find grace and favour `in thy sight' (Gen. 39:4) and `in thine eyes' (Gen.

30:27).  While this Old Testament usage has an effect upon the meaning of

charis, it remains for the New Testament  in view of the finished work of

Christ, to give this term its richest meaning.

`The import of this word has been in a peculiar manner determined and

defined by the peculiar use of it in the New Testament and especially in the

Pauline epistles ... so that we may say it depended upon Christianity to

realize the full import, and to elevate it to its rightful sphere' (Cremer).

While charis is used in the New Testament to indicate a kindly

disposition, it is especially used to indicate that attitude of God to man

`which, as a free act, excludes merit, and is not hindered by guilt, but

forgives sin; it thus stands out in contrast with works, law and sin' (Cremer).

We may learn something of the distinctive meaning of `grace' by observing

the terms with which it is contrasted.

Grace is contrasted with opheilema `debt' (Rom. 4:4).

Grace is contrasted with erga `works' (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:8,9).

Grace is contrasted with nomos `law' (Gal. 5:4).

Grace has not only a place in doctrine and gospel, but permeates the

truth of the Mystery.  This can be shown by examining the way in which `grace'

is used in Ephesians.