GRACE
The Greek word (khar'-ece)
translated “grace”, denotes that which is given without merit or cause, thus
that which is undeserved. As it relates to salvation, it is the free gift
or unmerited favor of God granting “freedom” or forgiveness of the sin nature to
those whom He elected in eternity, granting them acceptability and accessibility
unto Him. This acceptable status excludes any effort or contribution on the
part of the recipient of God’s free expression of His love. There are no
works (no input whatsoever) involved; otherwise grace would not be grace (Romans
11:6). The act is performed without any obligation of God to convey or bestow it
upon sinful creatures.
Ephesians 2:8-9 expressively defines the operations of grace as it
states, (literally from the Greek manuscripts), “the gift of God, this is not
out of you, you are, having been saved by the grace through faithfulness, not
out of works, that no one might boast”. According to this verse, grace is
accomplished beforehand and independent of any actions produced by the
recipient. It is a completed and unalterable fact, based solely on what God
alone has predetermined to do, undeterred by the actions of those who are its
benefactors.
The phrase “not out of (from) works, that no one might boast”, denotes
that grace is relevant only to that which is non-meritoriously conferred, thus
there is no basis for payment for services rendered or wages earned. "Unmerited
Favor" means that the favor cannot be earned. God cannot accept the efforts
contributed by sinful mankind because He is holy and His standards are
perfection, thus only one who was righteous could provide the offerings for the
offence of sin. Since we did nothing to earn salvation, we can do nothing to
lose it. Therefore when God’s elect sin, it does not change God's attitude
toward them. This does not mean that a believer is free to utilize God’s grace
as an indulgence to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-4). Contrary to some flawed
opinions but in accordance with Scripture----- as a believer dwells upon this
grace of God in which he abides; it will motivate him to walk according to the
will of the One who has so graciously saved him (Titus 2:11,12).