Although existing as one of the Bible’s most important topics, God’s grace is also one of its most misunderstood. This is due in large part to Evangelical Christianity, the predominant false version of Christianity in the United States.

1. What do Evangelicals get wrong about God’s grace?

1.1. That it never negates justice or is extended to the undeserving.

“Anytime God withholds justice, he is giving grace.” – R.C. Sproul

“Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.” – Stuart Briscoe

Though God’s grace is unmerited (or a gift), this in no way means it is given to those ineligible to receive it (either b/c they refuse to do what justice requires or justice in their case, cannot be fulfilled). In the Bible, the only time grace is extended is when justice has been fulfilled and those receiving it are deserving/eligible (i.e. they fear God/are seeking righteousness or justice/are repentant/can repent or fulfill justice)  (Dan 9:1-17; Amo 5:14-15; Act 10:34-35; Isa 66:2; Luk 3:3-14, 13:1-5; Psa 33:5 w/Exo 23:7; Pro 3:34 w/Jam 4:6 and 1Pe 5:5; Eph 6:24; Heb 12:15-17 – “no chance to repent”; e.g. Luk 19:1-10).

1.2. That salvation is (or always has been) by grace.

2. What is the Bible referring to when speaking about God’s grace (in respect to salvation)?

Jesus extending to eligible individuals to whom He owes no prior obligation, the favor/gift of entering into a (marriage) covenant relationship w/Him for the purpose of receiving His blessed promises – including the blessing of salvation and covenant legacy (i.e. certain descendants gaining salvation/covenant relationship w/God upon their creation). We receive such grace (or Jesus’ gracious offer of covenant relationship) through faith (our first act of trust and submission) (Joh 1:14, 16-17; Act 11:23, 13:43, 14:3, 26, 15:11, 18:27, 20:24, 32; Rom 3:24; Eph 2:8-9; Heb 4:16;  1Pe 1:10, 13). 

3. Where does grace function (and not function) in the history of redemption (salvation)?