The idea of different levels of grace, like the concept of different levels of faith, is seen throughout the Bible. Grace and faith both grow and are given by God, but they can manifest in varying degrees depending on one’s relationship with Him and their spiritual maturity.
Different Levels of Faith:
1. Little Faith: Jesus often pointed out the disciples’ “little faith.” For example, in Matthew 8:26 (NIV), He says, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” This implies that faith can start small and needs to grow.
2. Great Faith: Jesus also commended those with “great faith.” For instance, in Matthew 8:10, He praised the Roman centurion, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” This suggests that faith can reach a higher level of trust and belief in God.
3. Faith as a Mustard Seed: Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20 (NIV): “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” Even a small amount of faith, when genuine, can have great power, but the implication is that faith can grow.
Different Levels of Grace:
1. Saving Grace: Everyone who comes to Christ experiences saving grace, which is offered freely to all believers (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is the grace that brings us into a relationship with God and rescues us from sin.
2. Sufficient Grace: As believers grow, they experience sufficient grace in times of need. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This shows that God’s grace is not just for salvation but also for sustaining believers in challenging times.
3. Abounding Grace: Believers can also experience abounding grace as they grow in their walk with God. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” This refers to God pouring out more grace as believers are faithful and trust Him more.
4. Greater Grace: James 4:6 (NIV) mentions that “God gives us more grace,” indicating that there is a continual, increasing measure of grace available to believers as they humble themselves before Him.
Growing in Faith and Grace:
• Just as faith grows through hearing the Word and trusting God in various circumstances (Romans 10:17), grace also increases as we grow in our relationship with God. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) encourages believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Both grace and faith are divine gifts, but as we pursue God, we can experience them in deeper and greater ways. Humility, obedience, and spiritual growth allow believers to experience more of God’s grace, just as trust and reliance on Him increase our faith.
So in summary, pray to God to increase his Grace and your faith!