In the Old Testament, “grace” refers to favor or goodwill shown to someone. In the New Testament, the meaning shifts to an attitude that gives a benefit without regard for merit. Recognizing this distinction is essential for interpreting Scripture accurately.
When Noah found “grace” in the eyes of the Lord, it was because his seed was not corrupted and he was a just man (Genesis 6:8–9), not because a benefit was given without regard to merit.
In Luke 1:30, Mary is informed by Gabriel that she has found favor (grace) with God. This is prior to God the Son’s incarnation. Thus, the angel is using an Old Testament concept of grace. She is being shown favor because she is from the line of David, and her fiancé was a just man (Matthew 1:19).
This distinction leads to a new understanding. The change in definition results directly from God’s work. The grace and truth that we know today came into existence through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). In the Old Testament, those who obeyed God were promised favor: health, wealth, and happiness (Leviticus 26:3–13; Deuteronomy 28:1–14).
A commonly used definition of “grace” is “unmerited favor.” However, this phrase does not fully capture the meaning, as grace also involves showing a benefit regardless of merit, not only when merit is absent. Christ, though perfectly righteous, was also shown grace by God, broadening our view. The point is that grace is not determined by merit; its basis is the giver, as seen in Luke 2:40.
As a result, since grace does not consider merit, it is based solely upon the one desiring to provide a benefit to another person. Thus, when Scripture states that we are saved by grace through faith, this grace does not consider our merit (Ephesians 2:8). Because grace is not based upon merit, salvation cannot be based upon the righteous works that a person has done (Titus 3:4–5). This eliminates any exchange based upon the works, desires, or efforts of man for salvation (Romans 9:16). This included remorse for sins, repentance of sins, asking Jesus into your heart, making Jesus the Lord to obtain salvation (Romans 11:6). Salvation can only come by faith in the work of Christ: His death for sins and resurrection three days later (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
By grace we have been justified before God through full redemption in Christ (Romans 3:24). By faith we have access into this grace in which we stand, rejoicing the hope of God’s opinion of us in Christ (Romans 5:2). Because we are under grace, we are no longer under law, free to live out the righteousness we have in Christ (Romans 6:14). In Christ, we are able to abound in grace (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Therefore, let us not be those who set aside God’s grace. They seek to be justified by works of the law (Galatians 2:21). Anyone attempting to use law to dictate their righteousness has fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). We reside in the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2). Therefore, the standard by which we live is by taking God at His word, not through law. Through the law comes the full knowledge of our sin nature, not righteousness (Romans 7:7–8). The law is not made for a righteous person (1 Timothy 1:9).
Ultimately, grace allows us to suffer for Christ (2 Peter 2:19). Grace enables us to grow and gain knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Grace frees us from slavery to our sin nature (Romans 6:23). Let us not fall short of God’s grace by seeking to be found in our own righteousness, which is based on works (Philippians 3:9). Instead, let us walk in the grace of God as we live out the righteousness we have in Christ in every aspect of our lives. For the grace and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).
