Grace in Jesus

2 Peter 3:18 says, Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; to Him is the glory both now, and forever. Amen

How do we grow in Grace? Well, maybe we can search out the answer to that question in a Bible study. But allow me to introduce some thoughts and comments for discussion.

The exhortation is, we MUST grow in Grace, otherwise we remain babes in Christ coasting along on God’s loving-kindness and mercy. God, our Father, does not want that.

How much more Grace can God give us than what He has accomplished in Christ on the cross. He did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up and poured out His wrath on Him for us all. Having done that for us, why would He not freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

Is Grace given incrementally, or in degrees? No! It is infinite and He has given us all that we need of Grace for life...
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. Eph. 1:3

So therefore having ALL spiritual blessings (which is in Grace) that pertain to life and godliness as Peter says, Grow in Grace. The origin and nature of this growth is knowledge ...of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I cannot get twice as much Grace tomorrow as I did today. The lesson is to be continually in Grace and continually growing in that Grace. Is Grace diminished if I am not growing? No! There is neither more nor less Grace. What is diminished is me.
Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you bear fruit (produce evidence of your faith). John 15:4

“Remain” is not a stagnant word. If we remain in the Vine (Jesus) we are growing and producing fruit, then more fruit... then much fruit. John 15:1-5

The sanctification process, becoming ... more like Christ, is the evidence of growing in grace. Just like a child grows into an adult. We are neither born adults nor are we suddenly adults because of a future event. And if we are not growing, we are probably dying.

2 Peter 1:2-10 says, Grace to you and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the depravity that is in the world through lust.

Grace is given and peace is increased to us in the knowledge of God and Jesus. And all those things that pertain to life and godliness are given by His divine power through the knowledge of Him... that we might share in the divine nature.

Peter continues, ...so with all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge;  to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness;  to godliness, brotherly kindness (philadelphia); and to brotherly kindness, love (agape). For if these things are yours and abound (increase, grow), you will be neither barren (of no use) nor unfruitful (not yielding what it ought to yield) in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble.

Growth in grace is evidenced by a more habitual vigilance against besetting sins and temptations, and by greater self-denial in regard to personal indulgence. There is no surer standard of spiritual growth, than a habit of aiming at the glory of God in everything! ~Archibald Alexander, "Growth in Grace" 1844

The Scriptures contain all the knowledge we need to learn of God, His Son, and His Spirit, for this life. God`s desire for us is our sanctification. He wants us to become more holy like Himself. He wants us to grow into the image of His Son. That image is set before us in the Gospels and expounded on in the writings of the Apostles.

Jesus came and died, was buried, and rose again so that God could be Gracious to us. And then He ascended into Glory because He finished the work.

Our gracious Father in heaven, we thank you for Your incredible design of Salvation in Christ. We thank You Jesus for Your Holy sacrifice as ransom for redemption. Your word says, “My Grace is sufficient for you.” Indeed it is. Your Grace accomplished our redemption by Jesus, Who has reconciled us in His body of flesh by His death on the cross... by which we are presented to You Father as holy and blameless, if we continue to grow in the faith and grace. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. But Your strength is perfected in weakness. So let the power of Christ rest upon us for Your glory, in His Holy Name, Amen