Grace

Few theological terms are as central to the message of Scripture as the word “grace.” Grace is foundational to God’s redemptive work, His covenant relationship with His people, and the believer’s ongoing spiritual life. The NASB95, known for its formal equivalence, faithfully reflects the biblical usage of this term as it appears in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Background

While the New Testament gives the richest development of the word “grace,” the concept has deep roots in the Old Testament.

Key Hebrew Terms

1. חֵן (ḥēn) — “favor, grace”
   Often used to describe favor granted by a superior to an inferior. For example Noah found favour/grace before God. Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
2. חֶסֶד (ḥesed) — “steadfast love, lovingkindness, covenant loyalty”
   Although not translated as “grace,” this term expresses God’s covenantal, loyal love, an essential backdrop to the New Testament concept of grace.

Grace is God’s unearned favor shown to individuals, rooted in His covenant character and mercy.

The New Testament Word for Grace

The primary NT term translated “grace” is:

χάρις (charis) “Unmerited favor,” “kindness,” “gift,” “that which brings joy,”

God’s freely given, undeserved favor and enabling power. Grace is God’s gracious gift given without obligation, favor extending from the giver’s goodness, not the recipient’s worth, and divine empowerment enabling believers to live for God.

Grace in Salvation

One of the most significant uses of charis describes God’s saving work through Christ.

For example in Ephesians 2:8 the Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” We have been saved by God’s grace.

Here, grace is the basis of salvation (God’s initiative), a gift received through faith and not earned or merited.

Grace is the grounds of justification. God declares sinners righteous because of Christ’s finished work, not human effort. Romans 3:24 says, “Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”

Grace as Divine Enabling Power

Grace is not only God’s saving favor; it is also His ongoing power at work in the believer’s life. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” This passage highlights grace as sustaining strength, as empowering presence and as God’s power made visible in human weakness.

Grace for Ministry

Paul repeatedly emphasizes that his ministry is the result of God’s grace. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 he writes, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain.” Grace transforms, commissions, and strengthens believers for spiritual service.

Grace and Christian Conduct

Grace is also the basis for good Christian living. Titus 2:11–12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness…” Grace teaches, shapes, and guides believers toward godly living. It does not merely forgive; it transforms.

Christians live under grace and not law. Romans 6:14 says, “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” This means grace creates a new realm of existence. Believers live in a different “dominion,” ruled by God’s mercy rather than law. The result is empowerment to resist sin’s control.

Grace in Christian Relationships

Grace is also relational. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt…” Grace-filled speech reflects God’s own disposition toward us. Paul’s greetings and benedictions often express a prayer for grace. For example in Romans 1:7, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This reflects grace as the ongoing blessing believers receive from God.

Grace and Spiritual Gifts

The word charis is the root of χαρίσματα (charismata), meaning “grace-gifts” or spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 says, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…”
Thus, Spiritual gifts are an expressions of grace, distributed sovereignly, and designed for service and edification.

Grace as God’s Eternal Plan

Paul presents grace as rooted in God’s eternal purpose. 2 Timothy 1:9 says, “Who has saved us… according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” Grace is not an afterthought, it is woven into God’s eternal redemptive design.

 

Summary

In the Bible, grace refers to:

1. God’s free and unmerited favor shown to sinners,
2. His saving initiative in Christ,
3. His enabling power to live, serve, and endure,
4. His ongoing blessing toward His people.

Grace is both the foundation of Christian salvation and the fuel for Christian living. It is God’s generosity made visible in Christ and experienced through the Holy Spirit.