Sola Gratia – by grace alone 
 

We can sing almost all the verses of “Amazing Grace” by heart.  It’s ’s favorite hymn.  But ask any American what grace is, and he will probably give you a blank look. 

Simply put, grace is God’s love for the undeserving sinner. 
 

From a human point of view, free grace is offensive, absolutely unfair!  That God would show love and mercy toward those who are his enemies and who constantly reject him and strive against him is offensive. 
 

Grace is only free to us, however.  It cost God.  It was paid for at a terrible cost – the holy, precious blood and innocent suffering and death of Jesus.  This was a price more than anyone else could pay.  It was a price only God could pay. 
 

Most of the evangelical movement today would say that grace is God making salvation possible in Jesus Christ, leaving the fulfillment of salvation to one’s decision or merit.  Lutherans, standing solely on Scripture, say unashamedly that grace means that God didn’t just make salvation possible, but that he accomplished salvation for everyone!  
 

All sinners are justified, or declared spiritually right with God, by the blood of Jesus.  That is the richness, the majesty of grace. 

        -  John L. Eich

 

Since December 1, 2007