Grace of God

God chooses to connect with human beings and remain connected with them. According to the Bible, grace is the basis for the connection between God and humanity. You could define grace as God choosing to look kindly on people, even though they do not deserve it.

In the Old Testament, God’s grace comes to expression especially in the covenant he makes with Israel. God makes himself known to Moses as a “God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). This does not mean that God never punishes (Exodus 34:7). But because the covenant is based on grace, forgiveness is always possible (Psalm 130:7).
In the New Testament, grace is often connected with the forgiveness that Jesus brought (for instance Ephesians 1:7). As a result, God’s grace is available to all, more even than before.

God’s grace is not only a gift but also a task: because God is gracious, people must also show grace towards each other (Exodus 22:26). In the New Testament the word for “the gifts of the Holy Spirit” is derived from the word for “grace”. These gifts are thus also seen as a form of grace, a gift from God to build up the community.

All the way through the Bible, it is evident how God forgives people out of grace and has good intentions towards them:

“The LORD answered: ‘I will make all my splendour pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose.’ ” (Exodus 33:19)

“The Lord is merciful and will not reject us for ever. He may bring us sorrow, but his love (grace) for us is sure and strong.” (Lamentations 3:31-32)

“Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.” (Romans 3:23-24)

According to the Bible, God is holy, strict and just. But people do not always live a holy and just life. So a distance can develop between God and Man. God’s grace ensures that God and Man still remain connected.