Grace is God’s unmerited favor: his freely given love, mercy, forgiveness, and help toward people who cannot earn it. The Bible presents grace as the foundation of salvation, the source of spiritual strength, and the power by which God changes and sustains his people.
God’s favor is closely connected with grace. It is not a reward purchased through rituals, money, formulas, or human achievement, and it is not a promise of constant wealth or ease. Through Jesus Christ, God graciously offers salvation and his presence in both the joys and sorrows of life.
What Grace Means in the Bible
The Hebrew word for “grace” is ḥēn (pronounced “hen”), often translated as “favor.” It reflects acceptance and goodwill that cannot be earned. In other words, grace is undeserved favor.
It is given freely by God, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who he is. This is the heart of grace in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word hēn is translated “favor,” and in the New Testament, the Greek word charis is translated both grace and favor.
Grace is not bought. It is a free gift of almighty God to needy mankind. Webster’s dictionary defines grace as the “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”
Alexander Whyte puts it this way: “Grace, then, is grace,-that is to say, it is sovereign, it is free, it is sure, it is unconditional, and it is everlasting.” Grace communicates who He is into who we are, saving and sustaining us.
Jesus Christ Is the Ultimate Expression of Grace
Jesus is the ultimate expression of grace. Because of God’s love for us, he sent Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins, showing us undeserved goodwill, forgiveness and kindness.
The ultimate act of God’s favor is when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, receiving his gracious invitation of salvation. Jesus makes God’s grace possible. He allows us to be fully reunited with our Maker, after sin and evil have destroyed everything, when all seems hopeless and lost-grace still remains.
When I picture Jesus Christ dying on the cross, I see the free gift of God’s grace in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. Grace is the most important concept taught in the Bible.
Grace and Salvation
The Christian faith is built on God's grace. In fact, we believe we're saved by faith through grace. Salvation is not earned through works, religious achievement, or human merit; it is God’s gift received through faith in Jesus Christ.
“By grace you have been saved” means that salvation is fully secured by God’s grace. Faith is a confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus and is the only means by which one can obtain salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
Romans 3:23-24
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
Acts 15:11
No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.
Titus 3:7
So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
John 3:16
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
1 John 2:2
He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins-and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Grace in the Old Testament
Grace is woven throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, we see grace as part of God’s character. The Lord is repeatedly described as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, rich in love, and ready to show mercy to those who turn to him.
Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Psalm 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Joel 2:13
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
2 Chronicles 30:9
If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.
Nehemiah 9:31
But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Jeremiah 31:2-3
This is what the Lord says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Grace Revealed Through Jesus Christ
The New Testament shows that God’s grace reaches its fullest expression in Jesus. John describes Christ as full of grace and truth, and says that believers receive grace from his fullness.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:16-17
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
The contrast is not that the Mosaic law was bad and Jesus is good. Rather, both the giving of the law and the coming of Jesus Christ mark decisive events in the history of salvation.
In the law, God graciously revealed his character and righteous requirements to the nation of Israel. Jesus, however, marked the final, definitive revelation of God’s grace and truth.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Romans 5:15
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Romans 5:20-21
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Galatians 2:21
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Grace Gives Freedom From Sin’s Dominion
Grace does not mean that sin no longer matters. Grace frees believers from sin’s mastery and teaches them to live in obedience to God.
Romans 6:14
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
This is not a command but a promise that sin will not triumph in the lives of Christians. Under grace means living under the new covenant in Christ, in an era characterized by grace.
Romans 6:1-2
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Romans 6:15
What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Saving grace teaches its recipients to say no to sin and yes to godliness. Christians should live this way because the grace of God that saves also instructs its recipients to live in a new way.
Grace in Times of Weakness and Need
God’s grace is not reserved for moments of success. Scripture especially emphasizes grace when people are weak, suffering, tempted, discouraged, or aware of their dependence on God.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jesus is able to identify with his people because of his human experience and the sufferings he endured while being tempted. Though Jesus was tempted in every respect, he remained sinless.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
God’s grace “is sufficient” in the present tense, underscoring the ever-present availability and sufficiency of God’s grace for every believer, regardless of how critical one’s circumstances may be.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God’s Favor in Scripture
The Bible often links favor and grace. God’s favor is his grace, given to his children as free, unmerited love and blessing through his Son, Jesus Christ.
God’s favor is not a ticket to wealth or ease. Instead, it’s God’s gracious offer of more of himself in both the joys and sorrows of life.
Genesis 6:8
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 18:3
And said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
Exodus 33:12
Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’
Exodus 33:17
And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
Ruth 2:10
Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Esther 2:17
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Daniel 1:9
And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.
Genesis 39:21
But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Genesis 39:4
So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.
Luke 1:30
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Proverbs 3:4
So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:34
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 90:17
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalm 106:4
Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them.
Psalm 5:12
For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Isaiah 49:8
Thus says the Lord: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages.
Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
God’s Favor Is Not Earned
We don’t unlock his favor by performing certain rituals, giving money, or praying specific formulas. His favor is not a ticket to wealth or ease.
If we have God’s favor, we have all we need. If you are in Christ, his smile is upon you. You have his favor and life in his name.
God’s favor is for his children-and he doesn’t just have one favorite, he has billions.
Grace Shapes the Christian Life
Grace does not produce passivity. It creates a new way of living, serving, speaking, giving, and enduring.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
God’s grace did not lead to passivity, however, for it prompted hard work on Paul’s part.
2 Timothy 2:1
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Ephesians 4:7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
2 Corinthians 8:7
But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Romans 1:5
Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.
Acts 4:33
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.
Acts 6:8
And Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 14:3
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:32
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.
Grace and Humility
Scripture consistently connects grace with humility. God’s grace is extended to those who acknowledge their dependence on him, while pride resists his authority and seeks praise through worldly methods.
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
God’s grace will be extended to those who are humble before him. God opposes means he resists and sends judgment, for the proud have chosen the praise and the methods of the world and are acting as God’s enemies.
Proverbs 3:33-35
The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
1 Peter 5:5
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Grace Is Sufficient for Every Believer
His grace allows His love to reach us, even in the deepest, darkest places in which we may find ourselves. In the midst of anger, failure, depression, loss, anxiety, hopelessness, heartbreak-whatever you may be struggling with, His grace is sufficient for you.
The grace of God is a reality. Thousands have tried, tested, and proved that it is more than a cold creed, a docile doctrine, or a tedious theory.
The grace of God has been tested in the crucible of human experience, and has been found to be more than an equal for the problems and sins of humanity.
1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Romans 1:7
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:2
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:16
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring-not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Revelation 22:21
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Philemon 1:25
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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