What Does the Bible Say About Grace — Meaning Explained

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.