INTRODUCTION:

       A.  Eph. 2:8-9

       B.  Titus 2:11-14

       C.  Grace is a subject that we cannot fully explore.  There is no end to it's
             depth.

       D.  Grace is something that we stand in awe as we see it unfold.

            1.  Much like Paul - Rom. 11:33-36

       E.  To understand Grace, one must realize two eternal principles:

            1.  God MUST punish sin...because HE is just.

            2.  Man is a sinner...must be punished.

       F.  Tonight, let's explore a few points about the Grace of God.
 

   I.  GOD'S GRACE IS AVAILABLE - v. 21-22.

       A.  "Apart from a law "of works" - (system of works).

            1.  Having nothing to do with a law of works. (apart)

            2.  Law of works:  "Any binding code of regulations despensing only
                 justice, where on violation condemns.

            3.  Man depends on a system of FAITH for salvation.

                 a.  Moses demands 100 percent; no room for mistakes.

            4.  There is now a way for man to be viewed righteous.

       B.  "OF God"

            1.  Nothing man has could ever buy man back from sin.

            2.  The righteousnesss that we receive is the same kind that God has
                  ....TOTAL RIGHTEOUSNESS.

                 a.  Not only is it from God but also just like God's.

            3.  God demands 100 percent.  We cannot or do not give 100 percent.
                 God's grace make up the difference and makes us 100 percent.

       C.  "Witness by the Law and Prophets"

            1.  They said that a man is made righteous by faith also.

            2.  Living by faith is not a new concept.

                 a.  Habakkuk 2:4 - "Behold, his soul is puffed up, it issnot upright in
                      him; but the righteous shall live by his faith.

            3.  Paul will illustrate this truth in Ch. 4 with Abraham.

       D.  "Through Faith in Jesus Christ"--- (Here he teaches "how" God saves
             you and not the conditions that you are responsible for.)

            1.  Faith ( belief) not only in the person of Jesus but also in His work at
                 the cross.

            2.  A belief that comes out of understanding "HOW" God's justice was
                 met.

       E.  "Unto All" --Available to all.

            1.  All men are saved the same way.

            2.  All men that are accounted righteous MUST be counted righteous
                 on the same basis.  There is no distinction.

       F.  "(Received by All them that Believe):

            1.  Who Jesus is.

            2.  What Jesus has done.

            3.  There is only one way to be saved.......

  II.  GOD'S GRACE IS NEEDED - v.23.

       A.  All have sinned. 

            1.  Rememeber that God MUST punish sin because of His Just Nature.

            2.  All are falling short of God's glory.  (His righteouness, His Holiness).

 III.  GOD RIGHTEOUSNESS IS PROVIDED (BECAUSE OF HIS
       GRACE) - v. 24-25.

       A.  Justified - (a special word that dwelt with legal terms).

            1.  Means: "Acquitted" - Guilt removed. (As though we are innocent).

            2.  More than pardoned.

       B.  Freely - without cause on our part.

            1.  There was nothing about your action that would have merited this
                 decision.

            2.  You are guilty, you deserve death; God has given it freely.

       C.  By His Grace - The unmerited favor of God.

            1.  Our being right with God through Christ is strictly because God loved
                 us when we were unlovable. Rom. 5:8

            2.  Because God wanted to, not because he had to.

       D.  Through the redemption - Ransom.

            1.  The process in which a third party had paid the price of the law
                  breaker to the judge.

            2.  Jesus paid a sinless body for the justice of God to pay for our sins.

       E.  To be a Propitation - Satisfaction.

            1.  The Father puts forth Jesus as a satisfaction - John 3:16.

            2.  Justice must be satisfied.

       F.  Through faith in His blood -- vicarious payment.

            1.  Something innocent must die for the guilty.

            2.  Jesus died to take my place.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Eph. 2:8-9.

       B.  Titus 2:11.

       C.  The grace of God available for you today.  What will you do?

       D.  Grace calls for a response from you.

       E.  Won't you become a child of God today?