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37 illustrations — Quotes from Lewis, Stott, Bonhoeffer, and other theologians
"We live in the dispensation of grace. The church age is uniquely characterized by salvation through faith alone, apart from law-keeping. This was always God's way, but now it is fully revealed. Grace distinguishes this age—pure gift, received by faith." — Charles Ryrie.
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"Here is the thunderbolt against all works-righteousness! 'Not of works, lest anyone should boast.' The law demands; grace gives. The law kills; grace makes alive. We are beggars before God, receiving everything, contributing nothing. This is the gospel!" — Martin Luther.
"Grace comes to those with nothing to offer—and the disinherited know this best. Those denied worth by society receive infinite worth from God. 'Not of works'—this is good news for those whose work was stolen, whose merit was denied. Grace levels." — Howard Thurman.
"Grace subverts every merit system—religious, economic, social. 'Not of works' challenges not just legalism but capitalism's myth that you get what you deserve. Grace says worth is given, not earned. This is revolutionary: nobody earns belonging." — Brian McLaren. Progressive: grace against merit systems.
"To HIM be glory—God does immeasurably more for HIS glory. Our asking and imagining serve His purposes; His exceeding serves His praise. The abundance is not merely for us but through us for His name. To God be glory in...
"Immeasurably more—this is theosis. We imagine holiness; God gives participation in divine nature. We ask for help; He gives Himself. The power at work is deifying energy. The abundance is infinite because God is infinite; theosis has no ceiling." — St.
"We are saved by grace—and saved FOR good works (verse 10). Grace is not the end but the beginning. The gift received becomes gift given. Those who know they are undeserving become the most generous, the most missional. Grace creates senders." — Tim Keller.
"Grace does immeasurably more! Whatever sanctification we imagine, God's grace exceeds. Whatever transformation we dream, His power achieves more. The power at work within us—prevenient, justifying, sanctifying—accomplishes beyond our highest holiness hopes." — John Wesley. Wesleyan: exceeding grace.
"More than we ask—our prayers are too small! More than we imagine—our dreams are too limited! Immeasurably more—God exceeds all measurement! His power works in us; His glory fills the church. Dream big; pray bold; expect abundantly above all." — Charles Spurgeon.
"Have you received this gift? Grace is offered to YOU—personally, specifically, right now. You cannot earn salvation; you can only accept it. Put your faith in Christ today. Believe and receive. This is the simple, profound gospel: grace through faith." — Billy Graham.
"What have YOU asked God for? He can do more! What have YOU imagined? He exceeds it! The power at work within YOU—personally—accomplishes immeasurably more than YOUR biggest prayers, YOUR wildest dreams. Believe for more; God delights to exceed." — Billy Graham.
"Grace is not just unmerited favor—it is God's EMPOWERING presence! The same grace that saved you now enables you to live victoriously. Stop striving and start receiving! Grace isn't permission to sin; it's power to reign! Live in radical grace!" — Joseph Prince.
"What are God's plans? In Ephesians we learn: to unite all things in Christ. The 'hope and future' of Jeremiah 29:11 finds its ultimate meaning in Christ. He IS the plan. Every promise of hope converges on Him. Our future...