What Is Grace in the Bible?
What Is Grace in the Bible? Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
Key verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
"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 is one of the most important concepts in Scripture. The Greek word 'charis' means undeserved kindness or favor. Grace stands in contrast to works — it is God freely giving us what we do not deserve. Paul makes this distinction clear: '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). Grace appears throughout the Old Testament as well — God showed grace to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Israel repeatedly. But it reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ. John writes that 'the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ' (John 1:17). Grace not only saves us but also empowers us to live godly lives. Paul described how God's grace was sufficient for his weakness and enabled him to endure hardship. Grace is not a license to sin but a transforming power that changes hearts and produces genuine obedience motivated by love rather than fear.
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 sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
"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
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
What Is Faith?
Faith is confident trust in God and His promises — believing what He has said even when circumstances seem impossible.
What is justification by faith?
Justification by faith is the doctrine that sinners are declared righteous before God not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Protestant theology.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Theology & Doctrine
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Bible Verses About God's Grace
10 curated KJV verses
2 Corinthians 12:9 — Meaning & Devotional
Grace
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 Is Grace in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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