And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
— Romans 11:6

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
— 2 Timothy 1:9

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
— James 4:6

What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
— Romans 9:14-16

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
— Ephesians 2:4-5

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Attributes of God: Grace
By Jennifer Kane

O Lord, Your grace so sovereign shines,
A gift we can’t deserve;
It flows from Your eternal will,
Not from the works we serve.

Though guilty, ruined, lost in sin,
Condemned was all our state,
Yet mercy reached our misery,
And grace reversed our fate.

Your grace has made our spirits new,
Revived our hearts to sing;
It lifts our souls in thankful praise,
To Christ, our Lord and King.

No boasting now shall fill our lips,
All glory, Lord, is Thine;
Your sovereign favor saves our souls,
Eternal, free, divine.

~~~~~

Scripture: Romans 11:6, 2 Timothy 1:9, James 4:6, Romans 9:14-16, Ephesians 2:4-5

God’s grace is a profound and sobering exploration of this divine attribute, moving far beyond a simple definition of “unmerited favor.” God’s grace is absolutely sovereign, free, and actually distinguishes between its recipients. Grace is favor shown to the one who has no merit whatsoever, and who deserves only ill. Grace originates entirely from God Himself; it is not caused by anything in the creature. It is an eternal attribute of God’s character, rooted in His will and good pleasure.

Grace is not a substance to be dispensed to all mankind indiscriminately. Instead, it is particular and discriminating. God exercises His grace according to His own sovereign will. Grace is not given to all, but specifically to the “humble”—a people He Himself has chosen and made humble.

God is not obligated to show grace to anyone. If God were obligated, it would not be grace but debt. Since all humanity is fallen and guilty, God would be perfectly just to condemn all of us. Therefore, the manifestation of His grace to some is a breathtaking act of pure, voluntary goodness.

Mercy: God’s goodness shown to those who are in misery or distress.
Grace: God’s goodness shown to those who are not only in misery but also guilty and deserving of punishment.

Grace, therefore, deals with the guilt of sin, while mercy deals with the consequences of sin.

Because grace is sovereign and unmerited, the proper human response is one of profound humility, thankfulness, and worship. It leaves no room for human boasting. The recipient’s duty is to be a good steward of the grace they have received.

The grace of God is His glorious, free, and sovereign act of favoring the undeserving elect, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. It is not a weak sentiment but a powerful force that effectively saves and transforms those upon whom God sets His love.

The human idea that grace is a universal, non-discriminating force is in error. The grace of God is more majestic, more sovereign, and more humbling because its source is entirely in God and not in the worth or will of man.

~~~~~

Gracious Father, I come before You humbled by the truth of Your sovereign grace. I confess that I have no merit of my own, nothing to offer but my need, and yet You chose to set Your love upon me in Christ before the foundation of the world. Thank You for showing me not what I deserve, but what only Your goodness can give—life, forgiveness, and transformation through Jesus. Guard my heart from pride and boasting, and teach me to walk in deep gratitude, worship, and faithful stewardship of the grace I have received. May my life reflect the wonder of Your unmerited favor, to the glory of Your name, Jesus. Amen.

September 9, 2025