But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (I Corinthians 15:10)

1. All that the child of God is, is by the grace of God. No aspect of our person, standing, or experience can be attributed to anything in us, but entirely due to the unmerited, undeserved favor of God in Christ. Every aspect of salvation, our election, redemption, justification, adoption, sanctification, regeneration, and final glory is the gift of God’s grace. It is such grace of God in Christ that gives the child of God a sure and good hope of glory.

2. The grace of God is effectual grace, “…and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain.” When God, by grace, raises up men to preach the Gospel, the very gifts of grace, and the experience of salvation by grace, are what qualify them for the very preaching of the Gospel of grace in Christ. Every purpose, will, and gift of God in grace has its intended end, and it is never in vain.