What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
What Does the Bible Say About Grace? Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Key verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Grace (Greek: charis) is the cornerstone of the Christian gospel. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Grace means receiving what we do not deserve. While the law was given through Moses, 'grace and truth came by Jesus Christ' (John 1:17). Paul described himself as the 'chief of sinners' yet a trophy of God's grace (1 Timothy 1:15-16). Grace does not encourage sin — rather, Paul taught that grace 'teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly' (Titus 2:11-12). God's grace is described as 'sufficient' (2 Corinthians 12:9), 'abundant' (Romans 5:20), and 'manifold' (1 Peter 4:10). It empowers believers for service, sustains them in trial, and will ultimately bring them to glory.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is the difference between faith and works?
Faith is trusting in God for salvation; works are the righteous actions that flow from genuine faith. The Bible teaches salvation by faith alone, but true faith always produces good works.
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible teaches that God freely forgives those who repent and that believers must forgive others as they have been forgiven — not seven times, but seventy times seven.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Romans 6:23 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Grace
1 Timothy 1:15 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Grace
What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?
Sin & Salvation
Jesus Paid It All
Elvina M. Hall • 1865
To God Be the Glory
Fanny J. Crosby • 1875
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ephesians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ephesians on day 339 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Grace?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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