What is Grace?

When we think of the word grace, we might think of a prayer, or maybe we will see a type of dancing as ‘graceful’.

Oftentimes Grace is Biblically defined as ‘unmerited favour’ or a ‘divine virtue’. Many Christians will quote Ephesians 2:8-9: ‘we are saved by grace, through Faith….’

Contrary to other religions in the world, the Bible teaches that people cannot earn salvation. It is a gift from God, given to the one who places their trust in Jesus Christ. In the Bible the word Grace is often associated with Salvation:

Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:9

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. Romans 11:6

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7

The grace of God also shows us God’s love, because it is an undeserved gift: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). An example of this is seen in Luke 23: 40-42, when a criminal on the cross next to Jesus, recognized who Jesus was and was repentant. Knowing His heart, Jesus showed Grace, and told the criminal he would be with Him in paradise.

But the Grace of God isn’t only at Salvation: it is seen throughout our lives. The Christian lives by grace, through Faith. God is gracious, and He provides help to His followers, to live as they ought. The apostle Paul alludes to this in several passages such as:

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

To live by grace is to live with the continual reminder that salvation isn’t dependent on our actions, but on what God has done. It is also the means of living in a way that is against our flesh and the world. One example is following the command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). The sin nature in man finds it far easier to ‘get even’ with those who hurt us. The Christian needs grace to love those who would hurt them and to follow daily the example that Jesus set.

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