Enemmän armoa – More Grace
The Bible talks a lot about grace and mercy. That may not be surprising, but what may be surprising is that grace is already mentioned frequently in the Old Testament—about 300 times in various forms (according to the Finnish Bible translation). Add the New Testament, and we are approaching 500 instances where grace or mercy is mentioned.
Paul’s letters begin and end with a greeting of grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is already mentioned in the first book of Moses: “He was a great hunter by the grace of God” (Gen. 10:9). The last verse of the Bible, in the Book of Revelation, says: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Rev. 22:21). Grace is spoken of so often because God Himself is merciful.
If it is surprising that the Old Testament does not speak only of laws, commandments, or God’s wrath, then it may also be surprising how Martin Luther rediscovered grace in the 16th century. Grace had not disappeared—not from the Bible—but in the teachings of the church at that time, grace had been pushed into the background. It was replaced by good deeds, merits, and indulgences. Grace was forgotten. Jesus was forgotten.
When grace disappears, it is replaced by deeds, achievements, merits, experiences, and various demands. That is very human—and very religious too. But it is also tiring and can easily wear a person out. God’s grace, however, calls us to freedom, joy, and rest, and to trust in Him alone. We do not need to try to change or fix our lives by our own efforts.
Grace is a gift. We are allowed to believe, live, and make mistakes by God’s grace. We don’t have to be perfect or flawless. If you doubt this, open your Bible and look for passages about God’s grace and mercy.
God’s grace was made perfect in Jesus Christ: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Eph. 1:7). In other words, without Jesus, there is no perfect grace of God. If grace is lacking, then Jesus is needed to help us.
“Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!” (Psalm 90:14)
Blessings,
Pastor Timo
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June-Aug 2025 Newsletter – Ystäväkirje Website version