“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain…”
— 1 Corinthians 15:10
Introduction
The Apostle Paul, as he told the story of his life, does not tell us that he was transformed by learning, or human reason, nor to inward virtue, but places the full glory upon grace. This little word—grace—is everything that the Gospel of Jesus is about.
It is God stooping in kindness to the unworthy, strength given to the feeble, life whispered into the soul that was dead. Grace is why the sinner can become a saint and the sum total of all that Jesus is about.
The power of Grace is the sermon we look to speak about today. When we think of grace, we think of it as being a soft idea. But I tell you—grace is sovereign, irresistible, active, and victorious. Grace is unhindered in its workings. It may seem to be slow but it is powerful in its working.
Let us explore what the power of Grace:
I. Grace is the Power to Call the Dead to Life
What did you see when you looked at Lazarus in the tomb? A man wrapped in grave clothes, his ears deaf, his limbs stiff, his nostrils still. No sermon, no song, no sorrow could wake him. But Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” and that is the work of grace—it calls the dead. Grace is not God waiting for man to stir; it is God stirring man while he is yet dead in trespasses and sins.
Beloved, you were once such a corpse—lying in the graveyard of lust and pride. The trumpet of Sinai may have thundered over your conscience, but you did not rise. But one day, a still small voice—stronger than thunder—entered your soul. It said, “Live!” And you lived. What was this but the power of grace?
II. Grace is Power to Change the Nature of a Man
You may polish a stone, but it remains a stone. You may dress a pig in velvet and teach it manners, but it will still long for the mire. But grace changes the heart. Saul of Tarsus held the coats of those who stoned Stephen. His breath was filled with threatenings. He hated Christ and hunted his church. Yet grace met him on the road, threw him to the ground, blinded his pride, and opened his soul.
Is this not power? That a blasphemer should become a preacher, that a persecutor should become an apostle, that a murderer of Christians should be their father in the faith? Such is the power of grace.
There is no man beyond the reach of grace. Though his sins be as crimson, though his name be written in the devil’s registry, though hell itself may echo his laughter—if grace be pleased to visit him, that man will soon fall on his knees and cry, “God be merciful to me a sinner!”
III. Grace is Power to Keep the Believer from Falling
If we were saved by grace but kept by merit, we should all be lost by nightfall. But grace not only calls, and grace not only changes—it keeps. The same grace that justified us also sanctifies us and shall glorify us. When your soul would wander, grace brings you back. When sin tempts, grace resists. When Satan accuses, grace speaks peace. It is not your hold of Christ, but Christ’s hold of you that keeps you from ruin.
Think not, O believer, that your perseverance is your own strength. If grace did not interpose ten thousand times, your foot would have slipped already. Were it not for this grace, your prayers would cease, your Bible would close, your heart would grow cold, and your walk would be in darkness. But the fire of grace does not burn low—it is fed from the throne of God.
IV. Grace is Power to Carry the Saint through Death and Present Him Faultless
When the chill of death gathers on your brow, and the heart beats slower, and the eyes see shadows beyond the veil, it shall not be your memory of good deeds nor your strength of will that gives you comfort. No—grace shall be your pillow, your light, your hope. The same grace that saved you shall escort you. The angels shall lean over your bed and smile, “Grace has done its work.” And you shall whisper, like the dying Paul, “I have fought the good fight… henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.”
Then, clothed in righteousness not your own, you shall stand before the throne, faultless. The accuser will be silent. Justice shall not frown. Christ will look upon you with joy and say, “Here am I, and the children whom thou hast given me.” And in that hour, all glory shall rise to the power of grace.
V. Application
1. To the proud sinner: What have you that you did not receive? You speak of free will—but your will was in chains. You boast of your moral efforts—but they were dust in the balance. If you be saved at all, it is grace that will do it. Grace waits not for your permission; it commands, and the heart obeys. Fall on your face and cry out for sovereign mercy.
2. To the anxious seeker: Fear not. Grace is not a weak hand that cannot reach you. It is a mighty arm. You are not too lost. You are not too late. Christ’s blood can cleanse, and grace can save. Lift up your eyes, poor trembling soul. Salvation is not earned—it is given.
3. To the saint: Have you grown cold? Look back and see what grace has done. Has it ever failed you? Then why do you doubt now? The arm that plucked you from the pit will not let you fall into it again. Trust Him. Praise Him. Rest in the power of grace.
Conclusion
Grace is a power that no man can resist, no devil can defeat, and no trial can exhaust. It is the theme of the gospel, the anthem of the redeemed, and the marvel of angels. From the first stirring of conviction to the final glory of resurrection, it is all of grace.
Let the sinner come and receive it. Let the saint rise and rejoice in it. And let heaven and earth sing together:
“By the grace of God I am what I am.”
Amen.