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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I understand that we as sinful people don’t deserve the goodness that God gives to all people, but I often hear pastors speak about the grace of God. What exactly does that mean? – T.G.

A: God’s grace refers to much more than His kindness and mercy, although those traits are certainly evidence of His grace. Grace means “undeserved favor or goodness.” God doesn’t owe us anything – yet in His grace, He still gives us good things. We don’t even deserve the next breath we take, but God in His grace grants it. The motive of grace is the infinite, compassionate love of a merciful God, but the work of grace was the death of Christ on the cross.

We don’t deserve to go to Heaven, but in His grace, God has provided the way: He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Remember: By nature, we have no right to expect anything from God – except His judgment. That’s because we are sinners, and sin is rebellion against God. We don’t like to admit this. We like to think we aren’t so bad after all, and God ought to overlook our sins. But that’s just not true. We can thank God for the marvelous grace He gives to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s grace – His goodness and love toward us in spite of our sin – is the wellspring of our salvation.

The grace of God has been tested in the crucible of human experience and has been found to be more than an equal for the problems and sins of humanity. “The word of the truth of the gospel … is bringing forth fruit … since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth” (Colossians 1:5–6, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.