WHAT IS GRACE?

I once heard someone say:

"GRACE is an acronym for G-od's R-iches A-t C-hrist's E-xpense."

This was a preaching along the lines of the prosperity gospel of today. The statement was a big turn-off for me when I heard it because I did NOT (and still do not) subscribe to that doctrine. (See I PRAY FOR YOUR PROSPERITY for THE REAL PROSPERITY GOSPEL.) The statement sent me to analyze what GRACE truly was. This is what my teacher (Holy Spirit) revealed.

GRACE IS UNMERITED FAVOR.
God was going to destroy mankind from the face of the earth using the great flood because mankind had been so wicked. God spoke to Noah and saved him and his household from the worldwide cleansing. They were all saved because Noah found GRACE in God's eyes.

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Genesis 6:8 (KJV)

THE GIFT OF CHRIST CAME BY GRACE.
Jesus Christ was the Word and was God. He created all things. He sacrificed himself for wicked, rebellious, undeserving people like us, and gave us the opportunity to choose to put away sin and rebellion. The law of Moses did not have the power to do this but Christ's GRACE did it.

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17 (KJV)

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD COMES BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. WE ARE FREELY JUSTIFIED (JUST IF I'D never sinned) BY GOD'S GRACE, IN CHRIST JESUS.
The Apostle Paul said that the law could not justify us and it was only by the GRACE of God, through Jesus Christ that we are justified.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Romans 3:20-24 (KJV)

GRACE IS GOD'S FREE GIFT.
Grace is undeserved. Mankind received grace when they were separated from God and living in sin and rebellion. Mankind received GRACE and could do nothing about it.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

IT IS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT WE ARE TAUGHT TO DENY SIN, THAT IS, TO LIVE A LIFE SEPARATED FROM SIN AND CONNECTED TO GOD.
The GRACE of God brought salvation to us and taught us certain things.

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" Titus 2:11-12 (KJV)

Although a person could argue that the riches refer to Heavenly riches, the scriptures clearly tell us that GRACE is much more than any kind of riches. GRACE, the unmerited free favor of God, brought us salvation, justification, sanctification and glorification through Christ Jesus. I believe these can all be summed up as the righteousness of God.

I would say that GRACE is:

God's
Righteousness
At
Christ's
Expense

God Bless You!