What is Grace?

PREFACE

Through my correspondence with various individuals regarding the subject of grace, I have observed that many possess only a scriptural or secular understanding, without fully embracing its underlying concepts. In this essay, I will explore the meaning of grace and the nature of its experience, which provides access to the kingdom of God.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our study will encompass these seven relevant areas, followed by a Conclusion, in a progressive order to answer the question, “What is Grace?”

1. Definition of Grace
2. The Purpose of God’s Grace.
3. Are Christians supposed to extend Grace?
4. The Cost of Grace.
5. Grace Does Not Permit Sin (Jude 1:4)
6. What happens if one refuses to extend God’s Grace?
7. Key Difference between Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness
8. Conclusion

1. Definition of Grace

Grace is defined as “God’s unmerited favor, goodwill toward humankind.  His benevolence toward the unworthy,” encompassing His love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. It can be seen as an unearned gift that fosters forgiveness and resilience, thus enabling emergence from difficult situations. Through grace, God forgives and blesses individuals, “despite their inability to achieve righteousness,” but gives an avenue of reconciliation to all who choose to receive.

2. The Purpose of God’s Grace.

The purpose of grace is to manifest God’s love and mercy toward and in humanity. Grace is an act of God, understood as a divine gift that leads to salvation and eternal life with God. According to (Ephesians 2:8-9), grace is received through faith rather than through human works, thereby preventing one from claiming credit for one’s own salvation. Furthermore, grace provides believers with assurance of their future inheritance (Romans 8:17), which strengthens spiritual development.

3. Are Christians supposed to extend Grace?

Every Christian is called to mirror Christ Jesus by bestowing the blessing of grace on others without regard to merit or transgression (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1), because we ourselves have received grace (Matthew 6:14-15; Colossians 3:13). God’s grace was not earned; it was given freely (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, we have the responsibility and privilege to share and freely extend the grace we have received with others, assisting God in drawing (John 6:44), and fulfilling God’s calling to be the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

4. The Cost of Grace.

To extend grace, God sacrificed His only begotten Son (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). As we are called to emulate Christ and become more like Him, those who choose to accept God’s grace are also called to deny themselves (Matthew 16:24) and spiritually die (Philippians 1:21, Colossians 2:20). Extending grace is neither belligerent nor convenient, and it is not conditional. For a follower of Christ Jesus, it is a continual process of sanctification and transformation of the sinner’s heart and life, requiring believers to live according to God’s teachings and standards (Romans 6-15-23) .

5. Grace Does Not Permit Sin (Jude 1:4)

Grace does not indulge sin (Romans 6:1-11); rather, it is a gift that enables believers to live a life of obedience and righteousness. Grace is like a breath of fresh air, a lifeline that allows renewed fellowship with God. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is the motivation, and His grace is the path back to reconciliation.

6. What happens if one refuses to extend God’s Grace?

7.  Key Difference between Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness

a. Grace is characterized by the bestowal of blessings and gifts, offered freely without regard to merit or transgression.

b. Mercy is about refraining from giving punishment that one rightfully deserves.

c.  Forgiveness seeks to heal relationships, displaying compassion regardless of past actions.

8. Conclusion

Fully embracing God’s grace cultivates a heart committed to fulfilling scriptural instructions, thereby receiving the blessings and promises outlined in Matthew 5:3-12, commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. It is only through both accepting and extending God’s grace that an individual can ultimately persevere in their spiritual journey.  Remember, every gift of God is meant to be freely given.