Grace: What is It? How Do You Grow in It?

You hear a lot about "grace" in Christian circles, but what is it exactly? In the Bible it's translated from the Greek word charis, which means "graciousness, favor." Consider a teacher's pet in a positive sense. Why is a certain student the "teacher's pet"? Simple: That student has the teacher's FAVOR. Now apply this to the LORD's favor; that is, God's grace. Just as the teacher's pet has the teacher's favor so you and I can have God's favor. But how do we obtain God's favor? Simple: The Bible says "God opposes the proud, but shows favor (charis) to the humble" (James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5). What's the point? Don't be arrogant because God OPPOSES - RESISTS - the proud; rather cultivate humility because God gives his grace/favor to the humble. In short, humility attracts the LORD. Now humility is not self-loathing; it's a healthy and attractive quality. It's a pliable, teachable spirit. God's grace is applicable to (1) your eternal salvation and (2) to the believer on a personal level. In other words, once you receive the message of Christ, you can GROW IN GOD'S FAVOR, just as Christ did (Luke 2:52), and as Peter encouraged us to do (2 Peter 3:18). How do you grow in God's grace? This book shows you how.