In Christ: Know It, Live It - 5 (Grace and Peace!?)

As the Apostle Paul does in most of his NT letters, he pronounces BLESSING on the Ephesian believers as a part of his greeting. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1:2

Note here:

• He wishes GRACE to them: Grace is God's undeserved favor. It is actually the OPPOSITE of what is deserved. But it is the ONLY way that God relates to us, His children. He NEVER relates to us in the way of works or deserving and merit. It is all of grace, from beginning to end, just like this letter begins with a desire for grace and ENDS with the same, "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible" 6:24. There is nothing we need more in life, day by day and moment by moment, than grace. Grace flows down from the GREATER to the LESSER. We never become a source or fountain of grace in ourselves, even after receiving God's grace for decades.
• He also wishes PEACE to them (and us): Peace, according to Thayer's lexicon, is: "The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort it is." I like that definition. Peace has to do with confidence that God is in control...for my good...and His glory...in all things...at all times...forever. Peace and contentment are also inseparable companions. If I am not content with my lot at any particular time, it can be traced back to a lack of confidence that God is in control, to the last detail. This letter ALSO begins with peace and ends with a blessing of peace, "Peace be to the brothers..." 6:23. Every day of our lives must begin and end with grace and peace if we are to live in Christ's supply.
• What is the source of this grace and peace? "...From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Note:

-Our Father loves to provide richly and lavishly for us. He provides because He is our Father and we can be confident of His provision because we are part of His family. I don't know about you, but I love the thought of having DEITY as my FAMILY! Wow!

-Equally the source of grace and peace is our Lord Jesus Christ (telling us of HIS deity, as well). He is supreme ruler of all. He is God, Man, Savior. He CAN provide - He is Lord. He WANTS to provide - He is the Christ, whose coming was to serve and not be served (Mark 10:45).

Now, because the grace and peace we desperately need each day comes to us FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...

• It is ASSURED. The Father and Son are omnipotent deity. There has never nor can be depletion of His supply of grace and peace.
• It is CONSTANT. No need for the Father or Son to take a refueling or recharging break. The supply is infinite and therefore never stops flowing.
• It comes to us via RELATIONSHIP. Because grace and peace comes to us from the Father and Son, we learn it comes THROUGH RELATIONSHIP. I.e. as we relate to them, as we walk in faith and obedience to them. If my relationship with the Father and Son is not right through sin or unbelief, the flow of grace and peace to my life will be hindered. This calls for REPENTANCE: confessing my sin, turning from it, asking for grace to overcome, and once again accepting His full forgiveness and trusting Him for a full, unhindered flow of grace and peace once again.

May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give grace and peace to you as you walk with them in faith and obedience.