What does Grace Mean?

“Have you ever received a gift so profound and unexpected that it left you in awe? This is the essence of divine grace. Our journey into understanding this begins with a powerful scripture from Ephesians 2:8-9, which reveals the heart of grace: a gift from God, unearned and undeserved. It reads:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

The Definition of Grace:

In the New Testament, the concept of “grace” originates from the Greek word “χάρις” (charis). This term is rich with meanings, often found in biblical verses to signify unmerited favor, blessing, or thankfulness and gratitude.

Digging Deeper

Ephesians 2:8-9 is a cornerstone for many Bible students, illustrating that salvation comes through faith. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the opening phrase: “For by grace are you saved.” Our salvation stems not only from faith but firstly from grace. Elements like faith, confession, repentance, baptism, and the blood of Christ are integral to our salvation, but salvation all begins with God’s grace. Understanding the word “Grace” is therefore essential.

At its core, grace means receiving something we haven’t earned and don’t deserve. This concept is familiar in the business world too. For instance, when we need to renew our car registration, we often get a “grace period” – extra time to complete the task. Similarly, loan payments might have a grace period before extra charges apply. This principle extends to other legal areas as well.

When we stand before God, it’s His grace, not justice, that we’ll yearn for. In Genesis 15:6, the Bible tells us that Abraham “believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Abraham wasn’t completely righteous; through God’s grace, he was deemed as such. Our God is a God of grace. It is not by our good deeds, but by God’s grace, that we will be saved.

Lonnie Davis