Topical Encyclopedia Grace is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the unmerited favor and love that God extends to humanity. It is through grace that God reveals Himself as the God of all, transcending cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries to offer salvation and relationship to every person.Biblical Foundation of Grace The concept of grace is woven throughout the Bible, beginning in the Old Testament and reaching its full expression in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, grace is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy. For instance, in Exodus 34:6, God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." In the New Testament, grace becomes even more pronounced with the advent of Jesus Christ. John 1:14-17 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth... For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Here, grace is personified in Jesus, who embodies God's ultimate gift to humanity. Grace as Unmerited Favor Grace is fundamentally about God's unmerited favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes this: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is not something that can be earned; it is a gift freely given by God to all who believe. Universal Offer of Grace God's grace is available to all people, regardless of their background or past. Romans 3:22-24 declares, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage underscores the universality of grace, affirming that it is extended to every person who places their faith in Christ. Grace and the God of All Nations The inclusivity of God's grace is further highlighted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This directive reflects God's desire for all people to experience His grace and become part of His family. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Grace in the Life of Believers For believers, grace is not only the means of salvation but also the power for living a godly life. Titus 2:11-12 teaches, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Grace empowers Christians to live in a way that reflects God's character and purposes. Grace and Spiritual Gifts The New Testament also speaks of grace in the context of spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 states, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us." These gifts are manifestations of God's grace, enabling believers to serve one another and build up the body of Christ. Conclusion Grace is a profound expression of God's love and sovereignty, revealing Him as the God of all. Through grace, God offers salvation, unity, and empowerment to every person, inviting them into a transformative relationship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... full (Jude 3). Indeed, God the Lord that all of this ... It is God's warranty that guarantees the fulfillment of the ... Ro 12:3: "For through the grace given to me I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k 5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad 1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous 5479. chara -- joy, delight 5250. huperpleonazo -- to abound exceedingly Library Whether a Man Can Love God Above all Things by his Natural Powers ... Whether by his Own Natural Powers and Without Grace Man Can Love ... The Grace of God is not Given According to Merit, but Itself Makes ... Showing How one Possesses God in Union and Rest, Above all ... Because Grace is that which Characterizes all God's Dealings with ... Pelagius Places Free Will at the Basis of all Turning to God for ... The Fountain of Grace. All Things have Been Created by the Grace of God, and are not of ... Sanctified by God the Father. Article I: of God. Resources What is sanctifying grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sovereign grace? | GotQuestions.org What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |