The human condition of selfishness and self-serving attitudes is that which I think makes our understanding of grace and gifts that which on the surface seems so easy to grasp – Who doesn’t love to receive gifts? Yet, too often, gifts are given, and the recipient doesn’t really reciprocate any form of gratefulness for the gift which has been offered. I think that maybe, in a small way, the world thinks about God’s grace and the gifts that issue forth from that grace without the proper reverence and gratefulness that should rightly be merited by the magnitude of the gift. I know, I used “merited” in a positive way while discussing grace. Let’s lay down a few definitions so that I don’t completely confuse us.
Firstly grace – in the English language, Webster’s dictionary provides about six different discussions about the meaning of “grace.” You see, this little word carries a range of meanings from elegance of movement to divine assistance and brief prayers. The theological definition even suffers from a range of meanings. Maybe the most common concept of grace is actually found in the idea presented around the meaning and usage of the Greek word translated frequently as “grace,” but in other places “favor.” Mounce describes this word in this manner: “charis is ‘grace, favor’ the acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain.”
As you talk to people, especially our friends, neighbors, and family who are not members of the Lord’s church, you will hear a number of appeals to Ephesians 2:8-9 for their reception of God’s love, and the misunderstanding that they then do not need to do anything (obedience) nor even can they. This understanding of grace makes apparent the missing component of gratefulness on the part of the recipient of such a gift.
Let’s consider this passage and common appeal for a moment. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV) “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The traditional theological interpretations shaped by Calvin and Luther—or perhaps, common misinterpretations of their views—have influenced the way many people think about grace today.
This common misunderstanding of grace, especially in interpretations of Ephesians 2:8-9, overlooks a crucial element: that grace is not just freely given, but grace also calls us to transformation. Grace is unearned. It is a gift given out of God’s abundant love. In some ways we might say it is an outpouring of God’s mercy, but it must compel us toward a new life. (Titus 2:11-12 NKJV) “11 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.” Here, grace is shown to be active and purposeful, guiding us to reject sin and to pursue lives reflecting the character of God. Brother Mike Willis in a recent article on this topic emphasizes that true understanding of grace doesn’t diminish our need for obedience; rather, it deepens it—not as a way to earn salvation, but as a natural response to such an extraordinary gift.
The biblical perspective on grace transcends simple acceptance; it calls for a genuine, transformed response. In Romans 6:1-2, Paul asks, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” This underscores that while grace grants forgiveness, it also calls us to live righteously; avoiding taking this divine gift for granted. Our gratitude for grace is shown through obedience, not out of a sense of duty, but from love and reverence for what God has done. Accepting grace without a corresponding change in heart and behavior dishonors the sacrifice that made this grace possible. This transformation is the changing of our lens so that we see evil and righteousness in a way that is informed and shaped by God and His word.
Living in response to grace means developing a grateful heart that naturally expresses itself in good works. As James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our actions in worship, service, and interactions reveal lives transformed by grace. When we comprehend the depth of God’s favor toward us, we cannot help but respond with reverence and obedience, aiming to glorify the One who has so richly blessed us. In this way, grace becomes not just a gift received, but a powerful calling to live faithfully, expressing gratitude in all aspects of our lives.
No, we are very much saved by grace through faith. Grace transforms us and provokes the birth of the new man discussed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:1. Understanding grace in this way calls us not only to be grateful but to a life marked by kindness, service, and moral integrity, showing the world the impact of God’s grace in us.
Let us be deeply grateful for the magnitude of God’s gift and never take for granted the salvation offered to us. May we honor God’s gift by being moved to live the life He calls us to, reflecting heartfelt service and gratitude in all we do. By doing so, we demonstrate our understanding of grace as both a gift and a transformative call to faithful living.