I love acrostics. Two of my favorites are those that have been suggested for the words “sin” and “Bible.” Someone said that sin stands for “self-inflicted nonsense,” and that Bible stands for “basic instructions before life ends.”
“Grace” is another acrostic that I like: “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” This acrostic reminds us of the great cost of grace. God’s unmerited favor toward man cost Christ His life. The Scriptures say, “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). Notice that, by the grace of God, Jesus tasted death for you and for me.
Paul wrote, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11–14).
Peter said, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18–19; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
Truly, as Christians we are rich today because of the price paid by Christ at Calvary (Ephesians 1:3, 7; 3:7–11). May we be good stewards of the manifold grace that has been shown to every one of us (1 Peter 4:10). How can we do any less, considering the great price that God’s grace cost Christ?
—Wade Webster
