What Does the Bible Say About Grace — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ephesians 2:8-9, sits inside Ephesians 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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