What is the definition of grace?

What Is Grace?

Grace is a central theme of the gospel and a defining attribute of God’s character. Understanding grace and its profound impact on the believer’s life is essential to appreciating the depth of God’s love and His work in salvation. Grace is often defined as “God’s unmerited favor toward the undeserving” or “God’s kindness and generosity to those who cannot earn it and do not deserve it.” It reflects God’s love, mercy, and willingness to bless humanity despite their sinful condition.

The Character of Grace

Grace is rooted in the very nature of God. Exodus 34:6 (NKJV) describes the Lord as:
"The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth."

Grace is often linked with God’s mercy and love, forming the foundation of His dealings with humanity. It is through grace that God forgives sin, reconciles sinners to Himself, and bestows spiritual blessings.

Grace in Salvation

To fully grasp the significance of grace, we must consider humanity’s condition apart from Christ. Without Him, we are:

• Born in sin (Psalm 51:5)

• Guilty of breaking God’s holy law (Romans 3:23)

• Enemies of God (Romans 5:10)

• Spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1)

• Destined for eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23)

In this helpless state, God extended His grace to us. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) declares:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Grace is the means by which God saves sinners, providing a way of redemption through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This grace is:

1. Unearned and Undeserved:
   Salvation is not based on human merit but solely on God’s gracious gift. Romans 11:6 (NKJV) states:
   "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace."

2. Costly to the Giver:
   Grace is free to the recipient but came at great cost to Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) reminds us:
   "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich."

3. Permanently Secure:
   Grace assures believers of eternal salvation. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) affirms:
   "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Grace as a Gift

The Bible repeatedly refers to grace as a “gift.” This analogy highlights several truths:

1. A Gift Is Free to the Recipient:
   Grace is not earned but freely given. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) declares:
   "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2. A Gift Is Costly to the Giver:
   Christ bore the ultimate cost of our salvation. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) explains:
   "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

3. A Gift Is Permanent:
   Once given, grace becomes the possession of the believer. John 10:28 (NKJV) promises:
   "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."

4. A Gift Is Given Without Merit:
   Grace is extended despite human unworthiness. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) declares:
   "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Grace in the Believer’s Life

Grace does not end at salvation but continues to sustain and transform the believer throughout life. God’s grace provides:

1. Justification:
   Through grace, believers are declared righteous before God. Romans 3:24 (NKJV) states:
   "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

2. Access to God:
   Grace allows believers to approach God with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) invites us:
   "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

3. Training for Godly Living:
   Grace instructs believers to live in a manner that honors God. Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV) teaches:
   "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age."

4. Strength in Trials:
   God’s grace sustains believers in their weaknesses and struggles. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) proclaims:
   "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'"

5. Hope and Encouragement:
   Grace provides believers with eternal hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NKJV) states:
   "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

Grace and the Christian’s Responsibility

As recipients of God’s grace, Christians are called to extend grace to others. Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) exhorts believers:
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

Grace also equips believers to serve others and build up the body of Christ. 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) reminds us:
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Conclusion

Grace is the unmerited favor of God that transforms the sinner into a child of God and sustains the believer throughout their spiritual journey. It is the foundation of salvation, the essence of the gospel, and the source of hope, strength, and purpose in the Christian life. As Southern Baptists, we affirm the sufficiency of God’s grace, as expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Grace is truly “too wonderful for words” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NKJV), and it calls us to live lives of gratitude, service, and devotion to the God who so richly bestows it upon us.