Definition

Noun: 1. (Christian theology) The free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God: This refers to the theological concept of God's love and mercy given freely to humanity, not earned or deserved by human effort. It is central to the doctrine of salvation. 2. A merciful or fortunate circumstance attributed to divine intervention: In general use, this phrase can refer to an unexpected piece of good luck or a fortunate escape from danger, seen as an act of divine mercy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The priest spoke of the grace of God that offers redemption to all.
  • Surviving that accident was nothing but the grace of God.

Advanced Usage

• "There but for the grace of God go I": This is a set idiom expressing humility and recognition that one's own good fortune or avoidance of misfortune is not due to personal merit but to divine mercy or chance. It is often said when observing someone else's suffering or bad luck.
  • Seeing the homeless man, she thought to herself, "There but for the grace of God go I."

Variants and Related Words

• God's grace (n): A common variant with identical meaning.
  • He felt his recovery was due to God's grace.
• Divine grace (n): A more general theological term not specific to Christianity.
  • The concept of divine grace is important in many religions.

Synonyms

• Divine favor: The approval or benevolent regard of God or a deity.
• Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Related Phrases

• By the grace of God: A phrase used to attribute an achievement or survival to divine assistance.
  • The king ruled by the grace of God.
  • We made it home safely, by the grace of God.

Noun

1. (Christian theology) the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God
   • God's grace is manifested in the salvation of sinners
   • there but for the grace of God go I