Grace, according to the Bible, is the unmerited favor and kindness of God given to humanity, not because of anything we have done to earn it, but purely out of His love and mercy. It is the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to His call to become children of God, partakers of the divine nature, and heirs of eternal life.
Biblical Definition of Grace:
The word most commonly translated as “grace” in the New Testament is the Greek word “charis” (χάρις), which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.” In the context of salvation, grace means God’s free and undeserved gift of His love, mercy, and help.
Key Aspects of Grace:
1. Unmerited Favor:
Grace is not something we can earn or deserve. It is purely an act of God’s love and kindness.
• Romans 11:6 (AMP):
“But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favor], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works].”
2. Salvation Through Grace:
Grace is central to salvation, which cannot be achieved through human effort.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP):
“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way.”
3. Empowering and Sustaining Grace:
Grace not only saves but also sustains and empowers believers in their daily lives.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP):
“But He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’”
4. Transformative Grace:
Grace not only forgives sins but also transforms lives, enabling believers to grow in holiness and righteousness.
• Titus 2:11-12 (AMP):
“For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly [immoral] desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [lives with a purpose that reflects spiritual maturity] in this present age.”
5. Abounding Grace:
God’s grace is inexhaustible and increases in the face of human sin.
• Romans 5:20 (AMP):
“But the Law came to increase and expand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed it and increased all the more.”
Examples of Grace in the Bible:
1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
The father’s unconditional acceptance of his wayward son symbolizes God’s grace in forgiving and restoring sinners.
2. Paul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19):
Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became an apostle of grace after encountering Jesus. This transformation showcases grace’s power to change lives.
3. The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43):
Despite his past, the repentant thief received the promise of paradise simply by acknowledging Jesus. This reflects grace given without merit.
Summary:
Grace is the undeserved, unearned favor of God toward humanity. It is the foundation of salvation, empowerment for holy living, and the assurance of God’s constant help and love. Unlike human merit or works, grace is solely God’s gift, rooted in His character of love and mercy. As believers, we are called to both receive and extend this grace to others.
