Grace is Unmerited Favor. Where's that in the Bible?

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K

Karraster

Guest
#1
This phrase "grace is unmerited favor" is used continuously here in the forums, I've yet to find it in my Bible. What gives? We know many false doctrines have infiltrated the Church, and that, repeat a lie often enough and some folks will start believing it! The adversary is very cunning, we should examine for ourselves if it be true.

First, I'd like to be clear on the meaning of unmerited favor. "God is good to us even when we don't deserve it." Would that be an acceptable definition? While I have to agree He is, would that also define what grace is, unmerited favor? I am not convinced on that viewpoint. Perhaps it may be of interest to some to figure this out, in light of this verse:

Acts 20:32
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.


Got Grace? You're not built up until you have grace, or have an inheritance, according to Acts 20:32
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#2
Grace - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

[h=2]grace[/h] noun \ˈgrās\
a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b : a virtue coming from God
c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2 a : approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>
b archaic : mercy, pardon
c : a special favor : privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>
d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
e : a temporary exemption : reprieve
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#3
I'm seeing many verses that indicate grace and obedience together. While it's true that even if we could obey all of Almighty's instructions, we still regard ourselves as an “unprofitable servant” (Luke 17:10), and that we can't "earn" our way to everlasting life, it must be through our Messiah, the true significance of "grace" should be well considered. Paul affirms that grace is accessed by faith (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not, however, a faith void of loving response to God; it is a faith that acts (James 2:21-26).

Grace is powerful, it is a gift from our Creator. It is not something to be taken lightly, or the word "grace" thrown in the faces of those in whom we disagree. It should be used to help us imitate our Messiah.
 
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Feb 21, 2012
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#4
For by grace are ye saved through faith and not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9

Salvation is given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ - salvation is the gift of God. Salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ. After we receive salvation, our faith will produce works. And even then it is God working in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] And we are confident that he which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. [Phil. 1:6]
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,097
6,480
113
#5
Romans 3:20) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 .) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 .) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 .) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 .) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 .) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 .) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 .) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

[h=1]Titus
3[/h]
1 .) Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 .) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 .) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 .) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 .) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 .) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 .) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
 
O

oldthennew

Guest
#6
I could feel His Light there in the dark, a spark of Glory would come to me
from atop the wooden stake; I understood that He was helping me
through the gate of fate into a Light and bright it was because
of its Grace and Glory.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,002
13,010
113
58
#7
For by grace are ye saved through faith and not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9 Salvation is given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ - salvation is the gift of God. Salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ.
Amen! The Amplified Bible reads - For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Truly, grace is not something we receive from God in payment for our good works. Salvation by grace is a gift. We can do nothing to merit it.

After we receive salvation, our faith will produce works. And even then it is God working in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] And we are confident that he which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. [Phil. 1:6]
Amen! Although grace is unmerited, grace provides us with power, God's enabling power. 1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Paul reveals how grace provides an enabling power to labor for God. Paul responded so diligently to the grace of God that his labors exceeded those of the other apostles. Yet, he was careful to give God the credit for his accomplishments by pointing out that it was His grace that was working within him.
 
Mar 4, 2013
7,761
107
0
#8
This phrase "grace is unmerited favor" is used continuously here in the forums, I've yet to find it in my Bible. What gives? We know many false doctrines have infiltrated the Church, and that, repeat a lie often enough and some folks will start believing it! The adversary is very cunning, we should examine for ourselves if it be true.

First, I'd like to be clear on the meaning of unmerited favor. "God is good to us even when we don't deserve it." Would that be an acceptable definition? While I have to agree He is, would that also define what grace is, unmerited favor? I am not convinced on that viewpoint. Perhaps it may be of interest to some to figure this out, in light of this verse:

Acts 20:32
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.


Got Grace? You're not built up until you have grace, or have an inheritance, according to Acts 20:32
I've heard that a lot also. God bless sis
http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/100026-contradiction-words-36.html#post1717662
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#9
For by grace are ye saved through faith and not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9

Salvation is given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ - salvation is the gift of God. Salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ. After we receive salvation, our faith will produce works. And even then it is God working in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] And we are confident that he which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. [Phil. 1:6]
I couldn't agree more. Why then, is there such confusion concerning what it means to do His good pleasure? It's not "our" good pleasure made up individually as our heart desires, but rather His good pleasure. It's loving our Creator and loving our fellow man, which there is precious little of that going on.

We are to encourage each other, remind each other we are set apart, we do not live like the rest of the world!

[SUP]22 [/SUP]let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful who promised),
[SUP]24 [/SUP]and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works,
[SUP]25 [/SUP]not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the Day approaching.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]For if we sin willfully after having received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[SUP]27 [/SUP]but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
 
Oct 5, 2014
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#10
This phrase "grace is unmerited favor" is used continuously here in the forums, I've yet to find it in my Bible. What gives? We know many false doctrines have infiltrated the Church, and that, repeat a lie often enough and some folks will start believing it! The adversary is very cunning, we should examine for ourselves if it be true.
Excellent question. If way the faith alone use that term is to denote that obedience to God is not necessary in order to receive of God's salvational grace unto life.

That reflects a false belief, IMO. The scriptures are replete in showing God gives His salvational grace to them that obey Him:

Hebrews 5:9---King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#11
Romans 3:20) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 .) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 .) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 .) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 .) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 .) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 .) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 .) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Titus
3



1 .) Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 .) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 .) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 .) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 .) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 .) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 .) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
All good instructions, and I thank our Creator for them, as well as all of His Words and instructions. We are to be imitators of Messiah, and walk as He walked.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#12
I could feel His Light there in the dark, a spark of Glory would come to me
from atop the wooden stake; I understood that He was helping me
through the gate of fate into a Light and bright it was because
of its Grace and Glory.
Amen. That was our Creator who suffered for us so that we might live in Him! When we are hungry, or tired, or in need of anything, we can look to His love and provision..and find the strength to face another day.
 
May 2, 2014
1,060
12
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#13
This phrase "grace is unmerited favor" is used continuously here in the forums, I've yet to find it in my Bible. What gives? We know many false doctrines have infiltrated the Church, and that, repeat a lie often enough and some folks will start believing it! The adversary is very cunning, we should examine for ourselves if it be true.

First, I'd like to be clear on the meaning of unmerited favor. "God is good to us even when we don't deserve it." Would that be an acceptable definition? While I have to agree He is, would that also define what grace is, unmerited favor? I am not convinced on that viewpoint. Perhaps it may be of interest to some to figure this out, in light of this verse:

Acts 20:32
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.


Got Grace? You're not built up until you have grace, or have an inheritance, according to Acts 20:32

Grace simply means to show favor. That favor could be merited or not merited, however, to define grace as unmerited favor in my opinion is error. I think the unmerited favor definition is simply a product of the easy believism gospel that's preached today.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#14
Amen! The Amplified Bible reads - For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Truly, grace is not something we receive from God in payment for our good works. Salvation by grace is a gift. We can do nothing to merit it.


Amen! Although grace is unmerited, grace provides us with power, God's enabling power. 1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Paul reveals how grace provides an enabling power to labor for God. Paul responded so diligently to the grace of God that his labors exceeded those of the other apostles. Yet, he was careful to give God the credit for his accomplishments by pointing out that it was His grace that was working within him.
Good insight. We must give our Creator the praise and glory for every single thing in our lives, we did not create ourselves! We only take our next breath because He gives it to us. Grace is not something to be taken lightly, it is the power of the Almighty inside us, it is to be used to further His Kingdom and not to lay on a shelf, not to wave like a banner, not to lay ourselves down and and be satisfied there is nothing for us to do.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#15
Grace simply means to show favor. That favor could be merited or not merited, however, to define grace as unmerited favor in my opinion is error. I think the unmerited favor definition is simply a product of the easy believism gospel that's preached today.
This is exactly what seems to be the case as I look further into it. Mercy, could be considered as always unmerited, but grace seems to go hand in hand with obedience, and sometimes unmerited. Looking at grace as only "unmerited favor" could be dangerous, because it leads one to believe they are special/privileged, and from that standpoint they do not grow in heart knowledge, therefore it is become a stumbling block, or stunts their growth.
2 Cor 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Doesn't Paul mean something more than our Creator is good to us though we don't deserve it? After all, what is grace for? To do good works!
 
Oct 5, 2014
13
1
0
#16
This is exactly what seems to be the case as I look further into it. Mercy, could be considered as always unmerited, but grace seems to go hand in hand with obedience, and sometimes unmerited. Looking at grace as only "unmerited favor" could be dangerous, because it leads one to believe they are special/privileged, and from that standpoint they do not grow in heart knowledge, therefore it is become a stumbling block, or stunts their growth.
2 Cor 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Doesn't Paul mean something more than our Creator is good to us though we don't deserve it? After all, what is grace for? To do good works!
My question is this:

If God extends His salvational grace to them that obey Him--how does that fit with faith alone theology?

Acts 5:32---King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]32 [/SUP]And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
 
M

MidniteWelder

Guest
#17
What if Grace is something more

an action, like love or hatred.

Calm, cool, patient, never over reacting, Just, forgiving, All knowing
A display of his character

This would seem to draw us toward him.

I like in the definition:
A virtue coming from God
Virtue is a particular moral excellence, an order of the angels
Everything in order
A time for everything and executing everything at the perfect time.

That seems graceful to me.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#18
Excellent question. If way the faith alone use that term is to denote that obedience to God is not necessary in order to receive of God's salvational grace unto life.

That reflects a false belief, IMO. The scriptures are replete in showing God gives His salvational grace to them that obey Him:

Hebrews 5:9---King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
I agree. It's a dangerous doctrine, and one of many deceptions being preached today. Our adversary is cunning, and he has crept into the church, in fact he was there at the start of it. My hope is that every man/woman searches these things out for themselves, as what you state here is truth, there are many such verses that instruct us what we are to do with the grace we have been given. blessings~k
 
May 2, 2014
1,060
12
0
#19
This is exactly what seems to be the case as I look further into it. Mercy, could be considered as always unmerited, but grace seems to go hand in hand with obedience, and sometimes unmerited. Looking at grace as only "unmerited favor" could be dangerous, because it leads one to believe they are special/privileged, and from that standpoint they do not grow in heart knowledge, therefore it is become a stumbling block, or stunts their growth.
2 Cor 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Doesn't Paul mean something more than our Creator is good to us though we don't deserve it? After all, what is grace for? To do good works!

I agree. I also believe that it can lead people into error. If one believes that the definition of grace is unmerited favor then they will plug in that definition every time they see the word grace, even when that grace is not unmerited.

I believe there is quite a bit of erroneous teaching in the church based on a misunderstanding of Paul teaching on works. Since the Reformation Paul's teaching on works has, in my opinion been greatly exaggerated and taken out of context.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#20
My question is this:

If God extends His salvational grace to them that obey Him--how does that fit with faith alone theology?

Acts 5:32---King James Version (KJV)
[SUP]32 [/SUP]And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
That's a good question. The way I see it, everything ties together beautifully in the Word. Grace and Truth for instance, they go together as well, so picking a few verses and creating a doctrine around those, might not be prudent.:)
This verse says to use what you have been given:
1 Peter 4:9-10


As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Steward is one entrusted with the goods of another to do his business his way. (not our way)