Not Receiving the Grace of God in Vain 2 Corinthians 6:1

Paul the apostle told the Corinthian church members how God, speaking of Jesus, “has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” In chapter six and verse one of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members, “we then,...beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain” where we read:

We then, as workers together with him,

beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

The verse begins, “We then, as workers together with him, ” Paul began with the words, “we then” which means “Paul and his companions therefore and wherefore”, “as workers together” which means “helpers and partners who put forth power together with and thereby to assist” “with him” or “alongside God”. Paul introduces his next directive with identifying he and his companions as “co-workers” with God.

The verse continues, “beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.” Paul added the words, “beseech you” which means “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, speak to, admonish and exhort the church members” “also” or “even and indeed” “that you receive” which means “that the church members take with the hand, take hold of and up” “not the grace” or “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, loving kindness and unmerited favor” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in vain” which means “empty, devoid of truth, destitute of spiritual wealth, fruitless and without effect”. The church members were not to “take hold of” God's “unmerited favor” in an “empty and fruitless” manner.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he considered he and his workers as “co-workers” alongside God. Because of this, the church members were not to “receive” God's “grace” in a nonchalant and “empty” way. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their “Savior and Lord” realize the value of the “grace of God”, and whenever His “unmerited favor” is realized, there should never be a “vain” reception of it. Jesus Christ suffered and died upon the cross for the “sins of the world”, and this demonstrated the “grace” God desired to pour out upon all people. In no way should we consider the “cost” of the “grace of God” lightly, and should we ever do so, may the Holy Spirit of God bring conviction upon our souls for it.

Next time we see Paul tell the church members, “I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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