EXPRESSIONS OF GRACE
John Wesley defined grace as “the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.”
He believed that Grace pervades all of creation and is universally present.
He wrote of three expressions of God’s grace:
Prevenient Grace
Justifying Grace
Sanctifying Grace
Prevenient Grace is the grace that exists in creation that everyone benefits from. No one can escape the touch of his grace. It is visible to all.
“The rain falls on the just and the unjust” Mat 5:45
He likens it to the porch on a house.
Justifying Grace is the grace that is offered for our salvation. The free gift that makes us right with God when we turn to him with faith in Jesus.
The door through which we enter into the house.
Sanctifying Grace is the grace that transforms us into the likeness of Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit to invade the inner life, bringing fullness of life.
The many rooms of the mansion that He has prepared for us to explore and inhabit.
I so enjoy this picture of grace.
As I’m in a poetic mood of late, I thought I’d try to capture Wesley’s distinctions.
Expressions of Grace
Grace declares the divine
Her very presence refines the view
of broken
to one not so over-and-done.
Grace saves souls
Her song forgives this girl
of scarlet
to one wedded in flowing white.
Grace transforms to completeness
Her power shifts the outcome
of weakness
to one of strength, fullness, and overflow.
Thank you Lord for your grace.