Throughout history, there has been a common belief that if we perform enough good deeds or works, God will look upon us with grace and favor. This mindset is prevalent in many religions and cultural beliefs. However, the question remains: Can God’s grace truly be earned? Or is it a free and undeserved gift from our Creator? In this article, we will delve into the biblical teachings on grace, exploring both Old and New Testament perspectives on the matter. We will also dispel the myth that grace can be earned and replace it with the truth of God’s unmerited favor.
The term “grace” has been defined in various ways, but the essence is that it is the unmerited favor of God. This means that we cannot earn it by our actions or good deeds. It is a gift bestowed upon us by God, and it is through the acceptance of this gift that we come to know God’s love and salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- God’s grace is a free gift, not something we can earn.
- Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not due to good works.
- The Scriptures clearly teach that we are saved by grace and not our efforts.
- Grace is available for all people, regardless of their past or present personal choices.
- Walking in God’s grace will result in a transformed life and a deeper relationship with Him.
The Error in Thinking We Can Earn God’s Grace
The belief that we can somehow earn God’s grace through our own efforts is erroneous, as it directly contradicts the teachings of Scripture. One of the most powerful arguments against this idea comes from Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (NKJV) This passage emphasizes that our salvation is not the result of our own works or actions, but is a gracious gift from God that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Another key passage that refutes the idea of earning grace can be found in Galatians 2:21: “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (NKJV) The Apostle Paul further explains that if we could earn our own righteousness through obedience to the law, then Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross would have been unnecessary. Thus, the belief that we can earn grace contradicts the very heart of the gospel message.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus Himself exposed the flawed thinking of those who believe they can earn God’s grace through their own actions. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, a religious leader who was confident in his own righteousness, thanked God that he was not like other people and boasted about his religious acts. In contrast, the tax collector, a despised sinner, humbly acknowledged his need for God’s mercy.
In verse 14, Jesus reveals the outcome: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (NKJV) This parable demonstrates that we cannot earn God’s grace through our actions, but that it is received through humility and the acknowledgment of our need for God’s mercy.
Old Testament Foundations of Grace
Although the concept of grace is most often associated with the New Testament, we can find its foundations in the Old Testament as well. The Lord’s dealings with Israel demonstrate His unwavering grace despite their repeated failings. For instance, in Exodus 33:19, God proclaims to Moses, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (NKJV) This declaration reveals that God’s grace is freely given and not earned by human merit.
Moreover, in Psalms 103:10-12, David proclaims, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (NKJV) Here, the psalmist highlights that even under the Old Covenant, God’s grace was evident in His forgiveness and mercy toward His people.
Grace Transforms Lives
The truth of God’s grace is transformative. When we understand that God loves us unconditionally and that our salvation is solely based on His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16), it changes everything. Living in the light of this truth will result in a transformed life.
Romans 12:2 admonishes, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV) Recognizing that we are saved by grace and not by our works enables us to be transformed in our thinking and actions, leading us to a closer relationship with God and a life that reflects the fruits of His Spirit.
Conclusion: The Gift of Grace
In conclusion, the Scripture clearly and consistently teaches that God’s grace cannot be earned by human effort but is a freely given gift to all who put their trust in Jesus Christ. When we embrace this truth, we are liberated from the pressure of trying to earn God’s favor through our works and can instead rest in the knowledge that we are accepted and loved by Him as we are. Grace, therefore, is not a reward for spiritual achievement but a foundational reality upon which our relationship with God is built.
As we live our lives with the understanding that we are saved by grace, our faith in Christ will inspire us to live transformed lives that reflect God’s love and truth. It is our hope that by debunking the myth that God’s grace can be earned, more people will come to understand the unconditional love of our Creator and the freedom that comes from living in His grace.
Let us walk in the freedom of knowing that our salvation does not rely on our abilities or good deeds, but on the unmerited favor of God through Jesus Christ. Embrace the gift of grace and allow it to transform your life, as you grow ever closer to the One who loves you unconditionally. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV)
