Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).
Isn't it interesting that what God does Jesus does? God the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are the source of grace and peace. The greeting that Paul uses to address the Christians at Rome is duplicated in nearly each of his epistles. With out Christ there is no grace--You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4)(See also 2 Timothy 1:9-10). The "Bullets" I write are not comprehensive studies, but are only intended to plant seeds and be thought starters. Many, many scriptures could be added in terms of reference for Jesus being the source of grace.
Grace isn't just about justification, it also has to do with training in righteousness; it isn't just about getting to Heaven, it is about how to live on this earth. These words from Paul to Titus are instructive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . (Titus 1:11-13 emphasis mine).
Being taught by the grace of God, being assured about life after death brings peace to the lives of those that have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who possess true faith in Jesus are committed to replicate His life in theirs--to be like Him. It is in that effort that Holy Spirit strengthens and gives peace to the believer.
In Hope,
Tom
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