In John`s biography of Jesus, chapter 1, we learn this: "But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God`s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13).

Becoming a child of God requires believe in Jesus, believing who He is as God`s Son: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but would have eternal life" (John 3:16).

I do not become a child of God by trying to be good. I cannot do anything to make myself closer to God except to receive His Son, Jesus by grace.

Grace is receiving what you do not deserve. Mercy is not receiving what you do deserve.

Grace speaks of the unmerited (undeserved) favor of God that He gives to those who turn to Him. Because of wrongdoing (sin), we deserve eternal separation from God (Hell). But because of Jesus - and His death on the cross on our behalf - we can receive favor and go to Heaven when we die--if we choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That is grace.

We don`t deserve Heaven, but God gives it because His Son, Jesus, paid the price for our sins.