What is Grace and Its Purpose?

[Posted July 6, 2006]

Understanding grace is only for those who “Do His will” (Joh 7:17). What sometimes comes up missing in the teaching of the doctrine of grace is the understanding that is imparted to us in Titus 2:11 and 12.  Grace teaches [paideuo, Strong’s #3811] us to forsake ungodliness and worldly lusts.

The word ‘teach’ is not strong enough to convey how God deals with those who continue in “ungodliness and worldly lust.” This is the same word used in Hebrews 12:6: “Whom the Lord loves he chastens [paideuo] and scourges every son he receives.”  It is the same word in 1Corinthians 11:32:  “When we are judged, we are chastened [paideuo] of the Lord.”

Isa 26:8  Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Judgment day for all is a day of “chastening” and discipline, not eternal torment. Chastening is for the purpose of perfecting. This is in line with the concept of a firm, loving father.  In fact, the “virgin” bride of Christ (2Co 11:2) is in her “judgment day” now. “For the time is come that judgment (chastening – 1Co 11:32) must begin at the house of God: and if it begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

According to Paul, we are the “house of God” (1Ti 3:15).  We are the bride (2Co 11:2), the circumcision (Php 3:3 and Rom 2:27), we are Jews (Rom 2:28-29), and we are Israel (Eph 2:11 and 19, Gal 6:15-16) and chastening from God is for us now.