Grace and mercy are important elements of salvation. It is by God’s grace and mercy that we are forgiven and saved. However, why is the last sentence of the Bible about grace? In the New Testament, this grace is attributed to our Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:21 ESV). God is the orchestrator of this grace through our faith in Jesus. This grace is hope.
The last words of the Old Testament, however, are about a curse of destruction (Malachi 4:6 ESV). Thus, the last book of the Old Testament ends on a somber note. However, the good news is that the Old Testament predicts the coming of a Savior. In the New Testament, the Savior arrives, and so does His grace.
The main idea of the book of Malachi is that God repeats His promise to send a Messiah. It also speaks of judgment for God’s enemies. Therefore, we should all be concerned about our relationship with God and with one another. The last words of Jesus before his ascension were for us to be a witness to all. One more for Jesus. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the last words of the Bible would be about grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. This grace is good news for all to hear to the ends of the earth.
Scriptures
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21 ESV
And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” Malachi 4:6 ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV
What is grace?
Grace is when kindness, blessings, forgiveness, or favor is given when it is not deserved. This is the definition of God’s grace to mankind. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. God provided the Ten Commandments to help us understand what God considers sin. For us, it is impossible to keep all these commandments due to our sinful nature. However, Jesus was able to keep all ten commandments. He was without sin before His Father. Therefore, He was the perfect messiah for God to send.
The wages of sin is death, and we will all die because of it. However, through God’s gift, we are spared by our belief in the Son of God. The final sentence of the Bible demonstrates the importance of grace. The early church and the church of today were built on the grace of God. With the power of the Holy Spirit, the good news of this grace is being shared throughout the world. However, God also showed us mercy.
Scriptures
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17 ESV
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 ESV
What is mercy?
Mercy is not receiving our just due, but instead, we are given the love of God. Our Heavenly Father’s mercy is the forgiveness of sin when He has the power to punish or harm us. Likewise, God wants us to show this same mercy to others. To forgive others even though forgiveness is not deserved. To have compassion and empathy towards others, even when we do not feel they deserve it.
As Christians, we are called to have mercy even though the person may deserve our hate, resentment, punishment, and judgment. However, it is our mercy and forgiveness that God expects from Christians. We should show mercy as God has shown mercy to us so many times. The Gospel account from the Apostle Matthew 18:21-35 ESV reiterates this premise in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
This can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially if the offence is very grave or continuous. It can be even more difficult if the person is a close friend or relative with whom you must still interact. However, the Lord will not give you more than you can bear. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient. Remember, forgiveness is for us so that we do not harbor any evil in our hearts. This evil begins in your mind, enters into your heart, and consumes your soul.
This allows the devil to have a stronghold over you, which can cause you to sin against God. However, we should seek the Holy Spirit and pray for guidance. Jesus will make this burden lighter as He walks with us always. We are never alone or forsaken in our valleys and mountaintops. His grace leads to our salvation.
Scriptures
For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 ESV
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ Matthew 18:33 ESV
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 ESV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 ESV
For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; Psalm 94:14 ESV
How is grace part of our salvation?
It is only by God’s grace that we have salvation. Many Bible verses speak of salvation coming from God to save us from our sin. It has always been his plan to bring salvation to His people. David prays for God’s salvation throughout the Psalms. Isaiah trusted in God’s salvation. It helped him not to feel afraid when times were difficult for the Israelites. Salvation is God’s restoration for his people. He restores our souls. He removes all the evil from our hearts and our minds so that we can have joy. God’s grace is a huge part of our salvation.
Without God’s grace, we would all spend eternity in the lake of fire. This is not where we want to end up. Our souls long for salvation, where we can dwell in eternity with God. This is the joy we long for. I know I have grown tired of my sinful heart, and I long to be in paradise where there are no more tears and sorrow.
All Christians want to live in a world that is kind, safe, and free from sin. We want to live in a new earth and heaven promised by God. A world where there is no sickness and no pain. This is what grace and salvation will look like for the followers of Jesus. The world we live in will pass away, and we will spend every day rejoicing and worshiping God. Death will be a thing of the past. Eternity with God is where every Christian wants to be.
scriptures
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, Titus 2:11 ESV
I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. Psalm 119:166 ESV
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:81 ESV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12 ESV
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 ESV
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV
Why does God provide grace?
God loves and cares for us. He does not wish for us to perish. We would be dead in our transgressions if it were not for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died so that we would have life in abundance. Therefore, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and is seated at the right hand of God. This was God’s plan from the beginning. He knew we would need a savior. A savior who would lay down his life for us. No hesitation or questions. Jesus did just that to glorify the Father by being obedient to His will. Because Jesus’ life was a sacrifice, we can enter into God’s kingdom.
God created us to have fellowship. However, he gave us free will to choose Him. And even though we want to choose God, our hearts get in the way of doing God’s will. Therefore, God’s grace is the greatest treasure provided to the least deserving. This is every human being on Earth. In God’s everlasting love, He offers us forgiveness, reconciliation, abundant life, His Holy Spirit, and a home in heaven for eternity. This is the greatest love. I cannot even fathom this boundless love. Understanding God’s love is beyond my reach.
Yet, we are called to choose how we live. We live our lives with free will. This will allow us to walk away from God and sin against God. We are allowed to return to God and receive forgiveness and a place in Heaven. All because Jesus laid down His life for us and extended God’s grace. We get the greatest treasure of a place in the Kingdom of God. Most importantly, Jesus goes ahead to prepare a room for us in God’s kingdom.
Scriptures
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3 ESV
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16 ESV
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 ESV
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 ESV
Grace and the Kingdom of God
We are called to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. However, God’s grace is a gift. We must believe in Jesus to receive our salvation and the Kingdom of God. We have to repent of our sins and follow the way of Jesus. His grace in forgiving our sins will lead us to the kingdom of heaven. There is nothing we can do to earn this grace because, apart from God, we are nothing. That is why His grace is important for entering the kingdom of God.
On account of Jesus, we can confidently draw near God’s kingdom. Jesus is the bridge to God and His kingdom. There is nothing we can do to earn our way into Heaven. However, God’s Kingdom will not be for everyone.
Those who never repent of their sins will not enter the gates of heaven. Just like the Israelites, those who sinned against God and never entered the promised land. Heaven is for God’s people. I always wondered about people wanting to go to Heaven but never believed in God. Heaven is where God is. If you did not desire Him on Earth, why would you want to be with Him in Heaven? Those who never believed in God should expect to spend eternity in the lake of fire. This is the second “death” and a complete separation from God as per Revelation 20:14-15 ESV. Therefore, those who want to be where God is should follow the ways of Jesus.
Scriptures
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV
nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10 ESV
Who Is Grace For?
Grace will be extended to those who call upon the name of Jesus. It is just that simple. However, there are many people for whom this is a hard stop. Many cannot accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They either don’t believe they need saving or Jesus’s water of life. Some may feel that they can never be redeemed because they have too many sins. Any bible study will teach that this is a false narrative. God has spent the entire Old Testament prophesying about a redeemer who would come to save the world.
Hence, God’s grace is for everyone. We need to acknowledge the sin in our lives, confess it, repent, and turn from it. Therefore, ask Jesus to come into your heart so that you can be saved. God’s grace will save us through our faith in His promises. Anyone can decide to follow Jesus. Thereby accepting the grace offered that we all need. There is no other name by which you can be saved. Your name is not good enough. The words of a false prophet are not good enough to get you into Heaven. Hence, there is no one but Jesus who can save the world.
Scriptures
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 ESV
Our Redeemer—the Lord of hosts is his name— is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 47:4 ESV
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, Titus 2:11 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 ESV
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 ESV
Do we need grace?
Yes, we do. The consequence of not having this grace is death. Some believe that you live and you die. And they are okay with this. For them, there is no higher power or God. You live, and then your life is over. There is no more to hope for. This leads to a life that is devoid of hope and a future. Others believe in a false prophet who claims you can be reincarnated. Depending on how you live this life, determine who or what you will be in your next life. This is also false and lacks hope. You are forever relying on yourself to get to a better life.
Believers in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit know that they need God’s grace to enter heaven. Grace means we will enter the Kingdom of God by doing God’s will for us. God’s grace will help us to avoid conforming to the world. Jesus promised us a helper. The Holy Spirit will be our helper. He will teach us all that we need to know to obtain a room in God’s house. However, we must believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the resurrection, and that we will rise again. God’s grace is in our belief and faith. That is why Jesus asked the Father for a helper to aid us with our belief and faith.
Scriptures
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Revelation 21:1 ESV
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 ESV
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, John 14:16 ESV
The Holy Spirit and grace
The Apostle John speaks of the Holy Spirit being sent from heaven to dwell inside of us. The Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of all that Jesus said. We receive the Holy Spirit when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus. Repentance requires us to change our minds about a sin we are committing. It is more than remorse, regret, or feeling bad about our sin. Repentance is a complete change in our mindset on how we view a sin. It is a change based on not wanting to be separated from God.
David sinned repeatedly, but God still considered him to have a heart after God. David lets us know that we have hope even when we sin. For although David sinned, he had a heart for God and a desire to do God’s will. David is just one example of having a heart for God. Others were righteous and walked in the ways of God: Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, to name a few. The Holy Spirit will dwell in our hearts to help us receive God’s grace and walk in his ways. The Holy Spirit is our helper.
Scriptures
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 ESV
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 ESV
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2 ESV
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Acts 13:22 ESV
Recap: Why Is The Last Sentence of The Bible About Grace?
It is God’s grace that will sustain us until the end of the world. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ wanted to leave us with His plan of hope. The hope that transcends all our worry and anxiety. A hope that there is a better place for those who put their trust in the Lord our God. God’s grace is sufficient because it has the power to bring joy, blessings, and encouragement.
God’s power will give you the strength to change your life and the lives of others. Understanding this grace will help you extend grace and forgiveness to others. This same grace can help you avoid bitterness and evil ways. Accepting God’s grace will give you the strength to resist the devil.
Submit yourself to God. Allow Him to bless your life, walk with you during your trials and tribulations. Allow yourself to believe with your whole heart that Jesus is Lord. Believe that He died so that you may live in eternity with God. So today, forgive yourself and others. Turn from your sin and allow the peace of God to transform your life. Therefore, go and boldly proclaim the hope that you have in God’s promises.
scriptures
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7 ESV
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:15 ESV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 ESV
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 2 Corinthians 3:12 ESV
How To Receive God’s Grace
Receiving God’s grace will require us to do God’s will. Here are some helpful tips.
- Believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
- Repent of your sins
- Believe in the resurrection
- Be the fruit of the Spirit
- Do good, not evil
- Read each book of the Bible
- Fellowship with other Christians
- Be a faithful witness
- Give to those in need
- Forgive others
- Pray
I hope you found the commentary to be helpful in your walk with God. The journey may not always be easy, but it will be joyful when you know that you do not walk alone. God is always with us. He will never leave you or forsake you. You can find strength in prayer, which is simply a conversation with God about whatever is on your mind. He is available anytime you want to talk with him. Spend time in His word to help you stay connected.
The Holy Book is a great place to land when you need grace and mercy. It will help ground you in your faith and reduce your anxiety. It will breathe life into your mind, heart, and soul. The Word will allow you to explore your feelings and soothe your soul. It is the place where you can meet God, and He can help you work through whatever you are going through. You can find rest and restore your mind, body, and soul.
God wants to hear from you, so let Him meet you right where you are. Our God is a living, breathing God. He is alive and will have the final words for whatever you are going through. God bless. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Additional Reading…
2 Timothy 3:1-5 Commentary On Hope In Perilous Times
How To Find Joy With Bible Verses In The Word
A Bible Study On What The Heart Of Man Is