What does “unmerited favor” mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, grace is God giving us what we do not deserve: salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Unmerited favor means:

• We are saved not by works, but by God’s mercy.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” (Titus 3:5).

• Grace is the foundation of the Gospel.

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6).

• Even the most broken sinner can receive grace freely.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

Unmerited favor means that salvation is given by God’s mercy, not our works; it is the very heart of the Gospel, and it is freely offered to every sinner through Christ.