Grace, according to the Bible, is the unmerited and undeserved favor and kindness that God shows to humanity. It is a central concept in Christianity, and is often described as one of the defining characteristics of God’s nature.
In the Old Testament, God’s grace is demonstrated in His covenant relationship with the people of Israel, even though they repeatedly turned away from Him and broke His laws. The Psalms and the prophets also frequently speak of God’s graciousness and compassion, as in Psalm 103:8, which says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
In the New Testament, grace is revealed most fully in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and to receive salvation as a free gift of God’s grace. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Grace is not something that can be earned or deserved, but is freely given by God as an expression of His love and mercy. It is offered to all people, regardless of their past or present circumstances, and is a powerful force for transformation and redemption in the lives of those who receive it.
Overall, grace is a foundational concept in the Bible that speaks to the depth and breadth of God’s love and mercy for humanity, and it is something that Christians continue to celebrate and proclaim as a core aspect of their faith.
