We are saved from sin's penalty by mercy to live free from sin's power by grace — all for God's glory.
With such fine definitions, we deceive ourselves that we have a good and deep understanding of the terms of Grace and Mercy.
However, the definition of Grace as an unmerited favor is wrong. I used to define grace as made up of two parts - unmerited and power. But after hearing James Ryle (Truthworks.org) preaching in Grace Chapel (gracechapel.net) on 23 Jul 2006 "Living a Legacy Part 4", I had to drop the unmerited part and just keep the power part. The unmerited part comes from God's mercy and need not be repeated in grace. In Tit 1:4, the benediction from Paul is "Grace, Mercy, and Peace". (which matches well with 2Tim1:7 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control).
How to Judge the Correctness of a Definition?
Try another word "Peace" - Peace - Biblical View
Defining Grace as an "unmerited favor" causes grace to be misunderstood as a license to sin!
- Gal 5:4b ye are fallen from [grace]. How can one fall from unmerited favor?
- John 1:14b Jesus was full of [grace]. Is Jesus unmerited to have full of grace? Or is Jesus so bad that he needs to be full of grace?
The Right Definition
James Ryle defines it as, "Grace is the empowering Presence of God enabling you to be who He created you to be, and to do what He has called you to do."
In the shortest possible form, Grace is "God's presence" or God's power", for victorious, abundant, Christ-like, God-glorifying living. Wherever that is the presence of God, there is power. God's power comes from His presence in us.
If we take grace as God's power, then it fits well in the above 3 verses cited. James 4:6, proud people don't see they need God's power. The humble people know the truth of their weakness and ask God for power. In Gal 5:4, if we rely on our own ability (our flesh) to be righteous, we do not need God's power and have indeed fallen, or departed from God's power (Grace). In John 1:14, Jesus is full of God's power and presence.
The Weak/Carnal Paul to Victorious Paul
Salvation for all is God's mercy of unmerited favor. Christian growth (becoming like Christ) depends on us to be full of grace (God's presence and power) through crucifying our flesh (self-will, self-confidence, self-capability, self-pride) and following after the Spirit. It is about abiding in Christ, living from the Vine of God's presence and power, and then being fruitful.
The Verses Coming Alive
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace(God's presence & power), and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let's compare, which definition gives better emphasis
- Rom 11:6 And if by grace[unmerited favor of God], then is it no more of works: otherwise grace[favor] is no more grace[favor]. But if it is of works, then is it no more [God’s favor]: otherwise work is no more work.
- Rom 11:6 And if by grace[Power of God], then is it no more of [men’s] works: otherwise grace[God’s Power] is no more [of God]. But if it is of [men’s] works, then is it no more [God’s power]: otherwise work is no more work.
- Eph 2:8 For by grace[unmerited favor] are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
- Eph 2:8 For by grace[God's power] are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
- Grace is God's power that comes from God and not of ourselves. The grace power is a gift, the unmerited, for us from God. Paul had already doubly emphasized that Grace was not from us (1st) and it was a gift (2nd) from God. There is no need to triple emphasis by saying grace is an unmerited favor. Grace is the favor, the Power of God. Please note that grace, as presented above, while it was made available for all, it is only given if we asked for it (James 4:6,8).
See part 2 Grace - God's Loving Power for You to become Your Very Best
- The Balanced View: Degree of Grace - From Grace-less to Ultra-Grace
- The Error: Grace - Wrong Definition leading to Shameful Behavior
- The Right: From Be-Do-Have to Be-Do-Have-Share
John Bevere’s definition of Grace: “God’s empowerment that gives us the ability to go beyond our natural ability.” John's message on grace can be found on YouTube as well.
Note: John Bevere's definition was also pointed out in one of the comments. Sorry that I missed that.
The Right Meaning of Grace was used by the famous Actor Andy Griffith
"I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before."
Grace is God's power given to those who ask for it, especially those called by God to accomplish His will.
Watch out for the Abuse of Grace and here is the explanation:
Why Grace is often Abused as a License to Sin? Salvation!
Conclusion:
Your understanding, crystallized by Hebrews 4:16, is transformative:
- Mercy is the unmerited, irrevocable foundation of acceptance secured by Christ, "always there" to be discovered and obtained – answering our past guilt.
- Grace is the empowering presence of God, actively sought and found at the throne, providing the strength needed for our present struggles and future calling – answering our present weakness and future purpose.
This distinction frees us from condemnation (mercy) and empowers us for victory (grace). It moves grace from a static theological concept to the dynamic, life-giving power source for the Christian walk. We come boldly to the throne because of mercy to find grace for the need. This is the heartbeat of authentic Christian living.
Responding to Some of the Comments
There are still confusion of mixing mercy and grace in our salvation which this post is meant to correct. Perhaps the following statement will make this "Mercy" and "Grace" clearer:We are saved from sin's penalty by mercy to live free from sin's power by grace — all for God's glory.
1. Salvation is the Starting
Point (Not the Finish Line)
- Ephesians 2:8–10 perfectly mirrors your
statement:
"For by grace [God's power] you have been saved through faith... (v8)
...created in Christ Jesus for good works (v10)."
Salvation initiates God's redemptive purpose — we are saved for works, not by works.
2. Good Works Flow from
Grace-Empowered Partnership
- Philippians 2:12–13 resolves the
tension:
"Work out your own salvation... (human responsibility)
...for it is God who works in you (divine empowerment)."
We seek, obey, and act — but the power source is God's grace operating within us.
3. The Role of Grace in
Post-Salvation Life
Salvation Initiation |
Sanctification Process |
Mercy: Pardons sin (Eph
2:4–5) |
Grace: Empowers holiness
(Titus 2:11–12) |
Received once (John 10:28) |
Accessed continually (Heb 4:16) |
Based on Christ's finished work |
Fueled by Christ's ongoing life
(Gal 2:20) |
4. Why This Corrects Common
Errors
- Against "Easy Believism": If
salvation requires no transformation (Matt 7:21), we deceive ourselves.
- Against "Works-Righteousness": If
holiness relies on human effort (Gal 3:3), we burn out.
- The Biblical Path: "Faith
working through love" (Gal 5:6) — grace-powered obedience.
Real-World Implication
Consider Corrie ten Boom: Her salvation freed her from sin's penalty (mercy).
But when forgiving a Nazi guard, she testified:
"I prayed: Jesus, help me!... Then this warm love flooded me."
That was grace — God's power enabling what was humanly
impossible (Mark 10:27).
This is why Paul declared:
"I labor, struggling with all His energy which powerfully
works within me" (Colossians 1:29).
Your summary captures
Christianity's heartbeat: We are saved from sin's penalty by
mercy to live free from sin's power by grace — all for God's
glory.