God's grace. For many people - including some Christians - God's grace remains somewhat of a mystery. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" While many of us know this verse by memory, I wonder how many of us know it "by heart." We are aware that we have been saved by grace, not by works. But what we need to realize is that we are also sustained by God's grace.

"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"

-Galatians 3:2, 3

Simply put, if one's salvation cannot be earned by good works, then how could it possibly be sustained by good works?

Now please don't misunderstand me. Works are a necessary part of our faith in Christ. The Bible tells us in James 2:17, 20, & 26 that faith is dead without works, and Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were "before ordained" to do good works. However, we must realize that it doesn't matter how much we accomplish in this life, we still don't deserve God's love and goodness. Thus, we are dependent on His grace.

I once read a story about a group of men who were seated at a table trying to see what made Christianity different from all the other religions in the world. One man mentioned Christ's death and resurrection, but other religions had also included stories of the dead being brought back to life. Several others made suggestions as well, but they were still unable to find a distinguishing factor that set Christianity apart from any other religion (although I don't personally classify Christianity as religion - but I'll save that for a different blog...).
Enter C.S. Lewis.
Mr. Lewis walks right in and asks, "What are you guys talking about." They told him, and without hesitation he responds, "Oh, that's easy! Grace." They thought it over, and everybody agreed that grace is indeed something that is unique to Christianity.

Grace is perhaps the most important element of our faith. Compromise the message of grace, and you compromise the Gospel in its entirety.