Unmerited favor and divine assistance given by God.
Grace: Unmerited Favor and Divine Power
Grace is one of the most misunderstood and yet most vital truths in the entire Christian life. Properly understood, grace is not a soft excuse for sin, but God’s own power and favor working in us and for us—completely undeserved, yet fully available through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
1. The Biblical Definition of Grace
The Main New Testament Word: Charis (χάρις)
The primary Greek word for “grace” is charis. At its core, charis means:
Favor, kindness, goodwill
A gift freely given, not earned
Divine enablement or power at work in a person
In the New Testament, charis often carries both ideas together: unmerited favor that produces divine ability.
“For by grace (charis) you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Grace is not a wage you earn; it is a gift you receive.
The Verb: Charizomai (χαρίζομαι)
This related word means:
To grant as a favor
To forgive freely
To graciously give
“…forgiving (charizomenoi) one another, even as God in Christ forgave (echarisato) you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Grace is not only a position before God; it is an ongoing action of God toward us.
Old Testament Background: Chen (חֵן)
The main Hebrew word often translated “grace” or “favor” is chen. It means:
Favor, grace, charm
To be graciously inclined toward someone
“But Noah found grace (chen) in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8)
This shows us a key pattern: in the midst of judgment, God singles out a person or people by unmerited favor.
A Working Definition
Putting this together:
Grace is the unearned favor of God, freely given in Christ, which brings His own power, presence, and ability into our lives to save, transform, and empower us.
Grace is both position (how God sees you in Christ) and power (how God works in you by the Spirit).
2. Old Testament Foundation of Grace
Grace is not a New Testament invention. It is rooted deeply in the Old Testament.
1. Noah and Preserving Grace
“But Noah found grace (chen) in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8)
In a world filled with corruption and violence, God’s grace:
Chose Noah
Gave him instructions
Preserved him and his family
Grace here is selective favor that leads to practical salvation.
2. Moses and the Presence of God
Moses pleaded with God on the basis of grace:
“Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace (chen) in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You… And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:13–14)
For Moses, grace meant:
Knowing God’s ways (revelation)
Experiencing God’s presence
Receiving rest (divine security and peace)
Grace is not merely forgiveness; it is God’s presence going with His people.
3. Israel and Covenant Grace
God’s choice of Israel was an act of grace:
“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number… but because the LORD loves you…” (Deuteronomy 7:7–8)
Israel did not earn God’s favor; they were chosen because God loved them. Grace is rooted in God’s own heart, not in human merit.
4. The Prophets and Future Grace
The prophets foresaw a coming age of greater grace:
“I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication…” (Zechariah 12:10)
Here, grace is linked to the Spirit being poured out, resulting in:
Repentance
Prayer
A turning to God
This anticipates the New Covenant outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Fulfillment of Grace in Christ
Grace reaches its full revelation in the person and work of Jesus.
1. Jesus: Full of Grace and Truth
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth… For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:14, 17)
Key truths:
Jesus embodies grace.
Grace is not just a doctrine; it is a Person.
The law reveals God’s standard; grace in Christ provides the power to meet it.
2. The Cross: Grace Manifested
“For you know the grace (charis) 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.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
The cross is the supreme display of grace:
He took our sin, we receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
He took our curse, we receive blessing (Galatians 3:13–14).
He took our poverty, we receive God’s provision.
Grace is substitutionary: Jesus took what we deserved so we can receive what He deserves.
3. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Salvation is:
Initiated by grace
Received by faith
Not earned by works
But notice the next verse:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)
Grace does not eliminate good works; it produces them. Grace is the root, good works are the fruit.
4. Grace as Power Over Sin
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
To be “under grace” means:
Sin’s dominion is broken.
You are no longer powerless against temptation.
You live in a new realm where God’s power is at work in you.
Grace is not a license to sin; it is freedom from sin’s mastery.
4. The Power of Grace for Today (The Holy Spirit’s Application)
This is where many believers stop short. They accept grace for forgiveness, but do not walk in grace as supernatural power. Yet Scripture is clear: grace is actively ministered to us by the Holy Spirit.
1. Grace and the Indwelling Spirit
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Holy Spirit is the Person through whom we:
Experience the grace of Jesus
Share in His life and power
Walk in daily fellowship with God
Grace is not abstract; it is relational, mediated by the Spirit.
2. Grace as Empowerment for Ministry
“But to each one of us grace (charis) was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7)
This is not saving grace, but serving grace—divine enablement for your calling.
Apostleship is a grace (Romans 1:5).
Teaching is a grace.
Giving is a grace (2 Corinthians 8:1–7).
Miracles and gifts of the Spirit flow from grace (1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 11).
Every believer has a measure of grace for ministry. The Holy Spirit distributes and activates this grace.
3. Grace to Overcome Weakness
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God’s answer to Paul’s ongoing trial was not removal, but grace:
Grace = Christ’s strength in our weakness.
Grace does not always change circumstances first; it changes us in the midst of them.
The Spirit turns our weakest areas into places of manifested power.
When you feel least capable, you are most positioned for grace—if you depend on the Spirit.
4. Grace Teaches and Transforms
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness… we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11–12)
Grace teaches (Greek: paideuō – to train, discipline):
It trains your desires.
It empowers holy living.
It produces a lifestyle that reflects Christ.
This is the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work: grace as an internal teacher and trainer.
5. Grace and Bold Faith
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Because of Jesus’ finished work:
We approach God’s presence with boldness, not fear.
We receive fresh grace for specific needs.
The Spirit makes the throne of God a place of practical help, not distant theology.
Charismatic, Spirit-filled living means we expect:
Grace for healing
Grace for deliverance
Grace for provision
Grace for bold witness
Grace for the gifts of the Spirit to operate
Grace is the atmosphere in which the Spirit moves.
5. Practical Steps to Walk in Grace
1. Renounce Self-Reliance and Embrace Dependence
Grace flows where human pride is broken.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
Practical actions:
Daily confess your need: “Lord, apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Repent of trying to earn God’s favor by performance.
Humble yourself in relationships; choose to serve rather than be served.
Humility is the doorway through which grace enters.
2. Receive by Faith, Not by Feelings
Grace is accessed by faith.
“…through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand…” (Romans 5:2)
Practical actions:
Declare the Word: “I am saved by grace, I stand in grace, I am empowered by grace.”
When you feel weak, say: “His grace is sufficient for me; His strength is made perfect in my weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Expect the Holy Spirit to supply what you lack in every situation.
Faith is the hand that receives grace.
3. Draw Near to the Throne of Grace Daily
Grace is not a one-time event; it is a continual supply.
“Let us… come boldly to the throne of grace…” (Hebrews 4:16)
Practical actions:
Set aside daily time to consciously come before God’s throne.
Bring specific needs: “Father, I need grace today to forgive, to resist this temptation, to minister in power.”
Wait quietly on the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to strengthen, comfort, and instruct you.
The throne of grace is your daily resource center.
4. Steward the Grace Given to You
Grace can be received in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1) or stewarded well.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace (charis) of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Practical actions:
Identify your grace-gifts (teaching, encouragement, giving, healing, etc.).
Use them regularly to serve others.
Do not compare your grace with others; be faithful with what you have.
Grace grows as you use it.
5. Guard Against Counterfeits: License and Legalism
Two ditches oppose true grace:
License – using grace as an excuse to sin.
“…turning the grace of our God into lewdness…” (Jude 4)
Legalism – trying to earn what God gives freely.
“You have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4)
Practical actions:
Examine your heart: Am I using grace to justify disobedience?
Reject any teaching that says holiness doesn’t matter.
Reject any mindset that says you must earn God’s acceptance.
True grace always leads to greater love, holiness, and power.
6. Key Scriptures on Grace (With Brief Commentary)
1. Ephesians 2:8–10
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works… For we are His workmanship…”
Grace is the source of salvation.
Faith is the means.
Good works are the result, not the cause.
2. Romans 5:1–2
“…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand…”
Grace is a realm we stand in.
We have peace with God as a settled reality.
Access is continual, by faith.
3. Romans 6:14
“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Grace is freedom from sin’s dominion, not freedom to sin.
Being “under grace” means living under the rule of God’s empowering presence.
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Grace is Christ’s strength in our weakness.
Our limitations become places of divine manifestation.
5. Titus 2:11–12
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared… teaching us that, denying ungodliness… we should live… godly in the present age.”
Grace saves and trains.
Grace produces a lifestyle of holiness and self-control.
6. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
God’s throne is a throne of grace for believers.
We come with boldness, not timidity.
Grace is timely help—specific, practical, and sufficient.
7. 1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Every believer has received a measure of grace.
Grace is manifold—multi-colored, diverse in expression.
We are called to steward grace by serving others.
A Closing Exhortation
Grace is not a weak, sentimental idea. It is the mighty operation of God in Christ, applied by the Holy Spirit, to:
Forgive your sins
Transform your character
Empower your ministry
Sustain you in weakness
Equip you to live holy and walk in spiritual power
Come out from under the burden of self-effort and the deception of cheap grace. Stand firmly in the true grace of God (1 Peter 5:12): a grace that saves, sanctifies, and supernaturally empowers.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
You are invited not just to receive grace once, but to grow in it—day by day, by the Spirit, for the glory of God.