Olive Crest United Methodist Church
7180 North 60th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68152

Our Pastor

Rev. Debra Tompsett-Welch

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Rev. Jane-Elizabeth Brakhage Presents
'Spiritual Discipline'

What is Christian Grace

As Christians and especially as United Methodists, we talk a lot about grace. But what is this grace that we talk about? Dr. Hal Knight, in his book The Presence of God in the Christian Life, tells us that "for [John] Wesley, [grace] is relational: grace both enables and invites us to participate in an ongoing personal relationship with God" (p. 8). It is grace that calls us into relationship with God, then it is grace that maintains and eventually perfects that relationship. Dr. Knight says that this "transforming power of God acts preveniently on all persons, so that a relationship is possible, and later in new birth and Christian perfection, to those who within that relationship are seeking these changes and are gradually being changed in the process of seeking" (p. 9).

Wesley had a way of talking about grace that was unique. While it is all grace, Wesley talked about prevenient grace, justifying grace and sanctifying grace. Let's start with prevenient grace.

Prevenient Grace

Prevenient, or preventing, grace is given to all. It is "manifested in human life in the form of conscience" (p. 25). Therefore, anyone who listens to their conscience is already in a relationship with God and can grow in the knowledge of God (p. 26). This grace precedes our conscious decision to follow God. This is the grace that is always reaching out to us and enables us to be in relationship with God.

Justifying Grace

Justifying grace is "often referred to as conversion" (para. 60 of The Book of Discipline). It is where a person is convicted of their sin and turns to God and experiences forgiveness. This was the goal of many old-time revivals, to bring about conversion. Another way of speaking of this experience is by talking about new birth or being born again. This experience is often thought of as being an instantaneous experience, but it also can be a gradual process.

Sanctifying Grace

For Wesley justification was not the final step in a Christian's life. Rather the goal of the Christian life is Christian perfection and this is where sanctifying grace comes in. While it is true that we are saved by Christ's death on the cross, Christ is still acting in human lives to bring about the completion of salvation. "Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to increase in the knowledge and love of God and in love of our neighbor" (para. 60, The Book of Discipline). Christian perfection is being perfect in love of God and neighbor and that is the work of sanctifying grace.

Until next time, may the peace and grace of Christ be with you always.

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