The grace of God—What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The grace of God is His unmerited favor. It is God’s active benevolence toward the undeserving. God’s grace is shown throughout history from Eden to the cross, where He chooses to bless us instead of giving us the punishment our sins deserve. God’s grace can be traced from Old to New Testament, culminating in Jesus, who gave His life so that all who trust in His death and resurrection can be saved. By His grace, we are forgiven and set free, and by His grace we can live lives that reflect His abundant goodness given to us in the way we respond to Him and reflect His character to others, especially in gratitude, love, and obedience.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Grace began in the garden of Eden when God killed an animal to cover the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). Instead of destroying them for their disobedience, God displayed His grace to them.
• God's grace was evident throughout the Old Testament as He continually forgave the transgressions of Israel (Exodus 34:6–7; Nehemiah 9:17). Over and over, they turned away from the true God and worshipped idols (Judges 2:11–13; 1 Kings 11:4). Over and over, He forgave them and restored His special relationship with them (Psalm 103:8–12; Jeremiah 3:12).
• The grace of God continued throughout the Old Testament when God instituted blood sacrifices as a means to atone for sinful men (Leviticus 4:20, 5:10; see Hebrews 9:22).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The grace of God culminates in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). The law of Moses, perfect in itself, came from the justice and holiness of God, and was intended to convict men of sin. It was a law of judgment and condemnation, but it prepared the way for the grace of God to be shown through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• The law condemns, showing us our sin, but the grace of God saves. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
• The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means "favor, blessing, or kindness." We can all extend grace to others; but the grace of God has a much more powerful meaning. The grace of God is His choosing to bless and favor us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. It is His benevolence to the undeserving.
• God shows both mercy and grace, but they are not the same. Mercy withholds a punishment we deserve; grace gives an undeserved blessing. God's mercy relieves us of the judgment we deserve; God's grace bestows on us the many blessings we inherit when we come to Christ: forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12; Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation (Colossians 1:19–20), abundant life (John 10:10), eternal treasure (Luke 12:33), His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), and a place in heaven with Him some day (John 3:16–18).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The grace of God is a gift of indescribable glory for which every believer should be eternally grateful. His grace began in the garden when the man and woman sinned and has extended to this present day for each one of us who place faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Without it, we would be lost forever. But by it, we receive blessings, honor, and joy. If you have not experienced the saving grace of God you are encouraged to examine your life in comparison to the holiness of the Lord God of the Bible. See what a great work He has done for you by providing a holy sacrifice for your sin. There is nothing you need to do to receive His grace except believe in Christ who died for our sins–both yours and ours. Reach out to us with any questions you might have about receiving this glorious gift.

UNDERSTAND

• God’s grace is giving us what we do not deserve.
• God’s grace provides forgiveness and salvation for all who trust in Him.
• God’s grace not only saves but also calls believers to reflect His character.

REFLECT

• How have you personally experienced God’s grace in your life, and how has it shaped the way you live?
• In what areas of your life do you struggle to accept or rely on God’s undeserved favor?
• How can you actively reflect God’s grace to others?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the continuity of God’s grace from the Old Testament to Jesus change the way we view His character?
• How can our response to God’s grace transform the way we interact with those around us?
• How do mercy and grace differ, and why is it important for us to grasp both when sharing God’s love with others?