What is "Grace"?

At its core, grace is God’s favor extended to those who do not deserve it. The Bible teaches that humanity, marred by sin, is incapable of earning God’s approval through works or merit. Romans 3:23-24 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Here, grace is presented as a gift, freely given through Jesus Christ, that justifies sinners before a holy God. This unearned favor is the foundation of salvation, highlighting God’s initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself despite their rebellion.
The Greek word for grace, charis, appears frequently in the New Testament, often conveying kindness, favor, or a gift. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage underscores that grace is not only unmerited but also excludes human effort as a means of salvation. It is entirely God’s work, ensuring that no one can claim credit for their redemption.

Grace is vividly displayed in God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the ultimate expressions of divine grace. John 1:16-17 declares, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” While the law revealed God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, grace through Christ provides forgiveness and restoration. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the pinnacle of grace, as He bore the penalty for sin so that believers might receive eternal life (Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people”).
Grace is not a one-time act but an ongoing reality in the life of a believer. Hebrews 4:16 invites Christians to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This verse portrays grace as a continual resource, available to sustain believers through trials, temptations, and daily challenges. God’s grace is sufficient, as Paul learned in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Grace empowers believers to endure and thrive, even in their frailty.

While grace is freely given, it calls for a response. The Bible teaches that grace is received through faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8. This faith is not mere intellectual assent but a trusting reliance on Christ’s finished work. Moreover, grace transforms those who receive it, producing a life marked by obedience and good works—not as a means of earning salvation but as a fruit of it. Titus 2:12 explains that God’s grace “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Grace, therefore, is not a license to sin but a catalyst for holiness.
The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates the expectation that those who receive God’s grace should extend it to others. Having been forgiven an insurmountable debt, the servant’s refusal to show mercy to another reflects a failure to grasp the magnitude of God’s grace. Christians are called to mirror God’s grace through forgiveness, kindness, and love, as Ephesians 4:32 urges: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ultimately, grace is an expression of God’s nature. Exodus 34:6, though in the Old Testament, captures God’s self-revelation: “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Grace flows from God’s mercy and love, revealing His desire to bless and restore rather than condemn. In the New Testament, 1 Peter 5:10 refers to God as “the God of all grace,” emphasizing that grace originates in His unchanging character.
God’s grace is universal in its offer but particular in its application. Romans 5:8 declares, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” indicating that grace is available to all. Yet, it is effective only for those who receive it through faith, as John 3:16-18 implies. This balance reflects both God’s boundless love and His justice.

The biblical definition of grace, is God’s unmerited favor and love extended to sinners through Jesus Christ. It is the means of salvation, the power for Christian living, and a reflection of God’s merciful character. Grace invites a response of faith, obedience, and love, transforming believers to live for God’s glory. As recipients of “grace upon grace” (John 1:16), Christians are called to rest in God’s provision, draw near to His throne in times of need, and extend His grace to others. In a world marked by striving and merit, the message of grace remains a radical and life-changing truth.