Grace is a central theme in the Bible, showing God’s unconditional love and mercy. It’s the undeserved favor He shows to humanity, despite our shortcomings. Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of grace—moments where God acts in kindness, even when we don’t deserve it.
From creation to the life of Jesus, grace is evident in every part of the Bible. In this article, we’ll explore 11 powerful examples of grace that reveal the depth of God’s love and mercy toward us. These stories offer us both hope and encouragement as we see how grace changes lives.
11 Best Examples of Grace in the Bible
#1. God’s Grace in Creation (Genesis 1-2)
God’s grace is clear from the very start of the Bible. In Genesis, He creates the world and everything in it, giving life to humanity. Genesis 1:31 says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” He made humans in His image, not because they earned it, but as an expression of His love. Even when Adam and Eve sinned, God’s grace didn’t disappear. He still provided for them, offering a way forward despite their disobedience. Creation, as an act of grace, is the foundation of God’s relationship with us.
#2. Noah’s Salvation (Genesis 6-9)
Noah is another powerful example of grace. In a time when the world was corrupt, Noah was righteous in God’s eyes. Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” God spared Noah and his family from the flood, providing them a means of salvation when the rest of humanity faced judgment. This act of grace demonstrated God’s mercy and willingness to save, even when the world was lost in sin. God’s grace toward Noah was not only for his benefit but for the future of mankind.
#3. God’s Promise to Abraham (Genesis 12)
God’s grace is also evident in His promise to Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham, telling him, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This promise came not because Abraham had done anything to deserve it, but because of God’s unmerited favor. God’s choice of Abraham to father a great nation was an act of grace, setting the stage for the coming Messiah. It wasn’t based on Abraham’s works, but on God’s plan for salvation, which would bless all nations.
#4. Joseph’s Forgiveness of His Brothers (Genesis 45)
Joseph’s life exemplifies grace, especially in how he dealt with his brothers. After being sold into slavery and wronged by them, Joseph could have sought revenge. Instead, when his brothers came to him during a famine, he chose forgiveness. In Genesis 45:5, Joseph says, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” His forgiveness was not based on what his brothers deserved, but on God’s plan. Joseph’s grace restored his family and fulfilled God’s purpose.
#5. The Exodus and God’s Mercy (Exodus 12-14)
The Exodus is one of the clearest displays of God’s grace. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for generations, suffering under harsh conditions. God chose to deliver them, not because they were righteous, but because of His covenant with Abraham. In Exodus 12:13, God promises, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you.” This was an act of mercy: God spared the Israelites from the final plague, offering grace through the blood of the lamb. The Exodus reveals God’s ongoing commitment to His people and His willingness to save, even when they didn’t deserve it.
#6. David’s Repentance and Forgiveness (2 Samuel 12)
David’s story shows grace through his repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. When the prophet Nathan confronted him, David didn’t make excuses. Instead, he admitted his sin and sought God’s forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 12:13, David says, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Despite his serious wrongdoing, God shows mercy. Nathan responds, “The Lord has taken away your sin.” This act of forgiveness was not based on David’s actions but on God’s grace. David’s heart of repentance opened the door for God to show him mercy.
#7. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The parable of the prodigal son is a clear picture of grace. The younger son asks for his inheritance early and wastes it on reckless living. When he returns, broken and repentant, the father runs to him with open arms. In Luke 15:21-22, the son says, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” The father responds with grace, saying, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.” The son didn’t deserve forgiveness, but the father’s love extended grace. This parable shows how God welcomes us back when we repent.
#8. Jesus Heals the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
In Mark 2, Jesus heals a paralyzed man who is brought to Him by friends. Before healing the man’s body, Jesus addresses his greatest need: forgiveness. Mark 2:5 says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” This act of grace wasn’t just physical healing—it was spiritual healing first. Jesus offers forgiveness freely, showing that grace is not earned but given out of love. The healing of the paralytic is a reminder that grace meets us where we are, offering both forgiveness and restoration.
#9. The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)
In John 8, a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. The crowd wants to stone her, as the law requires. Jesus, however, shows grace. He says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). One by one, the accusers leave, and Jesus tells the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Jesus doesn’t condone her sin, but He offers grace, forgiving her and giving her a chance for a new start. This act reveals God’s grace toward those who repent and seek mercy.
#10. The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)
Saul’s conversion to Paul is a powerful example of grace. Saul was a persecutor of Christians, yet God chose to show him grace. In Acts 9:4-5, Jesus asks Saul, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Despite Saul’s past, Jesus calls him to follow Him. Saul’s life is completely transformed. In Acts 9:18, Saul’s sight is restored, and he is baptized. God’s grace took a man who was an enemy of the church and turned him into one of its greatest leaders. This radical transformation highlights the power of God’s grace to change even the hardest heart.
#11. Paul’s Teachings on Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Paul teaches about grace in Ephesians 2:8-9, saying, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn. Grace is the foundation of our relationship with God. It’s not about what we do but about what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ. Paul’s teachings remind us that grace is freely given, available to all, and a core aspect of the Christian faith.
Closing Thoughts
Grace is at the heart of the Bible, and these 11 examples show its profound impact. From creation to the life of Jesus, God’s grace is a constant theme, extending forgiveness and mercy even when we least deserve it. Each story reveals a different aspect of God’s love and demonstrates His willingness to restore and redeem.
As we reflect on these examples, we are reminded that grace is not earned but given freely. It is through grace that we are transformed, and it is through grace that we find hope, healing, and new life in Christ.