The word "grace" in the King James and New King James Version Bibles has become a vague, meaningless translation of the Greek word charis (Greek: χάρις, Strong's Concordance #G5485). Attempts to make it plain have erroneously said that grace was unmerited pardon. Unmerited pardon is "justification," which is not grace, but BY grace (or favor) (Romans 3:24, Titus 3:7). Charis is translated "favor" many times in the Bible. The book of Luke says of Jesus: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52, NKJV throughout) Jesus increased in favor, charis, with God and man. Jesus did not increase in unmerited pardon with man! Favor is the best translation of the Greek word charis and retains the essential meaning of the word grace. Notice what Luke also wrote of Jesus: "And the Child (Jesus) grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, charis) of God was upon Him." (Luke 2:40) We are favored by God with Jesus as our Passover because we are made in His image. We did nothing for this favor, even as our children did nothing to have our favor when they were born. However, what our children do as they grow can cause them to grow in favor with us. One can also fall out of favor with God or even a boss if not obeyed (see Galatians 5:4). God wants us to keep his commandments because keeping them in their spirit and intent helps us to grow in favor (grace) with God. How does the Passover picture God's UNEARNED Favor? The whole day of Passover pictures our sin being laid on Jesus. It pictures the suffering, blood-letting, death and burial of Jesus. We did nothing to merit or earn this favor. The lamb's blood over their doorposts kept the firstborn of Israel from dying by the death angel. A short time after the first Passover was observed the firstborn of the Egyptians died (they were killed after midnight). The Egyptian dead were buried at the end of day (sunset). Likewise Jesus began suffering after midnight and, like the Egyptian firstborn, was buried at the end of the day. |