For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8
Many are familiar with this verse which reminds us that without God’s grace, no one would be saved. Salvation is a gift.
God’s grace does not stop there. People think it’s up to them and their power and control to be changed into the likeness of Christ. This is not so! Transformation, also called sanctification, is also a gift of grace.
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. –2 Cor 3:18
Catch phrases like “I’ll try harder,” “I’ll get it next time,” “If only I had more self control,” “I promise I won’t do that again,” may be an indication of a too small definition of grace.
As mentors, we can help in three ways:
1) Help them to see their own powerlessness (We can’t.)
2) Help them to see how God wants us to rely on Him for all power (He can.)
3) Help them to actually depend and call upon Him for His power of grace (He does.)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! –2 Peter 3:18
God’s gift of grace is seen in salvation. It’s seen in sanctification. And so much more.
Walk the Upward Path 