Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

The classic definition of grace is unmerited favor. We did nothing to receive salvation, it was a free will offering by Jesus Christ. If we leave grace defined simply as unmerited favor we might overlook some endearing qualities.

John 1:16 English Standard Version (ESV) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Grace is not a onetime gift but is cumulative by nature.

Romans 5:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Grace is expansive, to cover future needs.

1 Corinthians 1:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace is a blessing that can be bestowed upon others.

1 Corinthians 3:10 English Standard Version (ESV) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilledmaster builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

Grace is an active element of change.

2 Corinthians 1:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace.

Grace is an experience.

2 Corinthians 8:7 English Standard Version (ESV) But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Grace is active in all aspects of our lives.

Hebrews 12:15 English Standard Version (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

Grace is a healing balm.

Grace is more than just a favor.

Galatians 2:16 English Standard Version (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justifiedby works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Hidden within this passage is one salient point that justification comes only by faith in Christ. Even if we obey all the law we will not be justified before God the Father. This is one of the most arguable issues among those who insist on keeping the law. The law is no longer the basis for acquittal.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 English Standard Version (ESV) For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Having died for all is inclusive not only of the law breakers but the law keepers as well. Acquittal in this court is not based on the actions of the accused but rather in the faith that was given to each of us to place that faith in Christ.

As stated yesterday all transgressions were nailed to the cross and justice was served in the court of heaven by the death of His Son Jesus Christ. No one gets to have a relationship with God the Father without accepting that His provision for cancelling our debt, whether to sin or to law, was paid for by Christ’s death.

Justification, a judicial nullification, can only be accepted by placing our faith in Christ.

Galatians 5:3-4 King James Version (KJV) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

This leads us to our next definition word, grace.