03/19/2026
If you want to understand the Christian life, you have to understand grace. It’s the heart of faith, the heart of your relationship to God. While culture may say things like, “You get what you deserve in life” or “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” the Bible says that God loves to be gracious—to bless people, even when they don’t deserve it. Psalm 145:8 says, “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (NIV).
The more you understand grace, the closer you’ll be drawn to God. Here are five characteristics of GRACE:
God’s gift to you
“All need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift . . . through Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:24 NCV).
Many people think they can earn their way to heaven by being good enough. But salvation is a free gift. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to earn it. When Jesus died on the cross, he said, “It is finished” (John 19:30 NIV). He did all that needed to be done.
Received by faith
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
Faith is the key that unlocks the door to heaven. Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace—but you have to accept it, to receive it by faith.
Available to everyone
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NIV).
God doesn't play favorites. Regardless of your background, your sin, or who you are today—God’s grace is available to you. Anyone who receives the gift of God’s grace through Jesus can be saved.
Comes through Christ
"The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17 NCV).
Grace is free, but it’s not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. If you could have gotten to heaven any other way, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come to die on the cross for you. But he did—and now you can experience God’s grace and go to heaven—through Christ.
Extended throughout eternity
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NLT).
The results of God's grace will go on and on forever—an eternity with Jesus Christ in heaven. Grace is the gift that keeps on giving!
Get hope and share hope—share this with a friend today. Discover more about God's grace in the "Good News About Grace" study. https://pastorrick.com/study
