The Bible says that grace is the unmerited
favor or gift of salvation to mankind (Ephesians 2:8-9; 3:7). In Titus
2:11-14 the Bible says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men, {12} teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the
present age, {13} looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of
our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, {14} who gave Himself for us,
that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself
<His> own special people, zealous for good works." The gracious gift of
salvation offered to us from God motivates us to work for Him and serve
Him in faithfulness.
The Bible says that Jesus was evidently full of
the grace of God and this was evident to those around Him (Luke 2:40;
John 1:14). The Word of God speaks abundantly of the grace of God (Acts
20:32). It says that God's grace though given to cover the sins of
mankind does not give us a free license to sin (Romans 5:20-6:4). It is
because of the grace of God that we are motivated to be baptized and
wash away our own sins so as to become heirs of this grace (Romans 3:24;
6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7; Titus
3:7).
The Bible never says that we are saved by grace
alone. Just like the recipient of a gift, we fully realize the benefit
of the gift when we reach out and accept it. Our acceptance of the grace
of God is in our faith response (i.e., obedience) to the will of God
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 5:9). This is not salvation by works (Romans
4:1-8). But, rather, it is salvation by the grace of God according to
our faith.
The Bible says it is possible to fall from the
grace of God once we have received it (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-6).
The challenge for all christians is to remain in the grace of God as
faithful servants (Acts 13:43; Romans 11:22). If we are good stewards of
His grace we shall be richly rewarded (1 Peter 4:10).