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
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