The failure on the part of so many people to believe in grace is probably because our explanations and definitions of what grace really is are not always clear or adequate. But it also reflects the fact that there is an element in grace and in the living experience of grace which ultimately defies total analysis and complete understanding. To experience grace is to experience an utterly undeserved kindness from an unexpected source and this attitude is so alien to our sinful, selfish natures and our modem lifestyle that it is difficult for us to understand it, or accept it. The Bible does contain a doctrine and theology of grace and there are three important strands of teaching on the subject, each of which must be given due emphasis if we are to understand the Bible's teaching about salvation. This is the first element in the teaching on grace.
Grace is power.
We can go a step further here and say that grace is the power of God which is made available to helpless individuals. In fact, we may go as far as to say that it is the power of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit exerted in complete unity of purpose and harmony of action for our salvation. The element of power is an absolute essential in our understanding of the grace that brings salvation. If grace did not include a power great enough to achieve the salvation of sinners then we could never be totally certain of any sinners being saved. It becomes ever more certain that grace must contain this element of power when we reflect on the nature of sin and the actual condition of those who are held in its grip.