The New Testament is replete with references to God’s grace and mercy. The word “grace” in this sense means, “unmerited (unearned) divine favor or kindness.” Accordingly, the word “mercy” means, “divine compassion or forbearance.” The two terms are relative. When used together they reflect God’s kindness toward man joined by a willingness to help him. Hebrews 4:16 conveys this well: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The apostle Paul reveals to the Christian that they are in a saved condition because of God’s grace and mercy (Eph. 2:4-5). But can one who has been born again fall out of favor with God? According to Paul he can. To some Christians in Galatia he said, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4).
God’s grace is like an umbrella. The only way it will benefit you is if you get under it and stay under it. Likewise, if you want to be saved, you must both be in Christ and abide in Him. If you will not abide in Him you will fall from His grace and be lost (2 John9). Are you using your umbrella?