Accessing the Grace of God (1) 1 Peter 5:5-7

Christians are commanded to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:23).  They live under grace and not under law (Rom. 6:14).  Christians are strengthened in their lives by grace (2 Timothy 2:1).  Thus the question as to how we access the grace of God on a continuing basis is important.

Many in what we might call Christendom (or the professing Church) would answer this question with references to various religious practices.  For Catholics and many Orthodox there are seven rites that dispense grace, these being baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, the anointing of the sick, ordination and matrimony.  There is argument as to what attitude the one who is engaged in these practices must have or if the grace comes to him simply in the doing of the ceremony.

But to be quite honest, the thought that grace is accessed by a work of some sort, no matter how religious or sincere, simply cannot be true for those who, from the very beginning of life in Christ, understand that grace and works are by definition at odds with each other.  And it’s really hard (actually impossible) to be a Biblical Christian and not understand that if something is grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.  And if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work (Romans 11:6).  As in Ephesians 2:8-9, for by grace by definition means not of works.  

The same Ephesians passage tells us grace saves us through faith.  Thus you can say accurately that grace is accessed by faith.  But further study of Scripture tells us that it is faith with a particular nuance and thus another term is regularly used.  Grace is accessed by submission or humility.  There is a passage from the Proverbs of all places (we only say that because we don’t expect to find great theological truths in the Proverbs) that says God scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble (3:34).  It is quoted twice in the general epistles (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6).  And then it is amplified and illustrated all over the Scriptures.

Let us understand that this humility or submission is not an act, although it will characterize our actions.  It is simply faith in God in the particular context in which we need grace.  Grace is needed in affliction.  Thus faith, in times of duress, will bow before the One who is trustworthy, doing what it has always done, which is to reach out the empty hand to receive provision of grace.

Consider this in your present context.  If, as is quite common, God has led you to a place in the desert, consider your response.  Is it anger? Frustration? Bewilderment?  Grace is not found in those.  It is found in acquiescence, in adaptation, in submission to God and His will.  Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).