"Grace is Unmerited Favor" - This Common Definition is Wrong

We are saved from sin's penalty by mercy to live free from sin's power by grace — all for God's glory.

There are a few keywords in the Bible that are given wrong definitions, even though the definitions are widely accepted. Such wrong definitions created much confusion and a weak church. Grace is commonly defined as "God's unmerited favor to man". We even go to greater lengths to differentiate grace from mercy. Grace is defined as getting the blessings/favors that we do not deserve and Mercy is NOT getting the punishments that we deserve.

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?

1, Substitute the definition for the term in the sentence/verse where the term is found.

2. Do it for all occurrences of the term in all the verses.

Let's try it for Jam 4:6... God resists the proud but gives [grace] to the humble.

Unmerited favor does not make sense here. If it is an unmerited favor, then the proud should have it too. In fact, the proud is more unmerited to receive it.

This is exactly like what Paul says in Rom 6:1b Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  

Try another word "Peace" - Peace - Biblical View

Defining Grace as an "unmerited favor" causes grace to be misunderstood as a license to sin!

Other verses cited by James:

• 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

Ps John of Petra Church defines grace as: "Grace is not a license to sin but an empowerment of God to enable us to be what we should".

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

What is the difference between the weak Paul, the Christian, of Rom 7:14-24 and the victorious Paul of 2 Cor 12:9-10 and Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. The answer is the Grace of God as defined as God's presence and power. 

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

Heb 4:16 Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace(God's presence), that we may obtain mercy(unmerited favor), and find grace(God's power) to help in time of need.  

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).

Conclusion

The incorrect popular definition of key Christian words gives rise to much confusion and a weak church. Defining grace as an unmerited favor is wrong and creates the confusion that grace is a license to sin. To live a victorious Christian life, we need to understand God's Word correctly and we must define grace as the power of God's presence and power in us to enable us to Christ-like lives.

See part 2 Grace - God's Loving Power for You to become Your Very Best

See also the impact of the right or wrong definitions:  

• 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

Update 21 March 2013

Recently, I found a definition of Grace from John Bevere that is very similar to my definition of grace as God's presence and power to enable us to live out Christ-likeness.
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!

DeepSeek's Comment 27 June 2025:

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.

  

 

The Secret of Receiving the Spirit - Brokenness

Christians are well aware of the need to live a Spirit-filled life. We are taught to be filled with the Spirit. We prayed very hard to be filled and yet we did not see the full power of the Spirit in our life. Why? The answer is very simple - we did not know how to receive it.

 

The secret of receiving the Spirit is to come to the end of oneself. If we do not come to the end of ourselves, our carnal flesh is still in charge and our prayers are means to get things done our way. Only when we fully give up on ourselves do we then desire help from the Spirit? We are then ready to receive the grace (empowerment of the presence of God) to live a Spirit-filled life. We must come to realize "I must be full of the Holy Spirit if I am to be a whole-hearted Christian."

 

The greatest turning point of Peter's life is in "And Peter went out and wept bitterly.” - Luk_22:62.

He came to realize his inadequacy. A broken heart that give up all his self-confidence and self-will. When we came to realize that we can't, don't be disappointed, and don't stop there. It is then we that can through Christ to strengthen me.

 

We must be prepared properly in order to receive. The way of preparation is coming to the end of oneself and desiring a higher force, the Spirit. The path to being filled fully with the Holy Spirit is the path of brokenness. Do not despair but rejoice when that happens in ourselves. For it is the beginning of life depending on the Holy Spirit for abundant life.

THE END OF SELF IS THE BEGINNING OF GOD

Does Pre-Believer Have a Spirit?

Many Christians were taught that pre-believers do not has a spirit ... Man's spirit dies when he sins and it results in physical death eventually. This is not so as we know that man is spirit, soul and body. When a man dies, his spirit remains and goes either to heaven if he has accepted Christ's salvation and goes to hell if he hasn't. If pre-believer does not has a spirit, then he just disappears after physical death. This is against Bible's teaching... Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: . There is not need for judgement is he has gone.

Death, is better , or originally, defined as separation. Before Adam sinned, his spirit was connected to God. After he sinned, his spirit was disconnected from God and consequently lost the glory of God's presence and found himself naked.

In Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Here are the disciples who were not yet born again by the Holy Spirit. Their spirit is very much alive.

For man as making of spirit, soul and body see the Tripartite Man

Submitting to a Bad Boss!

It is easy to submit to a boss who is intelligent, caring,  and better than us. But how about submitting to a boss who is self-centered, abrasive, crude, and doesn't see things as you. Your ideas are not accepted and he just doesn't think much of you? Is there a Bible verse to cover a situation like this?

In church, we also have similar situations. Many leaders left their churches because they felt their opinions were not accepted. If we only serve when our views are accepted, and not to stay and work through, perhaps we all should start our own church.... no wonder there are so many independent churches? Reversing the situation, how about we accept the other party's view? What does the Bible say?

1) Is he really as bad as we think or is it just us?

Often, the boss' expectations of us and our expectations and valuation of ourselves differ. It is common for people to blame their lack of performance on an over-demanding boss or "he just dislikes me".

2) Is he trying to test us out?

Our perceived "over-demanding" boss might be trying us out to see if we can handle greater responsibility. If we pass the test, the promotion could come. We should not jump to an early conclusion about the boss.

Heb 13:17  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

3) Even so...We are called to do our best irrespective...

Even if our boss is an overbearing, demanding, and unreasonable boss, the Bible does not allow that as an excuse for our lack of performance. Except the Boss asks us to do things against the Bible (not to believe in Jesus, do illegal things, ...) we have to still give our best to the work assigned because we do things unto Christ and not to men. Our reward is not from our boss but from God even if the reward is not now (eternal perspective)  Eph 6:5-8.

We have a good testimony to keep. 1Pe 2:12-19.

Here is another "Submit No Matter What"...2 Pet 2:13-21

Here is the very obvious one..._to those who are unreasonable (18)  Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, _not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. _ (19)  _For this finds favor_,

4) How can we? Submit to the Lordship of Jesus first. 
Jam 4:7  Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

5) Then what...

Give of our best, and pray for God's wisdom and grace to enable us to do the best. Pray for our Boss that he may come to see God's view on the matter, especially when he is a Christian.

6) Examples in the Bible.
a. Story of Joseph.
b. Story of Daniel.
c. The parable of the unjust judge?

The Wise Woman with Faith

Mat 15:22-28 The Story of the Canaanite Woman.

Most people thought that Jesus was being rude to the woman. Some think that Jesus said those things to trigger faith in her.

I think that Jesus was just telling the truth. He was sent at that time to the loss of Israel and he could do nothing for the outsiders (called dogs by the Jews then ). The woman was smart and persistent enough to extend the promise of God so that she could benefit from it. Her faith and reasoning were so good that the demon had no ground to accuse God of being unfair.

 

Here we have a person who is outside the blessings of God, not supposed to have the rights, and yet gain her blessings. Many of us have so many promises from God and yet we fail to enjoy those blessings and rights that Jesus Christ has obtained for us.

Implications for Believers:

• Combining Faith with Wisdom:
  This story teaches that while faith is fundamental, applying wisdom, logic, and understanding in our approach to God can be powerful. The woman’s strategy involved not just belief but also insightful dialogue with Jesus.
• Persistence and Creativity in Prayer:
  Her interaction with Jesus encourages believers to be persistent and creative in their prayers, using all available means to communicate their faith and needs.
• Recognizing God’s Abundance:
  The woman’s analogy highlights the abundance of God’s blessings. Even the "crumbs" from God’s table are powerful enough to bring healing and deliverance, emphasizing the sufficiency of God’s grace for all.

The Tripartite Man

Knowing that man is made up of Spirit, Soul, and Body helps us understand many things.

Spirit is Rebirth
Firstly, it is our spirit that is rebirth. In our spirit dwells God's Holy Spirit. We are 100% righteous, complete in Christ. Col 2:10; 2Pet 1:3, Eph 3:20. Within us, we have God's faith, grace, power, wisdom, etc... everything we need for life and godliness. Then what is missing? Why do some Christians still live a defeated life? The answer lies in the following.

Mind to be Renewed with the Word.
Secondly, and however, our mind remains the same - before and after our salvation. Our defective thinking that causes us to have so many problems remains unchanged. Unless we change our thinking and thought patterns, we will remain in our failures even though we are saved. Our mind therefore needs to be renewed with the Word of God. Rom 12:2. We need to know the new identity and resources that we have in Christ. These are told in the Bible.

Body to be Under Controlled of Spirit through the Mind
Thirdly, our body remains the same. We may feel better because of the joy of salvation. But unless we get our mind renewed and then exert influence on our body, our body remains the same... weak or sick as before.

Until we know the New Life and commit to live accordingly we cannot experience the abundant life for which Jesus Christ died to give us.

No Need to Ask for More but to Live it Out in Faith.
We are to live out this new life in our spirit Phi 2:12-13（12b work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.)  letting our soul be motivated from the inside and controlling the body to work out the glory of God.

Christian growth is about knowing our identity in Christ and working out our soul and body to conform to the image of Christ. 

People in the world do not see our spirit or read our mind except through our body - what we say and how we act.

In summary, the victorious Christian life involves recognizing our complete rebirth in spirit, diligently renewing our mind with God's Word, and allowing this renewed mind to control our body. This holistic approach enables us to live out the abundant life Jesus promised and effectively reflect His love and truth to the world.

http://www.tripartiteman.org/

For the salvation of man, see Salvation of Tripartite Man - The Details.