What Is Grace?

If the Gospel message is considered, it is above all a message of God’s grace. The term “Grace” is frequently heard but perhaps not fully understood. Grace is an essential part of God’s character. It can be defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy.” In other words, grace is a blessing and a gift that is undeserved, yet freely given. In the context of salvation, grace is exemplified by the fact that humanity does not deserve God’s salvation, forgiveness, or repentance, yet God offers these freely. There is no basis by which humanity should be treated so generously, but that is precisely how God treats people.

Understanding Our Need for Grace

To comprehend grace fully, one must first understand the state of humanity before receiving it.

• Sinful at Birth – “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NIV)
• Guilty of Breaking God’s Laws – See Romans 3:9-20, 23; 1 John 1:8-10.
• Enemies of God – Refer to Romans 5:6,10; 8:7 and Colossians 1:21.
• Deserving Death – “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
• Unrighteous, Unable to Justify Ourselves – “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
• Spiritually Destitute – The spiritual state is likened to being blind, unclean, and dead, with souls in danger of everlasting punishment.

Yet, into this situation, grace breaks forth.

The Transforming Power of Grace

Receiving grace accomplishes the following:

• Salvation – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8)
• Victory Over Sin – “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6)
• Eternal Encouragement and Hope – (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
• Calling and Equipping – See Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 3:2,7

Five Truths About Grace

1. Gift, Not Loan Grace is a pure gift, not something to be repaid.
2. Free to the Recipient, Costly to the Giver Salvation costs humanity nothing, but it cost Jesus everything.
3. A Permanent Possession God’s grace is an eternal gift; once given, it cannot be lost.
4. Voluntary Sacrifice of the Giver “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV)
5. Unmerited Nature The act and gift of grace have nothing to do with human merit.

Grace: Ongoing and Complete

Grace does not cease after salvation. The Bible describes a multitude of ongoing benefits:

• Justifies before God – Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:6; Titus 3:7
• Provides Access to God – Ephesians 1:6; Hebrews 4:16
• Initiates a New Relationship – Exodus 33:17
• Disciplines and Trains – Titus 2:11–14; 2 Corinthians 8:7
• Bestows Spiritual Riches – Proverbs 10:22; Ephesians 2:7
• Helps in Every Need – Hebrews 4:16
• The Source of Deliverance – Psalm 44:3–8; Hebrews 4:16
• Preserves and Strengthens – 2 Corinthians 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 2 Timothy 2:1

For example, Paul attributed the success of his ministry to “the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace is the ongoing benevolent act of God, without which nothing of spiritual value can be accomplished (John 15:5). God’s grace is said to be greater than sin (Romans 5:20). Christians, as recipients of grace, are expected also to extend grace to others, serving and building up the church—see Romans 12:6; Ephesians 3:2,7; 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10.

What Is Hyper-Grace?

Hyper-grace distorts this beautiful doctrine. It teaches the following:

• There is no need to confess sin, as all past, present, and future sins are already forgiven.
• Biblical forgiveness is received on confession (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
• Hyper-grace allows people to live however they wish, dismissing consequences and necessity for ongoing repentance.
• They deny that the Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin.
• The assertion that teachings of Jesus before the resurrection are Old Testament and thus not relevant for New Testament believers.

Antinomianism: No Moral law for Christians

Hyper-grace teaching is closely related to antinomianism (“against law”), a belief that God expects no moral law for Christians. While Christ’s death fulfilled the Old Testament ceremonial law, hyper-grace wrongly concludes there is no moral law for believers.

Examining the Claims of Hyper-Grace

Paul addressed antinomianism directly: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2). The idea that grace encourages sin is a longstanding misinterpretation.

Hyper-grace exponents incorrectly argue that confession is unnecessary and that Jesus’ words are obsolete. Jesus, however, declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31). The Holy Spirit’s role includes reminding believers of Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26). Paul warns that doctrine must reflect the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).

James 5:16 exhorts confession of sins to one another, and 1 John 1:9 specifically instructs confession to God for forgiveness and purification. The letters of John are clearly written to believers (1 John 2:1), establishing the need for ongoing repentance. People who often Claim that the Holy Spirit does not convict are mistaken; Jesus calls the Spirit “the Spirit of Truth” (John 15:26), who convicts the world concerning sin. The Holy Spirit’s work is to bring conviction to believers when they stray from what is right, helping them recognize their mistakes and turn to God for forgiveness.

The Place of Law for Christians

The Old Testament law was given to Israel, not to Christians. Some instructions were to reveal how to please God, atone for sin, or distinguish Israel from other peoples. Christ ended the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23–25; Ephesians 2:15), and believers are now under Christ’s law (Galatians 6:2): to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).

Obedience to these two commands fulfills what God now requires: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:40).

The Ten Commandments and the Christian

Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament, except for the Sabbath observance. Love for God forbids idolatry and false worship, and love for neighbor rules out murder, adultery, lying, and coveting.

The Old Testament law’s purpose was to convict people of sin and point them to Christ (Romans 7:7-9; Galatians 3:24). The intent was never universal or eternal as law. The true fulfillment of God’s law is found in loving God and neighbor wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

Grace is the undeserved, unearned favor of God—an eternal gift flowing from His character, made accessible through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Hyper-grace distorts this doctrine, selectively emphasizing forgiveness while ignoring clear calls for confession, repentance, and ongoing obedience. True Christian doctrine is always balanced, faithfully reflecting both “grace and truth.” Faithful disciples are to test all teaching against the complete counsel of God’s Word, holding fast to that which is good and true.