link, through which a sinner would be worthy of this grace. In the New Testament, the grace of God is revealed in Jesus Christ: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…” but nevertheless, clearing the guilty: “…teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” Titus 2.11,12.

In the book of Romans, apostle Paul beseeches fellow Christians to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12.1). We have seen that the sacrifices, which purify us, are holy and acceptable to the Lord.

This interesting statement, which was also made by the same apostle, refers to the money the Christian church at Philippi sent to help him with his sustenance: “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4.18). Here, the money offered for Paul’s sustenance, who was doing missionary work, opening churches in Asia and Europe, was considered an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice to God. Also, in the same book, Paul speaks of Christian commitment as a “sacrifice and service of faith” (Philippians 2.17).

Certainly, with the grace of God manifested in Jesus Christ, we no longer need to sacrifice animals for the forgiveness of our sins. However, this should not be confused with the sacrifices made throughout our Christian journey.

The Lord Jesus said that the door, which leads to Salvation, is narrow and we should strive to go in by it, as opposed to the wide gate that leads to destruction.

A true Christian is aware of his responsibility before God and knows he needs faith, courage and selflessness to face his enemies on a daily basis. He knows that he is a soldier, a helper in the Work of God, and that he is an instrument used by the Lord to execute His will in this world. He knows that his part must be fulfilled. He does not wait around for his blessings to fall from the sky. This is who God honors, and will find His precious grace.

The grace of God can be understood as a two-sided relationship. The initiative belongs to God, but it is necessary for man to accept this relationship in order for it to be complete. The acceptance of grace, however, is by faith, and requires renunciation, dedication, obedience and sacrifice.

To follow the Lord Jesus is to join Him and this means being a co-participant in building His kingdom, which is the foundation of the Church. God, who sacrificed His own Son, wants us to be a living and acceptable sacrifice before Him.