What is Grace?

Redefining Grace: Beyond Mercy

Matthew Vander Els from Founded In Truth Fellowship presents a compelling perspective on the concept of grace, suggesting that the common understanding of this term within a religious context often falls short of its full biblical meaning. It is frequently assumed that grace is synonymous with mercy, and while mercy can certainly be an aspect of grace, the latter encompasses a much broader scope.

Interestingly, the Greek word for grace in the New Testament, “charis,” was originally a secular term in the Greek Roman Empire. It didn’t inherently carry religious connotations but instead symbolized a specific type of relationship between individuals. This relationship had a defined structure, where two people would interact and strengthen their bond through something called “pistis,” which translates to faith or faithfulness. In essence, one would have faith or be faithful within the context of this grace-filled relationship.

The Patron-Client Relationship: A First-Century Framework

To grasp the biblical understanding of grace more fully, it is crucial to understand the prevalent social structure of the first century, which heavily featured patron-client relationships. While this isn’t a common concept in modern Western society, it was deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Roman Empire. In a society marked by significant wealth disparity, where a small percentage of the population held the vast majority of resources, the wealthy often saw it as their responsibility to assist the community.

In this system, a patron was someone with resources or influence who could offer favors, gifts, or assistance to those in need. A person in need, lacking the means to achieve something on their own, could petition a patron for help. If the patron chose to grant a gift or favor, it was typically given freely, without the expectation of direct repayment. The recipient of this favor then became the client.

While the client could not usually repay the patron with an equivalent material benefit, the relationship was maintained and strengthened through honor and gratitude. Clients would publicly acknowledge their patron’s generosity, speak well of them, and offer their loyalty and service. This reciprocal exchange of favor followed by honor and gratitude was the essence of this “grace” relationship. The concept was so deeply ingrained in ancient Greek culture that they even deified it through figures known as the Three Graces, who represented the act of giving, receiving, and reciprocating.

Grace in the New Testament: A Divine Patron

The teaching suggests that understanding this patron-client framework is key to interpreting the concept of grace in the New Testament. Every instance of the word “grace” and “faith” (often interchangeable with “faithfulness”) can be seen through this lens. God, in this context, is presented as the ultimate Patron, initiating favor and offering the ultimate gift: salvation through His son, Yeshua (Jesus). Humanity, burdened by sin and unable to attain righteousness on its own, is in the position of the client.

The “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances” described in Colossians 2:13-14 is explained as the cancellation of our certificate of indebtedness, the legal record of our sins that stood against us. Just as a patron might cancel a debt for a client, God, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, eradicated the legal claims against us. This act of divine favor is the foundation of grace. We cannot earn this salvation; it is a free gift from a generous Patron.

The Client’s Response: Faithfulness and Gratitude

However, accepting this gift of grace initiates a relationship, and as clients, we have a responsibility to respond with faithfulness, gratitude, and honor towards our Patron. This isn’t about earning salvation through works but rather about demonstrating our appreciation and loyalty to the one who has shown us such profound favor. Just as a client in the first century would honor their human patron, we are called to honor God through our actions and our lives.

Grace is not a “no strings attached” free pass to continue sinning. Those who misuse grace as a license for immorality misunderstand its relational nature. The book of Jude warns against those who twist God’s grace in this way. True grace leads to a transformed life, one where we strive to live according to the principles of God’s kingdom, saying “no to ungodliness and worldly passions.”

The teaching highlights the importance of thankfulness as a key aspect of the client’s role. Ingratitude is portrayed as a grave offense, even worse than other serious sins according to Seneca the Younger. Just as we would express gratitude to a human patron who has done us a significant favor, we are obligated to be thankful to God for the immeasurable gift of salvation.

Applications for Everyday Life

• Recognize God as your ultimate Patron: Understand that every good thing in your life ultimately comes from God’s grace and act of favor.
• Cultivate a life of gratitude: Regularly thank God for His blessings, both big and small.
• Live in faithfulness: Strive to live according to God’s commands and principles as an expression of your loyalty and honor to Him. This isn’t to earn salvation but to reflect the character of your Patron.
• Extend grace to others: Just as God has shown you grace, be willing to offer favor and assistance to those in need without expecting direct repayment.
• Honor your earthly “patrons”: Recognize and appreciate the people in your life who have shown you significant favor (parents, mentors, friends who go above and beyond) and reciprocate with honor and respect.
• Avoid taking advantage: Be mindful of the favors you receive from others and avoid exploiting their generosity.
• Represent your King well: Your life and actions should reflect the character and values of God, your ultimate Patron.

Warnings and Exhortations

The teaching also includes sobering reminders. The parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through acts of love and righteousness towards others. Simply adhering to religious practices without these foundational acts may not be enough. Similarly, Matthew 7:21-23 warns of those who claim to know Jesus but are ultimately unknown by Him, suggesting that a genuine relationship involves more than just acknowledging His name.

The interpretation of Galatians 5:4 clarifies that trying to earn righteousness through strict adherence to the law misunderstands the nature of grace. Keeping God’s commandments is the client’s response to the gift of grace, not a means of forcing God to act as the Patron and grant salvation.

Ultimately, grace is presented as a transformative relationship initiated by God’s undeserved favor. Our acceptance of this gift calls for a response of unwavering faithfulness, heartfelt gratitude, and a life that brings honor to our divine Patron.

For more Bible Teachings, click the link.

References

• The Holy Bible
• David A. DeSilva, Honor, Patronage, Kingship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Honor, Patronage, Kingship, and Purity by David A. DeSilva

Bible Verses with Hyperlinks

• Colossians 2:13
• Colossians 2:14
• Jude 1:4
• John 3:16