The Redemptive Work of Grace
“It is God who works in you both to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
Grace is not an excuse for carelessness, nor does it mean lawlessness. Sadly, some misunderstand it this way. I once visited a church where some members were not dressing modestly. When I mentioned this to the pastor, he replied, “Don’t worry, we are in the time of grace.” But does grace mean we ignore God’s Word? If Christians live without holiness, are we not turning grace into disgrace?
Grace does not cancel obedience—it empowers it. The true work of grace is seen in three key redemptive realities: Justification, Sanctification, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
1. Justification: Made Right with God
Justification begins when a sinner confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and believes that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). It is God’s declaration that we are righteous, not because of our works, but because of Christ’s righteousness imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Faith is the key. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).
The just may fall, but by faith they rise again (Proverbs 24:16).
Our faith rests in Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Even our ability to believe is a work of grace. God is the One who initiates, calls, and justifies (Romans 8:30). We cannot take any credit. He seeks us before we ever seek Him (Isaiah 53:6).
2. Sanctification: Cleansed and Set Apart
Justification leads into sanctification—the process by which God cleanses us and makes us holy. This happens through the blood of Christ, the Word of God, and the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 1:2).
Illustration:
A man once bought an entire shop filled with goods. Yet as he left, he noticed a dirty little glass, picked it up, took it home, and washed it clean. In the same way, Jesus purchased the whole world with His blood, but He calls out individuals, washes them from sin, and fills them with living water to serve His purposes.
Sanctification is not optional. Jesus declared, “Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). He knew we could not achieve this by ourselves, so He sent the Holy Spirit after His death, resurrection, and ascension. Without His sacrifice, there would be no cleansing, no sanctification, and no reconciliation with God.
3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Empowered to Live
The work of grace is completed in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Spirit came to dwell in believers, enabling them to walk in holiness, power, and obedience.
Grace saves us, but grace also empowers us to overcome sin and live for God’s glory. “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
The Cross: The Ultimate Work of Grace
Jesus did not just carry the cross—He was crucified on it. If He had not shed His blood, there would be no sanctification (Hebrews 9:12). The sacrifices of bulls and goats could never take away sin; only the spotless blood of Jesus could.
On Calvary, He endured pain, humiliation, and false accusations. Yet He laid down His life willingly. The weight He carried cannot be measured in joules or human terms; it was the infinite burden of the world’s sin. When He cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the work of redemption was complete.
By His death, we are justified.
By His blood, we are sanctified.
By His resurrection and ascension, the Spirit was given.
This is the threefold redemptive work of grace.
The Victory of Grace
The grave could not hold Him. Death had no victory. Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended, and at Pentecost the Spirit came—sealing the work of justification, sanctification, and Spirit baptism.
The devil has no power over a believer who is under the blood of Jesus. Our victory is not by our strength, but by faith in the finished work of Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
God’s Work Through History
Martin Luther was used to preach justification by faith.
John Wesley emphasized sanctification and holiness.
The Pentecostal movement ushered in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Not three different works of grace, but one redemptive work of God manifesting in different ways. The same Spirit at work through the ages.
Conclusion
We are saved by grace through faith—not of ourselves, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). Grace calls us, justifies us, cleanses us, empowers us, and fills us. The only work required of us is to believe in the One whom God has sent (John 6:29).
Friends, grace is not lawlessness. Grace is power. Grace is transformation. Grace is Christ in us, the hope of glory.
