What is meant by “sufficient grace”?

Response

Grace is defined as “undeserved favor.” God’s grace is His bestowal of blessings upon those who deserve punishment. The term “sufficient” means “adequate” or “enough.” Sufficient grace refers to God’s grace that provides salvation, preservation, and all other necessities for believers in this life and the next.

“Sufficient grace” is not a phrase found in the Bible but rather a technical explanation of God’s grace as depicted in Scripture. The only instance where these two words are used together is in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Paul was grappling with a physical ailment that greatly troubled him. He likely believed he could serve the Lord more effectively without this affliction hindering him. Despite repeatedly asking the Lord to remove it, God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Essentially, God demonstrated grace to Paul not by eliminating the ailment but by empowering him to endure it. In turn, Paul declared, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

The essence of sufficient grace lies in the idea that God’s grace is ample (sufficient) for all our needs. Initially, we require salvation and forgiveness of sins, which God’s grace offers to all who accept it. Subsequently, believers need grace to navigate the Christian journey. God’s grace is adequate regardless of whether the believer faces poverty or abundance, pain or pleasure. At times, Christians may question how they would endure persecution and hardships recounted in history or witnessed in other regions. One might ponder, “If faced with a life-threatening situation, would I renounce Christ?” If solely relying on human resolve, the outcome might be uncertain at best. However, Christians can trust that God’s grace will sustain them through adversity when it arises.

Arrives, even if it may not be evident beforehand.

In reality, no Christian is inherently capable. Every Christian, if left to their own devices, would fail miserably. “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” «not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; », (2 Corinthians 3:5) beautifully expresses this concept without using the term sufficient grace. When the time comes, God’s grace will be enough to carry the believer through whatever they may face. By focusing on God’s ample grace rather than human weaknesses, Christians can confront the future with confidence. Like Paul, Christians can wholeheartedly embrace their own inadequacies, knowing that these shortcomings will lead them toward the all-sufficient grace of God.