To arrive at a biblical definition of grace, we must search all of the Bible, and only the Bible, quote, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual,” as we read the Bereans of old did in Acts 17:11. That is the way that God tells us to study the Bible in order to come to Truth.
We read in Romans 4:4, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
Romans 11:6 comments further, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work.”
by examining these two verses, one quickly realizes that “grace” and “works”—with respect to salvation—are incompatible.
“Work” is labor—or effort—that usually earns some kind of compensation. You have a job, so you do your work and get paid for it.
“Grace”, on the other hand, is not work. It is a gift, so you get something for doing nothing.
That is why the Bible declares in Acts 20:24 that Paul (and all Christians) are to proclaim “the Gospel of the Grace of God.”
Nothing in this universe is more important for your spiritual welfare and mine than the Gospel of the Grace of God, and your eternal destiny and mine is based on our relationship to the Gospel of the Grace of God.
Titus 2:11 informs us of the Divine purpose of the grace of God: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…”
God’s grace first and foremost accomplishes salvation for God’s honor and glory.
