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"Biblical Illustrations of Grace"
Dr. Jack Klem, CBTS
What biblical illustration would you cite as the most impressive demonstration of God’s grace in the Old or New Testament Scriptures?
What biblical text do you think demonstrates the greatness of God’s grace over sin?
What expression of God’s grace applied to sinful men would truly amaze you?
Would you say that God’s grace to the nation of Israel is truly amazing? From the birth of the nation to Israel’s current situation, Israel tasted the grace of God.
The unfailing love of God led and redeemed the nation out of the bondage of Egypt (Exodus 15:13). In addition, every generation of Israel tasted the effective grace of God (Exodus 20:6).
In fact, the writer of Psalm 136 summarizes just about every episode of Israel’s history with the poetic refrain, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Or maybe you would say God’s grace extended to the terrorist nation of Nineveh is most awe inspiring.
Why would God send the prophet Jonah to a vicious Gentile nation to offer them grace? And in addition, why would God allow them to respond so enthusiastically to a call to repentance?
Is it because, You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you (Psalm 86:5).
Or maybe you would say God’s grace extended to the harlot Rahab is even more impressive. Why would God spare one women, along with her family from the wrath of conquest judgment? And in addition, why would God allow a Gentile outsider to become an insider?
Is it because, you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15 ).
Or maybe you would say God’s grace spent on King David is awesome. Why would God deal graciously with a sinful King who committed adultery and orchestrated a murder?
Is is because David prayed, Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions (Psalm 51:1).
Or maybe you would say that the fullest expression of grace is found in the Newer Testament and is especially highlighted in the life of Paul.
Why would God spare the life of a Jew named Saul, so passionately committed to hindering the spread of the Gospel? And why would He then choose to commission this converted Jew as the spokesman for grace?
Is it because Paul understood that The grace of our Lord was poured out on him abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 1:14).
Or maybe the most amazing expression of grace is your story or my story? Why would God extend His grace so abundantly to you and to me?
Or maybe stories of grace are not all that amazing in comparison to the bestower of grace, the Lord God Himself.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption (Psalm 130:7; Exodus 34:6-7).
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
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