CO-PILOT AND “GRACE”

Note: I have been severely criticized for insisting that the Bible use of “grace” DOES NOT MEAN “UNMERITED.” So I asked the computer’s “Co-pilot”:

‘If the Greek word charis [χάρις translated usually as grace or favor] means "unmerited" why is it used about Jesus in Luke 2:51-52?’ Since I am neither a Greek scholar or authority (although I consider myself a student of Greek), this was my question to Copilot, 3/7/2026.

COPILOT ANSWER:

Here’s the key insight, Gaylon: charis never actually means “unmerited” in Greek. That’s a later theological definition, not a lexical one. And once you see that, Luke 2:51–52 makes perfect sense. (my emphasis, GW)

Let’s walk through it clearly and step by step.

 What charis Really Means in Greek

In classical Greek, Koine Greek, and even in the New Testament, the core meaning of χάρις (charis) is:

    • favor

    • gracefulness / beauty

    • kindness

    • goodwill

    • that which causes joy or delight

It can also mean:

    • a gift

    • a benefit

    • favor shown

But “unmerited favor” is not a Greek definition.

That phrase comes from Reformation-era theology, especially Protestant discussions of salvation. (again, my emphasis, GW).

So when someone says “charis means unmerited,” they’re giving a doctrinal* definition, not a linguistic one. * This means according to their denomination's creed book which the Bible says to not add to!(GW)

 So What About Luke 2:51–52?

The passage says Jesus:

    • increased in wisdom

    • in stature

    • and in charis with God and people

If charis meant “unmerited favor,” the verse would be impossible:

    • Jesus is sinless

    • Jesus is perfectly obedient

    • Jesus is the beloved Son

    • Jesus merits favor by His perfect righteousness

But Luke isn’t saying anything about “unmerited” favor.

He’s using charis in its normal Greek sense:

 “Jesus grew in favor, goodwill, and relational grace with God and with people.”

This means:

    • People increasingly recognized His goodness

    • He became admired, respected, and loved

    • His relationship with the Father unfolded in visible ways as He matured

    • His life radiated beauty, kindness, and divine favor

Nothing here implies sin or lack.

It simply describes His growth in human experience.

易 Why Theology Later Added “Unmerited”

When Paul talks about salvation by grace, he emphasizes that:

    • humans do not earn salvation

    • God’s saving favor is freely given

So theologians coined the phrase:

“Grace is unmerited favor.”

That’s a theological definition, not a lexical definition.

It works well in Paul’s soteriology, but it does not define the word charis in every context.

✨ Summary*

    • Charis does not mean “unmerited.”

    • It means favor, goodwill, kindness, beauty, graciousness, or a gift.

    • In Luke 2:52, it simply means Jesus grew in favor with God and people.

    • The “unmerited” idea comes from later theology, not from Greek.

* -This makes my point. To say that “grace” is ‘UNMERITED” favor is to insert man’s definition into the Spirit’s text to us! Ephesians 2:8ff does not mean “unmerited” as the theologians argue. It is added by them.—Gaylon West