Amazing Grace
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21 ESV
Reflection
Amazing Grace is arguably one of the most recognized Christian songs of all time. Written as a poem by John Newton in 1772, Christian choirs commonly sing it across multiple denominations, and it has even been covered by contemporary Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin and the gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, along with secular artists, including Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, Rod Stewart and even Willie Nelson. Its popularity over the years speaks to the power of its simple message of God’s amazing grace. But what does grace really mean? What does it look like?
Application
In the third chapter of Genesis, in an account often referred to as “The Fall,” the biblical story presents Adam and Eve, suddenly aware of their nakedness, hiding in shame from the Lord, having disobeyed his instructions not to eat from the Tree of Life. Prior to that moment, they had enjoyed complete, unhindered fellowship with their Lord and Creator. However, as a result of their disobedience, sin entered the story, resulting in spiritual death and banishment from the garden paradise that God had created for them. Yet, before sending them away, the Lord did something truly amazing.
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21 ESV
Rather than send them away, the Lord addressed their condition by sacrificing an animal, providing them with cover and addressing their needs. That act would foreshadow the sacrifices of atonement for sin, which the Lord would later require of His people, the Israelites, according to the Law of Moses, and ultimately, the grand display of His amazing grace in the form of Jesus’s death on the cross.
The Greek word for grace, “charis,” can be translated as favour.* Dr. Tony Evans, author, theologian and Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Texas, went further, defining grace in his sermon, “The Concept of Grace,” as unmerited favour. * Adam and Eve did nothing to deserve God’s favour; in fact, their actions were worthy of his wrath. However, as a result of His love and compassion for them, they were the recipients of His grace. The next time you hear that popular song, remember that the truth about the grace we have so undeservedly received is that it reflects the character of the truly amazing God we serve.
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Prayer
Lord, thank you for the grace you have shown me. I know I do not deserve it and have done nothing to earn it. It is your free gift to me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, help me to accept the grace you provide me each day as I face the world and remember that it results from your compassion and love for me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
Footnotes
*https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/charis.html
*https://sermons.love/tony-evans/3704-tony-evans-the-concept-of-grace.html
