Examples of grace in the Bible

          Grace is one of the most beautiful and powerful themes in the Bible. It refers to God's unearned, undeserved favor and kindness toward humanity. Unlike mercy, which withholds deserved punishment, grace gives blessings we have not earned. Through grace, God redeems, transforms, and empowers broken people.

          From Genesis to Revelation, grace flows like a river—reaching the righteous and the sinner alike. Let us explore 15 powerful examples of grace in the Bible, and how each story reveals God’s heart toward humanity.

1. Noah – Grace in a Corrupt Generation (Genesis 6:8)

    “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

          In a world full of wickedness, God was ready to bring judgment through the flood. Yet, amidst the corruption, Noah found grace—not because he was perfect, but because he walked with God. Grace spared Noah and his family, making them the foundation of a new beginning. This is the first direct mention of grace in Scripture, showing God's willingness to preserve the righteous even when judgment is due.

2. Abraham – Grace in the Call (Genesis 12:1–3)

          Abraham was a pagan living in Ur when God called him to be the father of many nations. He had done nothing to earn such favor. Yet, God's grace chose him, made a covenant with him, and promised to bless all nations through him.

    “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)

          Grace called Abraham out of idolatry and into covenant destiny.

3. Jacob – Grace Despite Deception (Genesis 32:10)

          Jacob deceived his father and cheated his brother. Yet, God graciously preserved him, prospered him, and even gave him a new name—Israel.

    “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant.” (Genesis 32:10)

          God’s grace transformed Jacob’s identity and purpose, proving that He can turn a deceiver into a prince.

4. Joseph – Grace Through Betrayal (Genesis 50:20)

          Though Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and falsely imprisoned, God’s grace never left him. In the end, Joseph became governor of Egypt and saved many lives.

    “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

          Grace lifted Joseph from the pit to the palace, showing how God redeems pain into purpose.

5. Moses – Grace for Leadership (Exodus 33:12–17)

          When God called Moses to lead Israel, Moses was insecure and afraid. But he asked for God’s grace to go with him.

    “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

          God’s grace equipped Moses, not only with power but with divine companionship.

6. Rahab – Grace to the Outcast (Joshua 2; Matthew 1:5)

          Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, believed in Israel's God and protected the spies. Her faith was met with grace—she and her family were spared, and she was later included in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

    “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish.” (Hebrews 11:31)

          God’s grace is not limited by background or reputation. It reaches the most unlikely.

7. David – Grace After Sin (2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51)

          David, a man after God’s heart, committed adultery and murder. Yet, when he genuinely repented, God forgave him.

    “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness.” (Psalm 51:1)

          Though David faced consequences, grace restored him spiritually and kept him in covenant.

8. Jonah – Grace for the Disobedient (Jonah 1–4)

          Jonah ran from God's command, yet God pursued him. After being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah was given a second chance.

    “Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2:9)

          Even more astonishing, God's grace spared Nineveh when they repented, revealing His heart for even the most wicked cities.

9. The Woman Caught in Adultery – Grace Over Condemnation (John 8:1–11)

          Religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, seeking to stone her. Jesus turned the tables and said:

    “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

          Grace didn’t ignore the sin—it overcame it with love, forgiveness, and restoration.

10. Zacchaeus – Grace that Changes Hearts (Luke 19:1–10)

          Zacchaeus was a tax collector—despised and corrupt. Yet, Jesus said, “Today I must stay at your house.” The grace of that visit changed Zacchaeus’ heart completely.

    “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9)

          True grace results in genuine transformation.

11. The Prodigal Son – Grace That Restores (Luke 15:11–32)

          The son demanded his inheritance and wasted it on sin. Yet when he returned, his father ran to meet him and restored him fully.

    “This my son was dead and is alive again.” (Luke 15:24)

          Grace doesn't shame; it celebrates repentance and reconciliation.

12. The Thief on the Cross – Grace at the Last Moment (Luke 23:39–43)

          One thief mocked Jesus, but the other cried, “Lord, remember me.” Jesus responded:

    “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

          This thief had no opportunity to do good works—only faith. Grace opened Heaven’s door.

13. Paul – Grace to the Chief of Sinners (Acts 9; 1 Timothy 1:13–16)

          Paul persecuted Christians with zeal, yet God showed him grace. Jesus appeared to him, transformed his life, and called him to apostleship.

    “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

    “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20)

          Paul became a living example that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.

14. The Early Church – Empowered by Grace (Acts 4:33)

    “And great grace was upon them all.”

          In the early church, grace enabled bold preaching, sacrificial giving, and miraculous unity. Grace wasn't just about salvation—it empowered the believers to live for Christ daily.

15. Believers Today – Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8–9)

    “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

          Every believer is a living testimony of grace. It is not our good deeds, background, or religious rituals that save us. It is the cross of Christ and the love of God.

          From Noah to Paul, the Bible is filled with examples of God's grace reaching the lost, the sinful, the broken, and the unworthy. These stories remind us that:

● Grace finds us where we are.

● Grace forgives us no matter how far we’ve fallen.

● Grace transforms us into vessels of God’s glory.

          Let these examples inspire your heart to trust in God’s grace. Whether you feel undeserving or too broken, know this: grace is greater than your past.