The biblical meaning of grace may seem simple at first glance, but in reality, it is like a multi-faceted gem. Many of us learned the acrostic “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense” in Sunday School or Bible study, but grace goes far deeper than this phrase. What does the Bible say about grace, and how does it apply to our daily lives as followers of Christ?
Let’s go deeper into Scripture to explore what grace truly means, how it shapes our relationship with God, and how we can live it out in our world.
What Is Grace in the Bible?
Grace is the undeserved favor and loving-kindness of God toward humanity. It is a gift we cannot earn or produce on our own. Grace is at the heart of the gospel- the foundation of our salvation and the fuel for our Christian life.
While the concept of grace is most prominent in the New Testament, we see it woven throughout the Bible. The apostle Paul ends many of his letters with prayers for grace for his readers.
In Colossians 4:18 he writes, “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” The early church understood that we can only grow and move forward in our walk with Christ if His grace is with us.
Grace in the Old Testament
Grace appears early in the Bible. The first mention is in Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
God looked on Noah with favor and acceptance, not because he was perfect, but because Noah wholeheartedly loved and obeyed Him. Even before Jesus came, God’s grace was already at work, choosing and equipping people for His purposes.
Saved by Grace Through Faith
One of the most well-known verses about grace is Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace- the loving favor we don’t deserve because we have sinned against Him. We are saved from punishment through our faith in Christ’s sacrifice, which is itself a gift from God.
When someone gives us a gift, we don’t respond by asking, “How much do I owe you?” The right response is simple gratitude. Yet many Christians still try to “work” their way into God’s good graces. Because salvation is a free gift, our response should be thankfulness expressed through praise, joy, and a life devoted to Him.
This gratitude should naturally overflow into how we treat others. When we fully grasp the grace we have received, we are moved to serve others with kindness, love, and grace.
Grace Is Sufficient in Our Weakness
Grace is not only for salvation; it sustains us in our daily struggles. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares God’s response to his prayer to remove a “thorn” from his body: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.“
God chose not to remove Paul’s suffering but instead to demonstrate His power through Paul’s weakness. God’s grace strengthens us when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed. It is always available and always enough for our needs.
Our weaknesses can actually deepen our faith and worship. When we rely on God’s grace, we experience His power working in and through us.
Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
We don’t have to hang our heads in shame. We come reverently, but also as beloved children to a loving Father, Friend, and Counselor.
Our confidence comes from the fact that Jesus, our High Priest, became fully human like us- except He was without sin. He can sympathize with our battles and pain because He faced them Himself. There is absolutely nothing we go through that he does not fully understand.
God’s grace is always available. He waits patiently, ready to help us with unending grace whenever we need it.
Grace Teaches Us How to Live
Grace is not a free pass to live however we want. It transforms us and teaches us to live differently. Titus 2:11-12 says: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
Grace doesn’t just save us, it shapes us. It teaches us obedience, self-control, and godly living. God’s grace empowers us to resist sin and pursue a life that honors Him.
Grace Upon Grace Through Jesus
John 1:16-17 tells us: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Through Jesus, we receive an abundant, continuous, and endless supply of grace. It gives us strength, comfort, and power to live for Him. Grace is not a one-time event; it’s a daily reality for every believer.
Giving Grace to Others
Ephesians 1:7-8 reminds us: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
Because God has showered us with grace, we are called to extend grace to others. It’s easy to give grace to people we love, but what about those we find difficult? The truth is, none of us are worthy of God’s grace, yet He gives it freely because He loves us.
To give grace like God, we must see people as He does- created in His image and deeply loved. We show grace when we forgive freely, show compassion, and serve with love.
The Grace of God in Our Lives
It was always God’s plan to send His Son to save us from our sins. Jesus purchased our freedom by dying on the cross in our place. But His grace doesn’t stop there.
God’s grace draws us closer to Him, strengthens our faith, fills us with His knowledge, loves us unconditionally, forgives us freely, and empowers us to become more like Him. There is no situation His grace does not cover!
We are also called to share that grace. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
When we use our God-given gifts to serve, others see Jesus in us and are drawn to know Him.
God’s grace will never run out or be unavailable. We can start each day confident in His grace, ready to face challenges with hope, forgiveness, and love.
Reflection: Living Out Grace Every Day
Grace isn’t just a theological concept, it’s a way of life. As you think about God’s grace today, consider these reflection questions:
- How does understanding God’s grace change the way you see yourself and others?
- Where in your life do you need to rely more on God’s grace instead of your own strength?
- How can you show grace to someone difficult to love this week?
- What steps can you take to live a more grace-filled life?
- How does grace change your view of your mistakes and failures?
Here’s a beautiful quote on grace:
“In His final days, Jesus the King borrowed a donkey, washed dirty feet, ate with misfits, forgave enemies, and went to the cross because of His love for humanity. This is grace. Amazing grace.” -Eugene Cho
Blessings of His Grace,
AnnMarie
Photo Credit: Canva
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.