The concept of grace was introduced as early as when sin entered the world. When Adam and Eve sinned, they found themselves naked. What God did was to provide a covering made of animal skin for them. They were undeserving of it. The provision was an exercise of grace; and I want us to learn some things about its nature. Grace is spontaneous. God provided the covering without waiting for them to ask for it; it was a spontaneous act of God. There is a place for asking to receive; but God did not limit Himself to our asking, otherwise we would be in want of many things. One thing is clear: we don’t pray as often as we should; and on the other hand, there are needs we are not even aware of. Adam did not know he wasn’t complete; but grace spotted his need for companionship and provided for it.

Grace is spontaneous…it is surprising…grace is surpassing or superfluous.

The next thing we notice about grace is that it is surprising. Adam and Eve sinned, the consequence of which was their nakedness. God should have turned a blind eye to their plight, but He didn’t. It should have been a moment for God to say, “I told you so” or “It served you right” but He didn’t. The couple must have been pleasantly surprised by God’s extravagance towards them. Obviously, the prodigal son did not expect the kind of reception given to him when he returned to his father. It was a surprise package. Finally, grace is surpassing or superfluous. The couple made coverings of leaves for themselves, God gave them animal skin. God’s least provision will trump man’s best effort.