What Is Grace?
 

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Is grace really unmerited favor?

Let's look at what the scriptures tell us.

James 4:6 tells us:

"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

So we learn that humility is a prerequisite to receiving the grace of God, and grace is something that God gives, so what is grace?

The Greek word for grace used in the New Testament scriptures is 'Charis' which means:

1. Grace

...... A. That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2. Good will, loving-kindness, favour

.. .. A. Of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.

3. What is due to grace

.... A. The spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

.... B. The token or proof of grace, benefit

.. .. .. ....I. A gift of grace

.. .. .. .. II. Benefit, bounty

4. Thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Strong’s Definitions

χάρις cháris, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):—acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).

Grace is more of God's essence, His presence in the soul and upon the spirit of those who obey Him, follow Jesus and walk closely with Him. It's like the more you're with God, the more you grow in Him, the more you meditate on His word, the more you grow in grace and knowledge. The more you become like Him and God rubs off on you!

1st Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

The word tells us evil company corrupts good habits or good manners/character, so walking with God does the exact opposite. Being with Him and receiving His grace in our souls, changes our corrupt nature and bad characteristics into His divine nature and goodness, we become holy and righteous!

Jesus was full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

So grace is something you can be full of, and your heart can be established or built up with grace.

Hebrews 13:9

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace,not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Grace is much more than unmerited favor, grace is the power, presence, essence, substance, and divine influence of God that fills the heart, permeates our being, fills the atmosphere and emanates from our soul and spirit, spreading outward through the flesh, it affects those around us, and it saves those in Christ every day.

Even the words that come forth out of your mouth as you speak can be full of grace and wisdom.

Colossians 4:5-6

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

The true meaning of grace gives us a much deeper understanding of Ephesians 2:8-9

"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."

In Jesus,
Tyrone

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Amen. It certainly is unmerited, or should I say, received solely upon the merits of the cross. But true grace goes beyond just an attitude God has towards us. God's grace is a working grace, brought us at Holy Ghost baptism. As it states in your post, grace is a divine influence that effect our very character and behavior.

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Good topic Tyrone. Most of the time in scripture favor is connected to our faith and obedience. This needs to be shouted from the housetops. It is also from the same Greek word as in the "gifts" of the Spirit.

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Grace is unmerited favor. However, the purpose of this grace is to give us unmerited favor so that we might freely (and undeservingly) receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which brings what is theologically known as regeneration. With regeneration we become new creatures and we experience the empowering reality of the Spirit's presence in our inner man that allows us to live victorious lives as we walk in the Spirit.

Re: What Is Grace?
 

And what scriptures can I read that will prove what you have written? And where in scripture does it say unequivocally that grace IS unmerited favor?

Re: What Is Grace?
 

We know the word "charis" in itself does NOT mean unmerited favor. It was a regular Greek word. To say it means unmerited favor takes away its true meaning.

Unmerited favor is a Theological concept...not the definition of the word.

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Amen brother Mike! As we know there are many biblical truths that have been glossed over and many believers don't study things out in depth for themselves, and they just take in what the pastor tells them. We gotta be like the Bereans!

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Amen! Praise the Lord for His amazing grace that saves a wretch like me!

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Exactly!

Re: What Is Grace?
 

Thank you! It certainly paints God in a light that doesn't square with His sacrifice and when the Word says that "while" we were yet sinners, He died for us.

Unmerited favor, IMO, comes off as though God is always looking down on us while loving us at the same time.

Who would want a relationship like that? Who could be faithful to it?