In recent times, some have mocked and taunted others by labelling them as “Hyper-grace preachers,” often without realizing that the very term “hyper” is rooted in the Apostle Paul’s own language.
Paul, in his attempt to describe the awe-inspiring magnitude of God’s grace, frequently used the Greek prefix “hyper” (ὑπέρ), which means “above,” “beyond,” or “exceedingly.”
Far from being an insult, this “hyper” grace is a biblical concept that underscores the overwhelming, overflowing, and super-abounding nature of God’s love and favours toward us; this is hyper-grace – a grace that is not just sufficient but is abundantly overflowing in every aspect of our lives.
Let’s explore some key passages where Paul uses “hyper” and other related terms to describe this amazing grace and the gospel of Christ:
Abundant Provision of Grace
Paul writes:
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace (hyperperisseia – ὑπερπερισσεία) and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Romans 5:17
Here, the phrase “abundant provision of grace” points to a grace that super-abounds – overflowing in a way that completely eclipses the power of sin and death.
Grace that Overflows Beyond Sin
Paul boldly states:
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more (hyperperisseuō – ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν – hyper-super-abounded-to-excess).
Romans 5:20
This verse highlights the power of God’s hypergrace; no matter how much sin abounds, God’s grace overflows even more, taking care of every sin no matter the depth or amount and offering redemption beyond measure.
More than Conquerors through Grace
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors (hypernikaō – ὑπερνικῶμεν) through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
This phrase “more than conquerors” comes from the Greek word hypernikaō, indicating that through God’s grace, we don’t just overcome; we overwhelmingly conquer; this is another reflection of how God’s grace empowers us beyond ordinary victory.
Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant
Paul compares the glory of the old covenant with the new, saying:
If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious (hyperballō – ὑπερβάλλω) is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.
2 Corinthians 3:9-10
The surpassing glory of the new covenant is directly tied to the hyper-abounding grace that brings righteousness instead of condemnation.
Overflowing Grace for Every Need
Paul declares:
And God is able to make all grace overflow (hyperperisseuō – ὑπερπερισσεύω) to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
This verse shows us that God’s grace is not just sufficient but exceedingly abundant – enough to meet all our needs and empower us for every good work. It’s a grace that overflows into every corner of our lives, equipping us for His purposes and prompting cheerfulness in generosity towards others.
Sufficient Grace in Our Weakness
But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more (hyper – ὑπέρ) gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
While “hyper” is used here in the sense of “more gladly,” it ties into the overarching theme of God’s grace being more than enough – sufficient and overflowing, even in our weakness.
Surpassing Greatness of His Power
Paul speaks:
the hyperbolic greatness of His power toward us who believe
Ephesians 1:19
(Greek: ὑπερβάλλον μέγεθος τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ); this isn’t just power; it’s extraordinary, surpassing power that flows from God’s grace, working in us and through us as believers.
Incomparable Riches of His Grace
Paul says:
In order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:7
The word “incomparable” here is translated from the Greek word hyperballō (ὑπερβάλλω), meaning to surpass or exceed; this highlights that God’s grace is so rich and abundant that it surpasses all understanding and comparison.
Immeasurably More than All We Ask or Imagine
Paul prays:
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more (hyper – ὑπέρ) than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20
Here, the phrase “immeasurably more” captures the idea of God’s grace and power working beyond what we can fathom – once again emphasizing the “hyper” nature of His grace.
Peace that Surpasses Understanding
And the peace of God, which surpasses (hyperchousa – ὑπερέχουσα) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
While this verse primarily speaks of peace, it is deeply connected to the grace that brings such peace – grace that is so profound it transcends human comprehension.
Super-Abounding Grace in Paul’s Life
Paul reflects on his own life, saying:
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly (hyperpleonazō – ὑπερπλεονάζω), along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14
The term hyperpleonazō here means that God’s grace didn’t just meet Paul where he was; it super-abounded, overflowing with faith and love, transforming Paul’s life from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ.
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Embracing Hypergrace
Paul declared that the message that was committed to him to preach was the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 14:3; Acts 20:24,32). His use of “hyper” in the passages highlighted above to describe the grace of God is no accident. He is conveying the truth that God’s grace is not limited, not just enough to get by – but it is overwhelmingly, extravagantly abundantly, hyper super-abounds to the excess).
This hypergrace is the core of the Gospel: God’s unmerited favour that meets us in our deepest need goes beyond our greatest failures and empowers us to reign in life through Jesus Christ.
As we meditate on these truths, let us embrace this hypergrace with open hearts. It’s not something we earn or deserve; it’s a boundless gift and generosity from our loving Father, who lavishes His grace upon us in ways that exceed all expectations.
For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16
Credit: Rev Ugochukwu Odimba
