When does grace begin for an individual?
Question:
When does grace begin for an individual? Before or after baptism? What about God’s grace before baptism? The grace that gives us a plan of salvation. Just a thought.
Thanks.
Answer:
The difficulty with your question is that there is an assumption that grace is just a single thing. Grace is the giving of gifts that have not been earned. God, in His grace, has given us many things.
The sending of Jesus to die for our sins was an act of God's grace (Romans 5:15). The offer of eternal life is a gift of God's grace (Romans 6:23). To be able to be found righteous before God is from His grace (Romans 5:17). Thus, salvation is a gift from God (Acts 15:11; Ephesians 2:5) and our hope for a home in heaven (II Thessalonians 2:16).
God's favor and protection are an aspect of God's grace (Acts 14:26), as well as His help (Hebrews 4:16). The skills and abilities each of us have, are given to us by God's grace (Romans 12:6).
The fact that we know of God's will is also a part of God's grace (Acts 18:27; 20:24,32).
Thus, the Bible and Jesus' death on your behalf came before you were saved. You could not have known what it takes to please God if God had not chosen to tell you in advance and made preparation for you to be saved. That grace has saved us. And that grace continues to benefit us.
Response:
Thank you.
