Is the age of grace a New Testament concept?

Many people associate the concept of grace primarily with the New Testament, particularly with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the writings of the apostles. However, a thorough examination of the Bible reveals that this gift of unmerited favor is not exclusive to the New Testament. In fact, the theme of grace permeates the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation.

This article explores how this gift has been a consistent and foundational aspect of God’s relationship with humanity throughout all ages. Understanding grace in its biblical context allows us to appreciate its significance and the transformative power it holds for believers today.

Defining Grace in Biblical Terms

Grace, in biblical context, refers to the unmerited favor and kindness that God extends to humanity. It is not something that can be earned through works or personal merit but is a gift from God. The Hebrew word for grace, “chen,” conveys a sense of favor or kindness, while the Greek term “charis” emphasizes the idea of a gift or blessing bestowed freely. This duality of meaning highlights the richness of grace as both a relational quality of God and a tangible gift offered to humanity.

The Old Testament

Noah and the Flood

One of the earliest mentions of grace in the Bible is found in the story of Noah. Genesis 6:8 (NKJV) states, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Despite the widespread wickedness of humanity at the time, God extended His favor to Noah, choosing him to preserve life through the ark. Noah’s righteousness was not the cause of God’s grace but rather a response to it. This illustrates that grace is initiated by God, not earned by human effort.

Abraham’s Calling

Abraham’s relationship with God is another example of grace in the Old Testament. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised to make him the father of a great nation. This calling was not based on Abraham’s works but on God’s gracious choice. Genesis 15:6 (NKJV) says, “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Abraham’s faith, not his deeds, was credited as righteousness, highlighting the principle of grace through faith. This foundational truth is echoed throughout Scripture, showing that faith is the means by which we receive God’s grace.

The Exodus and the Law

The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a profound demonstration of God’s grace. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (NKJV) explains, “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people… but because the Lord loves you.” God’s choice to rescue Israel was based on His love and promises, not on Israel’s merit. Furthermore, the giving of the Law at Sinai was an act of grace, providing guidance for living in covenant with God.

The Jews received the truths of righteousness by faith at Mt. Sinai, but because of their legalistic attitude toward this principle for their redemption, they soon replaced it with a focus on righteousness by works. This was the Jews’ pitfall. But that was not God’s plan for them. They created a faulty system of man-made traditions to secure salvation. Jesus said to them, “You have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6, NKJV).

The Sacrificial System

The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law was a means for atonement and maintaining fellowship with God. While it involved rituals and offerings, its foundation was grace. Leviticus 17:11 (NKJV) states, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

These sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, emphasizing that forgiveness and reconciliation with God are acts of grace. The sacrificial system illustrated the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, while also foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice that would come through Jesus.

The New Testament

The Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament reveals the fullness of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 (NKJV) declares, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” While the Law highlighted humanity’s need for salvation, Christ provided the means through His life, death, and resurrection. In Christ, grace is not only a concept but a living reality that transforms lives and offers hope to all who believe.

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

The apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of works. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

This principle aligns with the experiences of Old Testament figures like Abraham and David, who were justified by faith. Obedience to the law doesn’t bring salvation but is simply the fruit of it (Romans 3:31). This understanding of grace challenges the notion that human effort can earn God’s favor, reminding us that it is through faith that we receive His gifts.

Titus 2:11 (NKJV) proclaims, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” This gift is not limited to a specific group or era but is available to all people, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. The universality of grace emphasizes God’s desire for all to come to Him and experience His love.

Continuity of Grace Across Testaments

The consistent theme of unmerited favor throughout the Bible underscores its centrality in God’s dealings with humanity. From the Old Testament patriarchs to New Testament believers, salvation has always been by grace through faith. The Law served to reveal sin and point toward the need for a Savior, but it was never the means of salvation.

Romans 4:3 (NKJV) reiterates, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” It was Abraham’s faith in God that was accounted as righteousness. This faith is a relation between man toward God. It means a readiness to accept with joy whatever God may show, and to do with joy whatever God may ask. Abraham loved, trusted, and obeyed God because he knew Him and was His friend (James 2:21-23). His faith was a real relationship of love, trust, and obedience.

It was Abraham’s grateful and trusting acceptance of the atonement and of the righteousness of Christ in place of his own unrighteousness that was credited to him for righteousness. This is the same experience of justification by faith that is given to every believer. The continuity of grace across both testaments reveals that God’s plan for salvation has always been rooted in His love and mercy, inviting us into a relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The concept of grace is not confined to the New Testament; it is a foundational element of the entire biblical narrative. God’s unmerited favor has been evident from the earliest chapters of Genesis, through the history of Israel, and into the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Recognizing the continuity of God’s unmerited favor throughout Scripture enriches our understanding of God’s character and His plan for humanity. Salvation has always been, and will always be, by grace through faith. This profound truth invites us to embrace grace in our lives, allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our actions as we seek to live in accordance with God’s will.