Biblical Examples of Unmerited Favor and Grace Received
The concept of unmerited favour, or grace, is a thread that weaves its way throughout the narrative of Scripture, and one of the most striking examples of this can be seen in the life of Jacob. As we read in Genesis, Jacob was a man who had built his life on deception and manipulation, earning him the title of "deceiver" (Genesis 27:36). And yet, despite his duplicity, God chose to bestow upon him unmerited favour, promising to be with him and bless him (Genesis 28:15). This promise was not based on Jacob's merits, but rather on God's sovereign pleasure, as the Apostle Paul would later write, "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth" (Romans 9:11).
As Jacob's story unfolds, we see him struggling with his own sinfulness, and yet, God continues to extend grace to him, even renaming him Israel, which means "he who struggles with God" (Genesis 32:28). This name is a poignant reminder that Jacob's relationship with God was not based on his own strength or righteousness, but rather on God's merciful condescension. The Psalmist would later express this same idea, saying, "The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen" (Psalm 98:2), highlighting the fact that God's salvation is not based on human merit, but rather on His own righteousness.
In Jacob's life, we see a beautiful illustration of the doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, which is at the heart of Reformed theology. His story reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own works or efforts, but rather on the unmerited favour of God, who "hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). As we reflect on Jacob's life, may we be encouraged to trust in the same God who extended grace to him, and may we rest in the assurance that our own salvation is secure, not because of our own merits, but because of the unmerited favour of our loving Father.