Grace is one of the most profound and foundational truths in the Bible. It is through God’s grace that we are saved, sustained, and sanctified. Grace is not merely a New Testament concept—it flows throughout the entire Bible as a testament to God's love, mercy, and favor toward humankind. The Greek word for grace, charis, means kindness, favor, or blessing. It is God's unmerited favor, freely given, and never earned.
In Scripture, we find various types of grace that serve different purposes in the lives of believers. Each type reveals a unique aspect of God's love and character. Let us look into the major types of grace in the Bible, with rich biblical examples and deep reflections.
1. Saving Grace
Saving grace is the grace by which God brings people to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Saving grace is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is entirely undeserved and is not based on our work. This grace reconciles us to God and grants us eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the ultimate expressions of saving grace.
Example:
The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39–43) experienced saving grace moments before his death. Though he had done nothing to earn salvation, Jesus assured him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” That is the power of saving grace—it is a gift, not a reward.
2. Sustaining Grace
Sustaining grace is the divine strength given by God to help us endure trials, hardship, and suffering.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Sustaining grace keeps us standing in times of difficulty. It gives us strength beyond our natural abilities. When life becomes overwhelming, sustaining grace enables us to endure with peace and hope.
Example:
Paul prayed for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, but God responded that His grace was sufficient. Rather than removing the affliction, God empowered Paul to endure it, revealing His strength in Paul’s weakness.
3. Sanctifying Grace
Sanctifying grace is the process through which believers are made holy and set apart for God.
“...but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)
Sanctifying grace works within the believer to transform the heart and mind, aligning them with God's will. It purifies and matures us spiritually, making us more like Christ over time.
Example:
Peter, who once denied Christ, became a bold preacher of the Gospel after being filled with the Holy Spirit. The sanctifying grace of God changed his character, giving him strength and courage.
4. Serving Grace
Serving grace is the divine enablement to fulfill a specific calling, task, or spiritual gift.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us...” Romans 12:6 (NIV)
God equips each believer with unique gifts and abilities to serve the Body of Christ and fulfill His purposes. Serving grace empowers us to do what we could never do on our own strength.
Example:
The apostle Paul had been given the grace to be an apostle to the Gentiles. His missionary journeys, church planting, and writing of epistles were all done through this grace.
5. Prevenient Grace
Prevenient grace is the grace that goes before salvation—drawing people toward God even before they are aware of Him.
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them...” John 6:44 (NIV)
Before a person turns to Christ, it is God's grace that initiates the journey. He draws hearts, convicts of sin, and gives a desire to seek truth. This grace awakens spiritual hunger.
Example:
In Acts 10, Cornelius was a devout man who prayed regularly, but he did not yet know Christ. God orchestrated events so that Peter would bring him the Gospel. Prevenient grace was already at work in Cornelius' life, preparing his heart.
6. Common Grace
Common grace is the grace God extends to all people, regardless of their faith in Him.
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45 (NIV)
God’s goodness is evident in creation, morality, and providence. The ability to enjoy life, breathe air, experience beauty, and build communities is part of common grace.
Example:
When God spared Nineveh after they repented (Jonah 3), He was showing His common grace to a pagan nation. They had not been part of the covenant people, yet God extended mercy and patience.
7. Justifying Grace
Justifying grace is the grace by which God declares a sinner righteous by faith in Christ.
“...and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24 (NIV)
This type of grace is legal in nature—it changes our standing before God. Once enemies of God, we are now declared righteous, not because of our works, but through faith.
Example:
Abraham was justified by faith (Romans 4:3). Even before the Law was given, he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
8. Glorifying Grace
Glorifying grace is the grace that will ultimately transform believers into the image of Christ at the end of the age.
“And those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:30 (NIV)
This grace completes the work of salvation. At the return of Christ, believers will be given new, glorified bodies, free from sin and corruption.
Example:
Moses’ face shone after being in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29). While this was temporary, it points to the glorified state believers will enjoy eternally.
9. Miraculous Grace
Miraculous grace is the divine favor that brings about supernatural interventions.
“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8 (ESV)
This grace operates through believers to bring healing, deliverance, and supernatural breakthroughs. It is not by human power but by God’s Spirit.
Example:
Elijah calling down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38) was an act of miraculous grace, affirming God’s power and supremacy before the prophets of Baal.
10. Restorative Grace
Restorative grace is the grace that brings back a fallen or broken person to spiritual wholeness.
“He restores my soul...” Psalm 23:3 (KJV)
God’s grace doesn't abandon those who fall. He heals the brokenhearted and restores those who have wandered. This type of grace is deeply personal and compassionate.
Example:
David sinned greatly, yet after repentance, he cried out in Psalm 51 for God not to take His Spirit from him. God restored David and called him a man after His own heart.
The grace of God is multifaceted, powerful, and beautiful. Whether we are being saved, strengthened, sanctified, or restored, it is all by grace. The types of grace listed above reveal that God is not only interested in our salvation but in every aspect of our lives—from beginning to end.
Grace is both the doorway and the pathway of the Christian life. It brings us to Christ and keeps us rooted in Him. As Paul wrote, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). That same grace is available to us today in all its glorious forms.
Let us walk humbly, receive God’s grace daily, and extend it to others freely.
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