There are three principal characteristics of divine grace. First, it is eternal. Grace was planned before it was exercised, purposed before it was imparted: “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (II Tim 1:9). Secondly, it is free, for none did ever purchase it: “Being justified freely by His grace” (Rom 3:24). Thirdly, it is sovereign, because God exercises it toward and bestows it upon whom He pleases: “Even so might grace reign “ (Rom 5:21). If
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