Grace, Again

I am interested in the concept of grace. Just what do we think it is? Why might we think it’s available to us? Can we earn it? Here are two of the many references to grace in the Qur’an, the Holy Book of Islam, in chapter 4:

[4.173] Then as for those who believe and do good, He will pay them fully their rewards and give them more out of His grace;... and

[4.175] Then as for those who believe in Allah and hold fast by Him, He will cause them to enter into His mercy and grace and guide them to Himself on a right path.

Muslims are told they must believe, AND they must also “do good.” But modern Christians believe that God’s grace is a gift, a continually present state, and is not something that can be earned by what they do. Must Christians “do good” to earn their rewards? According to one source, in Matthew 20: 1-16, the parable about working in the vineyard, “[Jesus] directs his disciples to what is their true reward--the inheritance of eternal life which is a reward of God's grace that is given equally to all his disciples who labor in his kingdom.” (http://www.christianinconnect.com/matthew.htm) The lesson here seems to be about God’s grace, and God’s reward for working in God’s vineyard (doing good). Recall that those who were hired late in the day to work in the vineyard were paid the same as those who had worked all day long:

Although Christians can’t earn grace, they’re still required to do good works. So, perhaps grace has two faces: Pastor David Reagan writes that grace is both “God's unmerited favor” and also “God's sufficiency or God's fullness in the life of the believer.” (http://www.learnthebible.org/q_a_what_is_grace.htm) In other words, Christians believe that God will forgive them whether they deserve it or not. Moreover, God provides strength for Christians to lead their lives according to His commands. Through His grace and their belief, they can “labor in his kingdom.” Sounds very much like the words from the Qur’an above. “...He will cause them to enter into his mercy and grace, and guide them...”

So, belief in God and doing good seem inextricably linked to grace for both Christians AND Muslims. Maybe it’s not exactly the same, but it’s so close... The Qur’an also says,

[4.122] As for those that have faith and do good works, We shall admit them to gardens watered by running streams, and there they shall abide for ever; and

[4.124] ...the believers who do good works, both men and women, shall enter paradise. They shall not suffer the least injustice.

Wishing you grace and peace, as you labor in the vineyard...