The Power of Grace – Unmerited Favor for an Abundant Life

By Eldon Kibbey

The Gift That Cannot Be Earned

The foundation of our spiritual life is found in two verses: “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.”

For those who grew up in environments focused on deeds and works, this truth is revolutionary. Grace is unmerited favor. It is a gift that cannot be earned, meaning there is nothing we can do to earn it. This Greek word, charis, which is translated as grace, is also translated as thanks, gratitude, gift, and blessing throughout the New Testament, highlighting its nature as a free, beautiful offering.

The Manifold Benefits of Grace

Grace is not just a concept; it is a power that radically transforms our lives and gives us assurance. Here are just a few of the benefits of grace:

• Justification: Being justified by His grace, we are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. God saves us according to His mercy, not on the basis of our deeds.

• Redemption and Forgiveness: In Christ, we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of our trespasses, all according to the riches of His grace.

• Victory Over Sin: Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

• Help in Time of Need: We can draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

• Sufficiency in Weakness: We are promised, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” This allows us to boast in our weaknesses, so the power of Christ may dwell in us.

• Establishment and Strengthening: After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Grace is the essence of Christ’s sacrifice—though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich.

As stewards of the manifold grace of God, we are called to employ the gifts we have received in serving one another. Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and let the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.