Grace

Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift (Ephesians 4:7).

His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus (Galatians 1: 15-17).

They had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled (Acts 14:26).

If we have obtained the grace of God, none shall prevail against us, but we shall be stronger than all who oppose us (St John Chrysostom).

State of Grace

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory (Rom 5:2 - NLT).

A soul can do nothing that is more pleasing to God than to communicate in a state of grace. (St. Alphonsus Liguori)