Definition and Implications of Unmerited Favor in Scripture
The concept of unmerited favor is deeply rooted in Scripture and is often associated with God's gracious actions towards humanity. In the biblical context, unmerited favor refers to the unearned and unreciprocated kindness shown by God to individuals, often despite their unworthiness [2].
The idea is closely tied to the notion of grace, which is a central theme in the New Testament. According to Calvin, faith and constancy in enduring persecutions are considered unmerited gifts of God, highlighting the notion that God's favor is not necessarily tied to human merit [2].
In the Old Testament, the concept is illustrated through various narratives and proverbs. For instance, Ecclesiastes 6:2 describes a scenario where a person is given riches and wealth by God but is not empowered to enjoy them, underscoring the idea that God's gifts are not always accompanied by the ability to appreciate or utilize them [1].
one commentary tradition on Hebrews 6:10 emphasizes that God's rewards are not based on human merit but rather on His own gracious promise. It highlights that even the good works of believers are not inherently meritorious but are accepted by God through faith in Christ [3].
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, views unmerited favor as an essential aspect of God's relationship with humanity. Calvin's commentary on Philippians underscores that the knowledge of God and faith are unmerited gifts, reinforcing the idea that God's favor is not earned by human actions [2].
In contrast, the misuse of wealth and material possessions is often associated with unrighteousness and a lack of unmerited favor. one commentary tradition on Proverbs 28:8 notes that unjust gain, such as usury, is not blessed by God, and that wealth obtained through unrighteous means will not last [4].
The concept of unmerited favor has significant implications for understanding God's character and His relationship with humanity. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and generosity, highlighting that His actions are not necessarily tied to human worthiness. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note on Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without faith, underscoring the importance of faith in receiving God's unmerited favor [5].
The biblical concept of unmerited favor continues to shape Christian theology and practice, with various traditions interpreting and applying it in different ways. The Reformed and Presbyterian traditions, in particular, emphasize the role of God's sovereignty and grace in bestowing unmerited favor on believers [2, 3].
Sources
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 6:2 (NASB) — a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 9.5: that the Philippians may know that they have been called to the faith of Christ on this condition — that they endure persecutions on his account, as though he had said that their adoption can no more be separated from the cross, than Christ can be torn asunder from himself. Here Paul clearly testifies, that faith, as well as constancy in enduring persecutions, 91 91 “ Les afflictions et persecutions ;” — “Afflictions and persecutions.” is an unmerited gift of God. And certainly the knowledge of God is a wisdom that ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6:10: not unrighteous--not unfaithful to His own gracious promise. Not that we have any inherent right to claim reward; for (1) a servant has no merit, as he only does that which is his bounden duty; (2) our best performances bear no proportion to what we leave undone; (3) all strength comes from God; but God has promised of His own grace to reward the good works of His people (already accepted through faith in Christ); it is His promise, not our merits, which would make it unrighteous were He not to reward His people's works. God will be no man's debtor. ”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 28:8: usury . . . unjust gain--(Compare Margin). The two terms, meaning nearly the same, may denote excessive interest. God's providence directs the proper use of wealth.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:6: without--Greek, "apart from faith": if one be destitute of faith (compare Rom 14:23). to please--Translate, as ALFORD does, the Greek aorist, "It is impossible to please God at all" (Rom 8:8). Natural amiabilities and "works done before the grace of Christ are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; yea, rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin" [Article XIII, Book of Common Prayer]. Works not rooted in God are splendid sins [AUGUSTINE]. ”