"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me…" so goes the song. Grace does indeed save us. Anyone who has been in church much has heard the definition of grace as "God’s unmerited favor." We can all agree that any kind of favor God has on us humans is truly unmerited. But many times I see the word "grace" in scripture and wonder just how that definition fits, so I did a little research and would like to share it with you.

First of all, the word grace is used over 100 times in the New Testament alone (KJV). It is a noun so it’s something tangible. Paul used it in his salutation in just about every letter he wrote. The Random House College Dictionary has over 8 definitions for the word grace.
#4 is "manifestation of favor especially by a superior"
#5 is "mercy, clemency, pardon"
#7 is a theological definition,
        a. "the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God"
        b. "the influence or spirit of God operating in man"
        c. "a virtue or excellence of divine origin"

The Greek word for grace is charis: "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; (especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, gracious, joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s-worthy)."

That is a lot of words and would not fit very easily into most sermons so maybe that’s why "God’s unmerited favor" was chosen as the favorite. As I said earlier no one is disputing that any favor, mercy, pardon, love, etc. given to us by God Almighty is undeserved and we are thankful for it. But what part do we play in this exchange? Does He not deserve something in return from us?

I want us to look closely at theological definition b. and the Greek definition "graciousness of manner or act." This shows that grace is reflected in our actions and attitudes or in what we do and how we do it. If the spirit of God is influencing us then it is operating in us. If the divine influence has affected the heart it must in turn be reflected in the actions of one's life.

Romans 6:11 & 12 says sin should no longer reign in our bodies, or have control over us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares the old thing we were is gone and now we are a new creation. We have an "excellence of divine origin." In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus told us how this excellence manifests itself in our lives. He said love your enemies, do charitable deeds, and be willing to give of your own goods, just to name a few. The book of James says don’t show favoritism, control your speech, take in brethren in need. How is God’s influence in your life showing?

Let's look at some of the scriptures that talk about grace which caused me to think about this in the first place (all quotations are from the NKJV).

Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Paul asks the Lord to remove this thorn, but his answer was "my grace is sufficient for you." Is God saying, "my unmerited favor is sufficient?" That doesn’t seem like an answer God would give to Paul’s request. I think the key is in the rest of the verse, "…for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Look at our definition again. How is God operating in Paul here? God’s strength and power are enabling him to endure, to overcome through his weakness, as he continues to say, "that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Sure, having a healing is a great testimony but praising God and being faithful despite our infirmities is a much more lasting testimony.

Here’s another one.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

Paul is talking to Christians about giving, an operating, acting thing. Let’s substitute unmerited favor for grace and see how it reads. "God is able to make all unmerited favor abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work." What’s unmerited favor got to do with our ability to give cheerfully? Now let’s substitute the word power. "God is able to make all power abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work." Now it makes more sense. It’s through God’s power in our lives that we are able to do and give.

How about Acts 4: 32 & 33.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Yes, I’m sure as the apostles and the multitude shared this great revelation and experience they were aware of the unmerited mercy and love God had shown them but they were able to do all of that through the "great power that was upon them."

Here is one more. 2 Peter 3:17 & 18b.

You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….

Peter is warning us to be steadfast in what we know is truth so that we won’t be deceived and fall away. How do we accomplish this? By growing in grace and knowledge. Go back up and look at theological definition c. Now let’s rephrase part of our verse from Peter. "...grow in the virtue and excellence of divine origin and knowledge." That divine origin, God’s power in us is what enables us to stand fast.

I hope I have given you some food for thought. Yes, many times when the word grace is used in scripture we are reminded of that freely given favor, mercy, and pardon from God that we don’t deserve. And it is truly amazing. But I challenge you to think about these other definitions as you read grace and see what best fits the meaning the writer is trying to convey.

What’s so amazing about amazing grace? God loves wretched sinners so much that He pardons us and forgives us and provides the power so we can be overcomers, live victorious lives, and bring others into His glorious kingdom.

Marilyn, 9/2009