Understanding Grace

Welcome to Living Word Cast!

I’m Pastor Michael Chilcott, coming to you from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This podcast exists to proclaim, teach, and explore the Word of God together. Our goal is to provide sound theological and biblical guidance on all things Scripture, helping you grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re seeking answers, encouragement, or a closer walk with God, this podcast is here to help you stay firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Today, we’re going to talk about a powerful, life-changing concept: Grace.

Grace is at the heart of the Christian faith, yet its depth is often misunderstood or even taken for granted. Today, we’ll explore what grace really is according to Scripture, how it functions in our lives, and why it’s so important for us as believers. We’ll be using the ESV throughout this episode, so I encourage you to have your Bible open and follow along as we seek a deeper understanding of grace.

1. Defining Grace

The simplest and most accurate definition of grace is "unmerited favor". In other words, grace is God giving us something we do not deserve. It is not something we can earn or work for, but it is freely given by God because of His love and mercy.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

This passage tells us clearly that grace is a gift. Salvation, the very foundation of the Christian life, is by grace through faith. We didn’t earn it. We didn’t deserve it. But God, in His infinite mercy, has offered it to us. The key phrase here is, "not a result of works." This is central to understanding grace: it is not about what we do, but about what God has done for us.