Biblical theme · Faith and spiritual life
Grace in the Bible
God’s favour given freely, not earned: from Noah’s finding favour to Paul’s “by grace you have been saved”, and what grace does in a person’s life.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Grace is God’s favour and kindness given freely to people who have not earned it. Paul’s letters speak of being saved by grace through faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8–9Romans 3:23–24
The idea is not new in the New Testament. God proclaims himself gracious at Sinai, and Noah “found favour” in the LORD’s eyes. In the Gospels, Jesus’ parables show grace in action, often to the surprise of the listeners. Exodus 34:6Genesis 6:8Matthew 20:1–16
Central passages
- Exodus 34:6
The LORD proclaims himself “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth”.
- John 1:14–17
The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth; from his fullness we have received grace upon grace.
- Romans 3:21–26
All have sinned and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:4–10
By grace you have been saved through faith, not of works; and we are created for good works.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
When Paul asks for his “thorn” to be removed, the Lord answers, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
- Titus 2:11–14
The grace of God has appeared, training us to renounce ungodliness and live self-controlled lives.
Across Scripture
Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.
Favour in the Old Testament
God’s graciousness is part of how he describes himself, and individuals are said to find favour with him.
- Exodus 34:6 Central teaching
The LORD proclaims himself “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth”.
- Genesis 6:8 Narrative example
In a world filled with violence, “Noah found favour in the LORD’s eyes”.
- Psalm 103:10–14 Supporting passage
God has not dealt with us according to our sins, but with a father’s compassion.
Grace in Jesus
John’s Gospel speaks of Jesus as full of grace and truth. Jesus’ parables show a generosity that does not match what people think they deserve.
- John 1:14–17 Central teaching
The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth; from his fullness we have received grace upon grace.
- Matthew 20:1–16 Narrative example
Workers hired at the last hour receive a full day’s wage; the landowner asks, “Is your eye evil, because I am good?”
- Luke 15:20–24 Narrative example
The father gives the returning son a robe, a ring and a feast he did not ask for.
Saved by grace
Paul explains that people are made right with God as a gift of grace through faith in Christ, and that grace is enough even in weakness.
- Romans 3:21–26 Central teaching
All have sinned and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:4–10 Central teaching
By grace you have been saved through faith, not of works; and we are created for good works.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Central teaching
When Paul asks for his “thorn” to be removed, the Lord answers, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:9–10 Narrative example
Paul, once a persecutor, says, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
What grace does
Grace is not presented as permission to keep doing wrong. The letters describe it as training people to live differently.
- Romans 6:1–4 Contrast
“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be!”
- Titus 2:11–14 Central teaching
The grace of God has appeared, training us to renounce ungodliness and live self-controlled lives.
- Acts 15:11 Supporting passage
At the Jerusalem council Peter says Jews and Gentiles alike are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Stories that show this theme
- The Prodigal Son Illustrates the theme
The father’s welcome goes far beyond what the son asked for. Luke 15:22–24
- The Conversion of Saul Illustrates the theme
Paul explains his own change from persecutor to apostle by grace. 1 Corinthians 15:9–10
- Noah and the Flood
In the middle of judgment, Noah finds favour (grace) in the LORD’s eyes. Genesis 6:8
People associated with this theme
- Paul
Paul’s letters are the main New Testament teaching on grace. Ephesians 2:8–9
- Noah
Noah is the first person said to find favour in the LORD’s eyes. Genesis 6:8
Distinctions and questions of interpretation
- Grace and works
- Ephesians 2 says salvation is not by works, and in the next verse that we are created for good works. Grace comes first; good works follow from it. Ephesians 2:8–10
- Grace and licence
- The letters reject the idea that grace makes sin unimportant. Romans 6:1–2Jude 4
- Grace and mercy
- A common teaching summary is that mercy withholds what we deserve and grace gives what we do not deserve. This is a helpful way of putting it, not a definition stated in Scripture. Titus 3:4–7
Related themes
- Humility
God gives grace to the humble. James 4:6
- Faith
Faith receives what grace gives. Ephesians 2:8
- Mercy
Grace and mercy are named together in God’s self-description. Exodus 34:6
- Redemption
Redemption is given, not bought by the redeemed. Romans 3:24
- Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift of grace. Ephesians 1:7
Life situations
- Guilt and Regret
Forgiveness is a gift, not earned. Ephesians 1:7
Questions for reflection
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- How does God describe himself in Exodus 34:6, and where else do you hear those words echoed?
- Why do the first workers in Matthew 20:1-16 complain, and what does the landowner answer?
- What does Ephesians 2:8-10 say about the relationship between grace and good works?
- Where has grace been “sufficient” for you, or for someone you know, in weakness?
Study guides
- Faith and Works in James
Paul’s teaching on grace, compared with James. Ephesians 2:8–10