Nature of Divine Grace in Salvation Theology
Divine grace, in salvation theology, refers to God's unmerited favor and kindness extended to humanity, particularly in the context of salvation [2, 7]. It is a core aspect of God's goodness, exercised in communicating favor to the unworthy [1]. The concept of grace is multifaceted in Scripture, encompassing various meanings such as favor, kindness, and friendship (Genesis 6:8; 18:3) [2]. More specifically in a salvific context, it denotes God's forgiving mercy (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:5) and the gospel itself as distinct from the law (John 1:17; Romans 6:14) [2].
The Bible frequently describes God as the source and giver of grace (Psalm 84:11; James 1:17), with His throne being referred to as the "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16) [3]. The Holy Spirit is also identified as the "Spirit of grace" (Zechariah 12:10; Hebrews 10:29) [3]. Jesus Christ is central to the understanding of grace, being full of grace (John 1:14) and through whom grace came (John 1:17; Romans 5:15) [3]. The riches of God's grace are exhibited through His kindness in Christ (Ephesians 2:7), and the glory of His grace is shown in believers' acceptance in Christ (Ephesians 1:6) [3].
Grace is understood as an undeserved blessing that originates from God, leading to well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit [7, 8]. These qualities are considered gifts from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2) [7, 8]. The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes grace in his epistles, highlighting its role in salvation and Christian living. For instance, he speaks of grace as enabling generous giving (2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:11, 13) [5].
A significant theological discussion related to grace is the "election of grace," which refers to God's choice of individuals for eternal life (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2) [4]. This election is grounded in God's sovereign pleasure (Ephesians 1:5, 11) [4]. This understanding underscores that salvation is not earned but is a free gift of God's grace. The concept of grace also contrasts with human merit; God's love can be "offended at its favors being not accepted, as though the party to whom they are offered wished to be under no obligation to the offerer" [6]. This highlights that grace is not something to be earned or deserved, but freely given.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Goodness of God — A perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Ps. 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of his creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favour on the unworthy it is grace. "Goodness and justice are the several aspects of one unchangeable, infinitely wise, and sovereign moral perfection. God is not sometimes ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Grace — (1.) Of form or person (Prov. 1:9; 3:22; Ps. 45:2). (2.) Favour, kindness, friendship (Gen. 6:8; 18:3; 19:19; 2 Tim. 1:9). (3.) God's forgiving mercy (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:5). (4.) The gospel as distinguished from the law (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14; 1 Pet. 5:12). (5.) Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues (Rom. 15:15; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:8). (6.) Christian virtues (2 Cor. 8:7; 2 Pet. 3:18). (7.) The glory hereafter to be revealed (1 Pet. 1:13).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Grace — God is the God of all -- 1Pe 5:10. God is the Giver of -- Ps 84:11; Jas 1:17. God's throne, the throne of -- Heb 4:16. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of -- Zec 12:10; Heb 10:29. Was upon Christ -- Lu 2:40; Joh 3:24. Christ spoke with -- Ps 45:2; Lu 4:22. Christ was full of -- Joh 1:14. Came by Christ -- Joh 1:17; Ro 5:15. Given by Christ -- 1Co 1:4. Foretold by the prophets -- 1Pe 1:10. Riches of, exhibited in God's kindness through Christ -- Eph 2:7. Glory of, exhibited in our acceptance in Christ -- Eph 1:6. Is described as Great. -- Ac 4:33. Sovereign. -- R”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Election of Grace — The Scripture speaks (1) of the election of individuals to office or to honour and privilege, e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Saul, David, Solomon, were all chosen by God for the positions they held; so also were the apostles. (2) There is also an election of nations to special privileges, e.g., the Hebrews (Deut. 7:6; Rom. 9:4). (3) But in addition there is an election of individuals to eternal life (2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 13:18). The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God (Eph. 1:5, 11; Matt. 11:25, 26; John 15”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:8: 12:8 give generously: See also 2 Cor 8:2; 9:11, 13.”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:11: Love is often offended at its favors being not accepted, as though the party to whom they are offered wished to be under no obligation to the offerer.”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 1:2: 1:2 Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God; peace is well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22). These qualities are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (see Rom 5:1-2).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 1:2: 1:2 Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God; peace is well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22). These qualities are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (see Rom 5:1-2).”