Grace and Its Work
Lecture Summary
The lecture speaks about divine grace and its continuous work in the life of man, and how the grace of God is a free gift that God offers to البشر through love and goodness. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that grace does not work only with man, but also works inside him in order to prepare him for spiritual work, repentance, and salvation.
The lecture explains that the history of grace began before the creation of man, because creation itself is an act of grace, as God granted existence to those who did not exist through love, generosity, and goodness. Also, the continuation of life and God’s care for the world are works of divine grace.
The lecture clarifies that grace calls some people to service before their birth, such as Jeremiah the prophet, John the Baptist, and Paul the Apostle, according to God’s previous knowledge and divine choice. God also calls all people to salvation without exception, because His will is that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that grace works in all people, whether righteous or sinners, believers or nonbelievers, and that God does not prevent His grace from anyone. Grace knocks on every heart, but the difference lies in the response or rejection of man.
The lecture also presents many examples of the work of grace, such as the repentance of the right thief, the faith of Longinus, the calling of Saul of Tarsus, and even the work of grace in Judas and Pharaoh, explaining that grace was working in all of them, but some responded while others hardened their hearts.
The lecture confirms that repentance itself is a work of grace, because man cannot repent without the help of God. Therefore, man says: “Repent me, O Lord, and I shall repent.” Grace is what rebukes the conscience and leads man toward returning to God.
In the Coptic Orthodox spiritual dimension, the lecture shows God’s comprehensive love for all creation, and that salvation is offered to everyone, but man is required not to resist the voice of grace nor harden his heart, but to respond to the voice of God working within him.
The lecture concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuing with grace and not retreating after the spiritual beginning, because some began in the Spirit but did not complete the path, while those who remain steadfast with the work of grace reach salvation and true spiritual growth.
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