Grace

In the Bible, grace (Greek: "charis"; Hebrew: "chen" or "hesed") fundamentally refers to the unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity. It signifies a gift that cannot be earned or deserved, emphasizing God's kindness and generosity. The New Testament elaborates on this concept extensively, particularly in the teachings of the Apostle Paul. For instance, Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This passage encapsulates the idea that salvation is a gracious act from God, highlighting human inability to achieve righteousness on their own.In the Old Testament, grace is often associated with God's covenant faithfulness and mercy. For example, in Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." This underscores that grace is not merely a New Testament concept but a consistent theme throughout the Scriptures. Grace is also linked to empowerment; as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul recounts God's assurance that "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Thus, grace in the biblical context encompasses both the gift of salvation and the ongoing strength believers receive to live out their faith.

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