The term itself describes kindness, undeserved goodness. Given human rebellion against God, all grace on God’s part is rooted in the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Peter had already referred to Christ’s work in 1 Peter 1:3 when he spoke of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, evidence that he had paid the penalty our sins deserve (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice God’s elect have “salvation” (1 Peter 1:5, 1 Peter 1:9, 1 Peter 1:10), that is, the glorious inheritance of which 1 Peter 1:4 speaks. In 1 Peter 1:13 Peter uses the word “grace” as an equivalent for the “salvation” he had earlier described, that is, this “inheritance.”
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.