What is God's grace?
The Biblical Answer
Grace is God's unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor toward sinful humanity. It is His kindness freely given to those who deserve only judgment. The word "grace" in the New Testament (Greek: charis) means a gift freely bestowed, without any expectation of repayment. Grace is not a reward for good behavior or a response to human worthiness; it flows entirely from the generous and loving character of God Himself.
The supreme expression of God's grace is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul writes, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). We are saved "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy" (Titus 3:5). Grace and works are mutually exclusive as grounds for salvation: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace" (Romans 11:6). If salvation could be earned, it would not be grace. The entire gospel rests on the reality that God gives freely what we could never deserve.
Grace is costly, not cheap. It cost God the life of His beloved Son. Paul writes, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Grace does not give us license to sin; it empowers us to live righteously. Paul writes that grace teaches us "that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). True grace transforms the life of every person who receives it.
God's grace is not limited to salvation. It sustains us daily, empowers us for service, comforts us in suffering, and provides strength in weakness. Paul discovered this when God told him, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Grace is the atmosphere in which the Christian lives, the foundation on which we stand, and the power by which we serve. We are called to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
Key Verses
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Romans 11:6
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Titus 2:11-12
Recommended Bible Reading
Related Questions
Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith is belief in and trust of God's character, promises, and the person of Jesus Christ.
Sin is rebellion against God and separation from His righteousness; all humans are sinners.