The Complete Guide to Grace

by James Lefler

A clear understanding of God's grace is empowering, but explanations of grace often do more to muddy the water than clarity its meaning. The words grace, mercy and salvation are used interchangeably. Frequently, grace is defined as unmerited favor. However, when we focus on how unworthy we are to receive it, we make grace more about us than about God. The Complete Guide to Grace clears up misconceptions about God's grace and reveals truths about grace, mercy and forgiveness that will give you a new perspective of the blessings and challenges of life. With God's grace, you can accomplish things you could never do on your own–and likely would not even attempt! Worksheets throughout the book make it useful as a personal or group study guide.

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2008

Reviews

[James]

This was a great book written by an elder in the Chicago church. He discusses the difference between the words grace, mercy, and forgiveness, which are so often used interchangeably. He uses the Greek words and the context of NT and OT passages to show that grace = "favor of God", mercy = "compassion, or offering relief", and forgiveness = "leaving sins behind". This is a powerful thing because God's grace (favor) is not the same as salvation or even forgiveness. The author shows that God's favor (grace) was given throughout the OT, showing that it is not strictly a NT concept and that it is not the same as salvation or forgiveness. I loved the way the author broke this down into simple terms. He also discusses grace and obedience, grace and the law, Paul on grace mercy and forgiveness, grace and suffering, grace teaches us to say no, approaching God with confidence, and administering God's grace. This is not a dense book, which I appreciated. His style is simple as he teaches through concepts with solid scriptural backing. Probably the first couple chapters were the most valuable for me, but the whole book is good. This is the best book on grace that I have picked up. I highly recommend, especially to young Christians and those who lack a deep grounding in God's grace (which is why it was recommended to me).