82 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud
Early Christians taught that grace is God’s free help in Christ, not something people earn by their own works. Writers like Clement of Alexandria, Cyprian, Methodius, Tertullian, Origen, and Hermas linked grace to salvation, forgiveness, baptism, repentance, and new life in Christ. The evidence is broad and fairly consistent: grace saves, forgives, renews, and strengthens believers to live well. Some writers also tied grace closely to baptism and repentance, so that part of the picture is stronger for church practice than for a single, uniform theory of grace. A few passages are indirect or mostly about related topics like repentance or baptismal washing, but the main teaching about grace itself is clear.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Core Bible passage on salvation by grace through faith.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 2:8
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Justification by grace as a gift.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 3:24
But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Apostolic statement that salvation comes through grace.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 15:11
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Defines grace as no longer based on works.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 11:6
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Saved by grace in a direct Bible line.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 2:5
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Grace as the basis of justification and inheritance.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 3:7
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Grace and apostleship are given for faith obedience.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 1:5
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Direct biblical call to repentance and mercy
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 55:7
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Direct passage on grace abounding through Jesus Christ
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:15
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Direct passage that baptism now saves
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:21
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Direct passage on confessing and forsaking sins to receive mercy
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 28:13
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Salvation through washing of regeneration and mercy.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 3:5
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Grace brings salvation for all people.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Titus 2:11
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.
Relevant justification text, but weaker than the core grace passages here.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 2:16
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Forgiveness of sins according to riches of grace.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 1:7
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Grace is given according to Christ's gift.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 4:7
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Forgiveness and cleansing on confession.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 John 1:9
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Useful contrast between grace and wages, but less direct than the core passages.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 4:4
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 2:24
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Shows believers stand in grace through faith.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:2
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
John 1:16 complements the free-gift theme.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 1:16
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Redemption and forgiveness directly tied together.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 1:14
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 5:4
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 2:18
And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 7:48
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 2:17
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Grace empowers labor and keeps boasting out of self.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 15:10
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
Grace given to a church community in Christ.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 1:4
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Grace overflows with faith and love in Paul.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 1:14
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Common blessing emphasizing grace.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 1:3
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Forgiveness of sins preached through Christ.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 13:38
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Classic forgiveness line.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 32:1
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Repentance leading to blotting out sins.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 3:19
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 9:15
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 5:10
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 84:11
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 1:17
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 4:16
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.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Zechariah 12:10
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?
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 10:29
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 2:40
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 3:24
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 45:2
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 4:22
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 1:14
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 1:17
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 1:10
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 2:7
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 4:33
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:21
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 9:14
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 4:10
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.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 12:9
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:17
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:20
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 1:6
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 20:24
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 11:5
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 1:15
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 18:27
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Zechariah 4:7
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,
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 4:16
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 4:5
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 3:7
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 6:14
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 1:12
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 8:1
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 9:8
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 13:9
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Timothy 2:1
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Peter 3:18
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 4:29
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 12:3
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 12:6
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 15:15
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 3:10
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 2:9
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.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 3:7
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Editorially approved supporting passage for this topical Bible page.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 3:34
Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”
Titus 2:11 KJV · 13 words
Listen“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
John 1:16 KJV · 12 words
Listen“And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:48 KJV · 9 words
Listen“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
James 2:17 KJV · 12 words
Listen“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
Psalms 32:1 KJV · 11 words
Listen“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV · 8 words
Listen“For John was not yet cast into prison.”
John 3:24 KJV · 8 words
Listen“Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”
Proverbs 3:34 KJV · 12 words
ListenExact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.
“This grace Christ bestows; this gift of His mercy He confers upon us, by overcoming death in the trophy of the cross, by redeeming the believer with the price of His blood, by reconciling man to God the Father, by quickening our mortal nature with a heavenly regeneration.”
“But they who still abide in life should be baptized with the baptism of the Church, that they may obtain remission of sins, lest by the presumption of others they remain in their old error, and die without the completion of grace.”
“I trust to the grace of Jesus Christ, that He will free you from every bond of wickedness.”
“Luke 2:52 for as from the free-will there was an advance of His soul in wisdom and grace, so also in stature.”
“14. And even up to this point, that whole heretical baptism may be amended, after some time has passed, if a man should survive and amend his faith. For our God, in the Gospel according to Luke, spoke to His disciples, saying, "But I have another baptism to be baptized with" (Luke 12:50). Also, according to Mark, He s…”
“Likewise, be satisfied with one baptism only, the one into the death of the Lord; not the one given by wicked heretics, but the one given by blameless priests, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19. Do not accept what comes from the ungodly, and do not let what is done by the…”
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