Keynote_ God’s Grace – Cory Waddell
Teachers
Lesson Summary
During the class, Cory Waddell presented a clear distinction between merit‑based benefits and gracious gifts by narrating two hypothetical scenarios involving a wealthy, long‑lost uncle. He used the first scenario to illustrate a merit system—where a million‑dollar account required the recipient to work and promote the uncle’s business—contrasting it with the second scenario, where the same wealth was given as a free, unconditional gift. From this illustration, Cory connected the concept to the biblical narrative of God’s grace, rooted in the fall described in Genesis 3, and explained that Jesus’ ministry provides a gracious provision for salvation, abundant life now, and eternal glory. Cory then addressed prevalent misunderstandings about grace in Christian history, describing three erroneous views: grace as a license to sin, grace as a fragile possession that can be lost by works, and a hybrid model that attempts to combine perfect living with grace coverage. He affirmed the biblical teaching that grace is an unearned gift received through faith alone, producing confidence, love, and hope rather than division. The class concluded by urging believers to embrace grace as the unmerited favor of God, fostering unity within the church community.