Grace, Today

Paul interrupts his discourse in 2 Corinthians on the description of his ministry to suddenly quote the prophet Isaiah. The exhortation is to "not receive the grace of God in vain" (6:1). Such an exhortation is surprising. The quotation from the prophet is: "For he says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have succored you", and corresponds to the first part of 49:8. Paul adds: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation".

What is the relationship between the exhortation to receive grace and the quotation from Isaiah? Apparently none, because, when reviewing the context, we see that the prophet refers to Israel, when God promises to restore it. Temporally, it is placed in a future time with respect to the prophet, and even with respect to Paul and us. The Israelites have not yet received the fulfillment of that promise.

However, looking more closely, it does refer to us, because we are the true Israel, the holy nation, chosen by faith, just like Abraham. Like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are children of promise, begotten by God, not by flesh and blood. So, the call is pertinent.

God's grace is available today. If we are in trouble to the point of near despair, if we need a strong hand to hold us up, if evil surrounds us and threatens to pull us down, then "now is the acceptable time". We do not have to wait until we are in better condition, nor do we have to wait for courage to face the many problems alone: let us turn to the God of grace, for it is he who says to us: "Behold, now is the day of salvation".

And if we are allowed to continue the quotation from Isaiah we shall find a precious promise, which, because of Paul's quotation, we dare to claim who come to receive God's grace. "And I will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant to the people, that thou mayest restore the land, that thou mayest inherit desolate solitudes; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Come out; and to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves". The promise follows, and it is precious; how it fills the heart with hope!

Thus, surprisingly, the gospel succors us. In a manner of speaking, any excuse is valid to lead us to grace. No wonder John, at the beginning of his Gospel, presents the Lord Jesus as "full of grace and truth", and then adds: "For from his fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (1:14, 16-17). An expert of the Greek New Testament tells us that this expression has the image of "grace taking the place of grace, like manna renewed every morning; a new grace for the new day and the new service".

So, let us not be afraid to lay hold of Christ, for he is full of grace, and his provision is inexhaustible. Let us cast off all fear, all self-righteousness, to embrace his abundance. There is no surer way, no firmer Rock. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace" (Rom. 6:14).

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