Today we are going to look at the clear connection between grace and the Holy Spirit in the Bible. We will find many instances where the grace of God and the Spirit of God are interchangeable and are speaking about the same thing.
The fact of the matter is everything in the Bible dovetails together. All of the terms relate to each other and none of them isolated. You can’t have grace without the Spirit of God and of course, you could also say you can’t have either without Jesus Christ or God the Father.
We are saved by hope, we are saved by the blood of the Lamb, we are saved by being born again, we are saved by faith, we are saved by grace, and all of the other terms that we can use all testify of the same thing.
So let’s look at some Bible verses to see how grace and the Holy Spirit are connected to each other…
Grace And The Spirit Are The Same
- Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with the purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23)
What was the grace of God Barnabas saw? It was people receiving the Holy Ghost! Read from Acts 10 – this is all about the Gentiles (non-Jewish) people receiving the Holy Ghost and this was identified with seeing the grace of God!
- So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” (Zec 4:6-7)
Again, we see it is not by might but by the Spirit of God and the same scripture this is tied in with grace. In fact, the capstone is Jesus Christ.
- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Gal 2:16)
- And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor 12:9)
Another way of saying not by might is not by works. So it is not by our works, deeds, might, strength… but by the Spirit – My Grace (Spirit) is sufficient for thee.
- But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
This whole chapter is about the Church council gathering together to discuss whether or not the Gentiles who believe (they had received the Holy Ghost) need to be circumcised – the obvious answer was no.
Peter explained they had received the Holy Spirit the same way they had (Pentecost) – and this was the context of being saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:29)
The above verse is all about convincing the Jewish believers not to go back to the law and chiefly – animal sacrifice. However, it clearly identifies the Holy Spirit as being the Spirit of grace.
- And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zech 12:10)
- After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. (Acts 15:16)
Wow… How good are those two Bible verses? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace… I will build the tabernacle of David – this statement was made during the Church council mentioned above in conjunction with the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit.
The Promise Of The Father
The promise of the Father is another complete Bible study however once again everything dovetails together.
The promise of the Father is grace, that promised grace appeared in our Savior Jesus Christ, and we receive that promise when filled with the Holy Spirit.
It is only by receiving the Holy Spirit that the promise of grace can be sure to reach all the seed (therefore, even as many as the Lord our God shall call).
- Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. (Rom 4:16)
- And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (Acts 1:4)
- Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:33)
- For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39)
- And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers. Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus (Acts 13:32-33)
- And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: (Acts 26:6)
- That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. (Rom 9:8)
The Election Of Grace
Here we read about the election of grace. Peter explains we become the elected through sanctification of the Spirit.
- Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Rom 11:5)
- Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Pet 1:2)
- Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thess 1:4-4)
Grace And Truth Came By Jesus Christ
How did Jesus implement grace and truth? By the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of Grace. Jesus said…
- For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
- Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:33)
- But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
- Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17)
The Gifts Of The Spirit Are Called The Gifts Of Grace
The gifts of the Holy Spirit and gifts of grace is another interchangeable term. In fact, Jesus took captivity captive and gave gifts unto men (The gifts are packaged in the Holy Ghost – the grace of God)
- Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. (Rom 12:6)
- Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant… Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Cor 12:1-4)
- Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Eph 4:8)
- God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Heb 2:4)
- I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:4-7)
I Do Not Frustrate The Grace Of God
In Paul’s discussion about the grace of God he clearly links it to the Holy Spirit when he said… Receive ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
He that ministers the Spirit to you. If you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law – if you are not under the law where are you? Under grace!
- I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Gal 2:21)
- Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Gal 5:4)
- For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Rom 6:14)
- For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2)
- That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:4)
- This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Gal 3:2)
- He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Gal 3:5)
- But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Gal 5:18)
- I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Gal 5:16)
- But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Gal 5:18)
- Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 2:1)
The Holy Spirit Testifies With Our Spirit
The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit and Paul links grace being with our spirit. Once again we see grace and the Holy Spirit closely linked together.
- Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Gal 6:18)
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Phm 1:25)
- The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Rom 8:16)
- Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 10:15-17)
- This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1 John 5:6)
Glory Of His Grace
Here we see the glory of his grace is also linked to the Holy Spirit. In fact, this entire chapter in the book of Ephesus is amazing and it is all about the benefits of the Holy Spirit.
- To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Eph 1:6)
- In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:13-14)
Justified By Grace
Justified by grace is also linked to the Holy Spirit. You are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus AND by the Spirit of God.
Justified by faith, justified by grace, justified by the blood of the lamb, and os forth are all different angles of the same thing.
- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Rom 3:24)
- That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Tit 3:7)
- And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor 6:11)
- And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Tim 3:16)
Grace Teaches Us
Both grace and the Holy Spirit teach us. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and teach you all things.
The grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness. You may also be interested in reading… Be Led By The Spirit
- For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. (Tit 2:11-12)
- But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
- Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
By Grace, You Are Saved
Once again the Holy Spirit and grace are linked together in salvation. We are saved by grace is just another way of describing what Jesus said… You must be born again. Born of water and the Spirit.
- Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Eph 2:5)
- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:8)
- For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. (Tit 2:11)
- Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: (1 Pet 1:10)
- Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-8)
Ministers Of God By Grace
Through the Holy Spirit God has made us able ministers of the gospel. Paul puts it another way, I was made a minister according to the gift of grace.
- Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Eph 3:7)
- Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Cor 3:6)
- And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18-19)
Can Only Know The Grace Of God By The Spirit Of God
When Paul is said to the Colossians… and knew the grace of God in truth it is clear no one can know without the Spirit of God and those who do not have the Spirit of God can not know him.
- Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: (Col 1:6)
- For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Cor 2:11)
- Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1 Cor 2:12)
- But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:14)
Singing In The Spirit
We already know that praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues and singing in the Spirit is also singing in tongues. There is another link here with grace when Paul encourages us to sing with grace in our hearts.
- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Col 3:16)
- What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (1 Cor 14:15)
In summary, I have pretty much just touched the surface with this subject however hopefully you have seen enough to know that to receive the grace of God is to receive the Spirit of God.
Gifts, teaching, guidance, power, joy, singing, election, salvation, the promise, prophecy, becoming able ministers of the New Testament, and much more are all attributed to grace and the Holy Ghost.
You may also be interested in… Manna From Heaven And The Holy Ghost From Heaven and Hope For Backsliders
