Theology Terms Explained: “Grace”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced or synonymous terms.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
Grace
(grās)
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: Grace is “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”
FTG Expanded Definition: Grace is the undeserved favor and kindness of God shown to sinners. It means God gives what we do not deserve and could never earn. Grace is not a reward for good behavior, religious effort, or personal morality. It is God freely acting in mercy toward those who deserve judgment, providing salvation, forgiveness, strength, and every spiritual blessing through Jesus Christ. Grace is why sinners are saved, why believers are sustained, and why God alone receives all the glory.
As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Grace is the free favor of God to undeserving sinners.”
The Biblical Connection
The Bible repeatedly presents grace as God’s initiating work toward sinful humanity.
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 as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Romans 3:23–24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Used in an Everyday Conversation
“I know I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, but His grace is greater than my sin.”
“We are not saved by trying harder. We are saved by the grace of God.”
“God’s grace carried our family through that difficult season.”
“Grace means God gives believers what they could never earn on their own.”
