The greatest desire of Satan, the sworn enemy of our Savior, is TO TURN US AWAY FROM JESUS through his lies and deceit. As Christians, we must accept the fact that EVERY DAY WE ARE FACED WITH THE REALITY OF BATTLING SATAN. We cannot battle him on our own so, “GOD GIVES MORE GRACE (charis: gave the apostles success in their mission: “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was SO POWERFULLY AT WORK IN THEM ALL”). Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. Draw near to God, and HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU.” (James 4:6-8)
Perhaps the most important use of charis in the New Testament, frequently expressed in the phrase the grace of God, refers to the merciful act of God in Jesus Christ by which HUMAN BEINGS RECEIVE SALVATION.
Charis identifies the means of salvation that ONLY GOD PROVIDES: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has APPEARED TO ALL MEN, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, and GODLY IN THE PRESENT AGE, looking for the BLESSED HOPE and GLORIOUS APPEARING of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, that He might REDEEM US from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14) “…we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the SUFFERING OF DEATH crowned with glory and honor, that He, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, MIGHT TASTE DEATH FOR EVERYONE.” (Hebrews 2:9)
During Jesus’ death on the cross, Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death, namely the devil, so that He might bring FREEDOM TO THOSE ENSLAVED BY FEAR OF DEATH. Jesus’ finished work on the cross of Calvary GIVES US THE ABILITY TO RESIST THE DEVIL.
Your personal Pastor -Bill Stockham