Grace and Peace from God Alone

The other day I was thinking of a certain verse that said "grace to you and peace", and I thought to myself, "Now where is that verse found?" Where indeed? (Ah, silly me.)

I found many verses that contain the words "Grace and peace", so much so that it got me thinking, maybe God intended that for a reason. Specifically, that we human beings, fickle and impatient and whiny (yes, whiny) as we are, might need to hear these words.

Check it out:

Romans 1:7 "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Galatians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,"

Ephesians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Do you see it? :) From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

Grace - (a) unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification (b) a virtue coming from God (c) a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

Peace - 1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as (a) freedom from civil disturbance (b) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom 2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions 3: harmony in personal relations 4 (a) a state or period of mutual concord between governments (b) a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity 5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell — at peace
: in a state of concord or tranquility

So when we are told "grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" there's a whole lot of meaning in those few words. We are reminded of what God has done for us - by His profound, unmerited grace, given over to us through no goodness of our own, and by making an agreement with Jesus Christ to be at peace with us, His former enemies. It's all of Christ, isn't it? Grace comes because Christ took the punishment, the "chastisement that brought us peace".

1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you."

2 Peter 1:2 "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

The only reason we are elect of God is for obedience to Jesus Christ, because He died for us! He gave his blood for us! And not only that, but now in our hard times and our struggles He lifts us up with words of encouragement! How can we ignore a God like this? And yet we do! We do!

But here's the kicker: "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

God says, Look. I want you to know Me. Learn about Me! My word is there for you to see! I have shown you Myself!

When our minds are focussed on God, we are reminded of His awesome grace and are therefore at peace. When our minds are off of God and on ourselves or the troubles we are in, we are in turmoil, racked with fears and doubts. Which do you pick?

2 John 1:3 "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love."

Grace, mercy and peace can only come from God. He is the best refuge, and the ONLY refuge. We can only turn to God and find comfort at His feet. We can only pray to God and have our prayers answered. We can only repent to God and have our sins forgiven. He is there, and He is willing. Isn't that just an amazing thing? He is willing to hear us! That's Grace.

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense.

Placing
Every
Anxiety (in)
Christ
Evermore.

What an amazing God we serve. Truly.