James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
According to Strong’s definition, the word GRACE especially means “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” If grace was unmerited favor, then the Lord would give it to the proud and to the humble. But according to James 4:6, God resisteth the proud.
The word RESISTETH means, “to range oneself against, i.e., oppose.” God ranges Himself far apart from the proud, i.e., He opposes them at all times.
- (Psalm 138:6) Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
- (Psalm 119:21) Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
God is the same both yesterday, today, and forever. With that being said, whose report (i.e., whose spoken and written word) do you believe? Let it be the word of God.
Therefore, to think that grace is unmerited favor is to refuse to submit to the truth prescribed in God‘s word …or… to stay in the wrong path — the commandments and doctrines of men. Let us choose this day whose report we believe …and… to whom we will serve.