Jewish unmerited favor

 Some antimissionaries are claim that grace as unmerited favor is purely a New Testament invention. Contrary to this, some rabbis like the openly hostile-to-Christianity rabbi A.L. Scheinbaum (who elsewhere states Jewish learned magic in Egypt) states,

When Yaakov is asked, “Whose children are those?” he does not simply reply, “They are mine.” He says, “These are the children that Hashem has seen fit to give me.” Yaakov is acutely aware that if he has children, it is by design and a special gift from Hashem. He adds that they are his by the unearned grace of Hashem. It is a matnas chinam, free gift, which he does not deserve. 

This is so different from today’s prevalent attitude, reflected by people expecting Hashem’s gifts because they feel they deserve them. Yaakov Avinu sets the standard by which we should live. This principle should apply to every endeavor: from having children; to earning a livelihood; to success in Torah study. It is all the result of Hashem’s graciousness. The sooner we recognize and appreciate the Source, the quicker and more stable will be the result.--Peninim on the Torah : an anthology of thought provoking ideas and practical insights on the weekly parsha. 15th series. page 57. A.L. Scheinbaum