5 Types of Grace in the Bible include: 1) Common Grace, 2) Saving Grace, 3) Sustaining Grace, 4) Serving Grace, and 5) Sanctifying Grace.
5 Types of Grace in the Bible
Grace is one of God’s greatest gifts, shaping every aspect of the Christian life. It is more than just undeserved favor – it is God’s active work in salvation, daily struggles, and spiritual growth. Understanding the different types of grace helps believers appreciate how God provides, strengthens, and transforms them.
God’s grace is not limited to one experience but flows in many ways. From the blessings given to all people to the power for holy living, grace meets every need. Recognizing these 5 types of grace in the Bible nurtures one’s faith and encourages a closer walk with God.
1. Common Grace (Psalm 145:9)
“The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:9)
A. Description
God’s common grace reveals His universal goodness to all people, regardless of their faith or righteousness. He provides sunlight, rain, and life’s blessings to both the righteous and the wicked. This grace shows His kindness, patience, and desire for humanity to seek Him.
God’s extended kindness sustains the world, allowing people to enjoy love, creativity, and success. Although common grace does not save, it demonstrates God’s generosity. He grants opportunities for repentance and withholds immediate judgment, giving everyone time to turn to Him (Romans 2:4).
B. Application
Recognizing common grace should lead to gratitude and humility. Every good thing—health, intelligence, and relationships—comes from God’s kindness. This truth reminds believers to acknowledge His daily provision and trust His care, even in difficult times.
God’s example teaches believers to extend kindness to all, even enemies. Since He blesses both the righteous and unrighteous, Christians should reflect His love. Treating others with grace fosters peace, encourages repentance, and displays God’s character to the world.
C. Bible References
Matthew 5:45 – “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Acts 14:17 – “Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons.”
2. Saving Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A. Description
Saving grace is God’s unmerited favor that brings salvation to sinners. He offers this grace as a free gift, not as a reward for good works. No one can earn salvation through effort, since grace depends entirely on God’s love and mercy.
Jesus Christ made salvation possible through His death and resurrection. God grants saving grace to all who believe in Christ and trust Him alone for salvation. This grace justifies sinners, forgives their sins, and secures eternal life, transforming them into God’s children (Ephesians 1:7-8).
B. Application
Believers must accept saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Good deeds cannot replace faith, but they should follow true salvation. Trusting in Christ’s work, rather than personal efforts, brings peace and assurance of eternal life.
God’s saving grace compels believers to share the gospel with others. Since salvation is a free gift, they should invite others to receive it. Proclaiming God’s grace helps people understand that He saves by faith alone, not by human achievements.
C. Bible References
Romans 3:24 – “And all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
3. Sustaining Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
A. Description
Sustaining grace is God’s sufficient strength that upholds believers in trials. Human weakness reveals the need for divine strength, which God provides abundantly. He does not always remove difficulties, but He grants the power to endure them.
This grace reminds believers that God’s power is made perfect in their weakness. Rather than relying on personal strength, they must trust His unfailing support. Sustaining grace allows believers to persevere, remain faithful, and glorify God even in suffering.
B. Application
Believers must lean on God’s grace when facing hardships. Instead of fearing weakness, they should embrace it as an opportunity to experience God’s power. Trusting in His sufficient grace brings peace and confidence in every struggle.
God’s sustaining grace encourages perseverance in spiritual battles. It helps believers resist temptation, endure persecution, and remain steadfast in faith. As they rely on divine strength, they grow spiritually and reflect God’s glory to the world.
C. Bible References
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence . . . to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”
4. Serving Grace (1 Peter 4:10-11)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
A. Description
Serving grace is God’s empowerment for believers to serve others. He equips each person with spiritual gifts to strengthen the church and glorify Him. These gifts vary, but all come from God’s grace and should be used faithfully.
Recognizing and using spiritual gifts is essential for effective ministry. Some believers teach, while others lead, encourage, or help. God grants these abilities to fulfill His purposes, ensuring that every believer contributes to the body of Christ.
B. Application
Believers must recognize their spiritual gifts and use them for God’s glory. Whether speaking, serving, or leading, they should rely on His grace. Serving with humility and gratitude reflects God’s character and strengthens the church.
God’s grace equips believers to serve joyfully, not grudgingly. They should seek opportunities to help others and encourage fellow Christians. When believers use their gifts faithfully, they experience fulfillment and witness God’s power working through them.
C. Bible References
2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Romans 12:6 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
5. Sanctifying Grace (2 Timothy 2:21)
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
A. Description
Sanctifying grace is God’s ongoing work in believers, making them more like Christ. It convicts, transforms, and strengthens them to pursue holiness. This grace enables them to overcome sin, develop godly character, and live in a way that pleases God.
God’s grace does not stop at salvation; it continues throughout a believer’s life. Through trials, convictions, and spiritual disciplines, He refines their hearts. Sanctifying grace empowers them to resist temptation and grow in obedience, producing lasting spiritual maturity.
B. Application
Believers must actively pursue holiness through prayer, Bible study, and obedience. Spiritual disciplines align their hearts with God’s will and allow His grace to shape them. As they surrender to Him, He strengthens them to live righteously.
Sanctifying grace requires daily reliance on God’s power. Christians must reject sinful habits and embrace godly living. Encouraging one another in faith fosters spiritual growth, deepens relationships with God, and strengthens the church.
C. Bible References
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Conclusion
God’s grace touches every part of life, from daily blessings to salvation and spiritual growth. He provides what is needed at every stage. Recognizing these 5 types of grace in the Bible deepens one’s faith and strengthens the believer’s walk with God.
Grace is not just a one-time gift but an ongoing experience. It saves, sustains, equips, and transforms those who trust in Christ. As believers rely on God’s grace, they grow in holiness, serve others, and reflect His love to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Source Material
Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson
Growing in Grace by Bob George
Classic Christianity by Bob George
Disciplines of Grace by R. Kent Hughes