Skip to main content

Grace and Peace: The Divine Gift from the Father and the Son



"Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ" 

- 1 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV)

In this powerful verse, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and the profound relationship between believers, God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This simple yet profound greeting opens a window into the very heart of Christian theology and practice.

The Fatherhood of God

The concept of God as Father is central to Christian faith. It speaks of a personal, loving relationship between the Creator and His creation. As Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matthew 6:9), we are reminded of the intimate connection we can have with the Almighty.

This Fatherhood is not universal, but is reserved for those who have accepted Christ. As John 1:12 states, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family, with all the privileges and responsibilities that entails.

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

Paul's greeting also emphasizes the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This title, "Lord," is not merely a polite form of address, but a recognition of Christ's divine authority and sovereignty. As Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives. It's a commitment to obey His teachings and follow His example, as He Himself said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Coming Under Their Authority

To come under the Fatherhood of God and the Lordship of Christ requires a personal decision of faith and repentance. As Romans 10:9 declares, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

This decision involves:

  • Recognizing our sinful state and need for salvation
  • Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Savior
  • Repenting of our sins
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord
  • Committing to follow Him in obedience

The Benefits of Submission

The benefits of coming under God's Fatherhood and Christ's Lordship are immeasurable. Paul mentions two immediate blessings in our verse: grace and peace.

Grace is God's unmerited favor, His divine enablement that empowers us to live the Christian life. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, God's "grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Peace is the tranquility of heart and mind that comes from being reconciled to God. As Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Other benefits include:

  • Eternal life (John 3:16)
  • The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)
  • Access to God through prayer (Hebrews 4:16)
  • Spiritual gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
  • The promise of God's provision and care (Matthew 6:33)

The Dangers of Rejection

Rejecting the Fatherhood of God and the Lordship of Christ carries severe consequences. Jesus Himself warned, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

The dangers include:

  • Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
  • Judgment for sin (Romans 6:23)S
  • Spiritual blindness and bondage (2 Corinthians 4:4)
  • Missing out on God's purpose for one's life (Ephesians 2:10)
  • Eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:15)

Conclusion

The greeting in 1 Corinthians 1:3 is far more than a polite opening. It's an invitation to experience the transformative power of a relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. By submitting to Their authority, we open ourselves to receive grace and peace that surpass all understanding, equipping us for this life and the next.

As we contemplate this verse, may we be stirred to renew our commitment to the Fatherhood of God and the Lordship of Christ, embracing the fullness of life that They offer.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Work and Marriage: A Parable of Life

In my country, work is like marriage. Many say there is no work, yet in reality, there is more work than those willing to take it. The problem is not the absence of opportunities but the unwillingness to recognize and embrace them. Just as some people miss out on marriage because they hold on to an imagined picture of a perfect spouse, many remain in poverty because they continually pass over real work opportunities, waiting for the kind of work that fits the image in their mind. Scripture is clear: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might  (Ecclesiastes 9:10). God does not call us to wait for ideal circumstances before we act; He calls us to engage diligently with what is at hand. Even in Eden, before the fall of man, the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it  (Genesis 2:15). Work is not a curse but a divine assignment. Yet many despise small beginnings. They forget the words of Jesus: He that is faithful in that ...
1 comment
Read more

GROWTH-BLOCKING MINDSETS AND THE KINGDOM KEY TO BREAK FREE

  A Kingdom Perspective for Two Dangerous Mindsets In today’s culture of ambition and hustle, two dangerous extremes have emerged: Those who say, “I’m not called into business. I’m just an employee.” Those who say, “I don’t want to serve anyone—I just want to own mine.” Both of these mindsets are not only flawed—they’re limiting. They reflect a misunderstanding of how God raises people into influence, impact, and provision. We’ll address both extremes and reveal a balanced, Kingdom-based truth: you are already in business, and you must serve before you can own. You're Already in Business—Even as an Employee When you work for a company, organization, or institution, you are already participating in the world of business. You may not own the structure, but you are working within it. You are contributing to its operations, its vision, and ultimately, its profit. Whether you handle customer service, clean the premises, manage accounts, or sit in a cor...
Post a Comment
Read more

Earthly Inheritance vs. Heavenly Inheritance

Post a Comment
Read more