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Grace

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Posted by: eagle4him

We all talk about it but what is it really? Is it something we do not deserve like we have been taught?

How is it, then that Jesus came from the Father, full of grace and truth? (John 1:14) Is it possible for Jesus to be full of something He did not deserve?

John 1:17: The law came from Moses, but grace and truth came fhrough Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:33 grace gives us the power to be a witness

Acts 6:8 grace does wonders & signs

Acts 11:23 grace leaves evidence

Please help me understand the fullness of grace.


Posted by: Rachel R

Isn't grace what God uses to restore us to himself?

To me, when Adam and Eve chose separation from God, God worked a plan to bring his loved one's back into relationship.

I think that plan is based on grace.

To me, it just means that he does the parts that we cannot do and gives us opportunity to choose to access the grace that he makes available.

Just like Adam and Eve, the choice is up to us.

Grace is available. ALWAYS available.

Is it the reconnector?

Rachel R


Posted by: eagle4him

God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble--James 4:6

Can grace be earned, then?


Posted by: stu

Grace can never be earned, Period. EVER. It is through the grace of Christ Jesus that we can come to the throne of God the Father and it is by grace as the Apostle Paul states in all his epistles that we are saved, through faith, meaning you trust the blood of Christ and clothe yourself with Christ's righteousness. Christ came in human flesh, but was 100% God 100% human, and was the embodiment of God and is now our Great High Priest. That's the ultimate difference between Christianity and EVERY OTHER RELIGION. God's favor cannot be earned. When God sees your sin, your wickedness, and all the secret thoughts of your mind, he will never bring them up when you put your faith in Christ Jesus and repent of your sins, or turn away and become a new creation. Through Moses was the law (condemnation) and through Jesus we gain unmerited favor from God who looks not at us, but the sacrifice of Jesus Christ at calvary and the unspeakable agony he bore to wash away all the sins of mankind if they will just accept it and trust it (in response to John 1:17). If you want to know more about grace, read the book of Romans again and again and even the epistles of Paul to understand the grace that so changed the life of this murderer and hater of God and changes people around the world today, because the grace of God was perfectly manifest through Christ Jesus who GIVES that grace to us and has to be full of that grace in order to give it to us. I hope this shed some light on the subject of grace, for as Charles Spurgeon said, It's "All of Grace." If you want to learn more about the word grace itself, you can do a word study of grace in Hebrew and Greek, and study the word in the context of scripture wherever it is found to grasp the full meaning and beauty of grace that comes through Christ Jesus. You can also read Spurgeon's book, "All of Grace" There's tons of information on the internet, but always look to the Word first and check scripture against scripture, asking and seeking God sincerely for a heart of wisdom and discernment, because God doesn't yield fruit to the lazy.
P.S- Sorry if I started talking about stuff that doesn't seem to answer your question. I felt that it all helped to explicate itself and what not - Stuart


Posted by: eagle4him

sounds like you answered the question, "can salvation be earned?"

That is not what I asked. Think about it!

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So by being and doing acts of humility grace is merited?


Posted by: MamaCat

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Grace is getting what we don't deserve, i.e., eternal life!
[It's a GIFT from God!]

Mercy is NOT getting what we DO deserve, i.e., HELL!


Posted by: Christian Commando

If Grace be of Grace, works is no more works. But if works be of works, then Grace is no more Grace and Jesus died on the cross in vain.

Answered. Grace is God's "unmerited favor" towards man. But those who humble themselves in thier heart to God, not thru actions.

Salvation can no more be earned by us than Grace. For Salvation is by God's Grace thru our faith-(heart condition), in christ as our Lord and Savior.

God Bless!!


Posted by: sonrise

i have sitting here meditating on your scripture. Proud vs. humble, hmmm.
So I had to look things up. That particular humble is not of attitude but of one who has been debased, depressed, humiliated, of low degree, lowly.

Hmm, is not that how Christ came? He was humiliated, debased, "how can anything good come from Nazareth?" I cannot separate Christ and grace, because He is our grace, He is our unmerited favor. God gives us Jesus (grace).

So outside of grace I can do nothing. Not only do I receive grace, but I abode in grace. For if I do not abode in grace, I do not abode in Christ, therefore I can be harrassed by the devil and his co-horts. Because if I am hidden in Christ, the devil and his co-horts only see Jesus, not Jane.

Grace is a most fascinating subject, the more intimate you are with Christ, the greater grace you walk in. Just as there are 3 dimensions of Christ, there are 3 dimensions of Grace, all for us today. See we know about justification and santification, but we stop shy of glorification. I was taught that glorification was for when we went yonder. But that is not true. It is for us as we come into his rest and cease from all our labor and allow Him to manifest in us, and throughus, we now are glorified in Him. How awesome is that!!!!

See Moses went up on that mountain and saw the end from beginning, and he built it in the earth. What happened is God came down abode in it. God can only abode in the finished work. The temple is the symbol of the finished work.

We can lay grace over the temple: outer court-justification, holy place- santification, most holy place- glorification. The three major feasts can be placed the same way: outer court- passover, holy place- pentecost, and most holy place- feast of tablenacles. Look how they all are finely fit together. We live, we move, we have our being; he is the truth, the way, the life. I could go on and on. BuT I get too excited and can't type very well, so I will just end it here. blessing!!!!


Posted by: eagle4him

jane: good stuff!

How about falling from grace? There is something you can do to lose it, and by being humble you can get it.

I believe grace is a lot more complex than unmerited favor. I have heard a great prophet of the Lord define grace as the empowerment of the Lord in our lives to do what truth demands.

There is another definition of grace, and that means to set aside, as the law. God sets aside the punishment we deserve under the law by grace, as it was fulfilled by Jesus and we are not required to fulfill it.

When Paul was struggling with his thorn in his side, God said, "My grace is sufficient". So this grace gives strength.

I know there's more to it. Thank all of you for your input.


Posted by: GODS Grace

Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle4him
jane: good stuff!

How about falling from grace? There is something you can do to lose it, and by being humble you can get it.

I believe grace is a lot more complex than unmerited favor. I have heard a great prophet of the Lord define grace as the empowerment of the Lord in our lives to do what truth demands.

There is another definition of grace, and that means to set aside, as the law. God sets aside the punishment we deserve under the law by grace, as it was fulfilled by Jesus and we are not required to fulfill it.

When Paul was struggling with his thorn in his side, God said, "My grace is sufficient". So this grace gives strength.

I know there's more to it. Thank all of you for your input.
Very Good Word Bruce!

I agree fully. To many people equate "grace" and "mercy" as being the same, but there are not. The same is true of faith and grace. They work together but have differant meanings.

By grace " God's enabling power" through faith we are saved, not of are own works.

Grace also refer to thankfulness, like the spanish word grocious (not sure of spelling)...example: let us say grace for our food we have recieved from God.

GOD'S Grace


Posted by: Christian Commando

I knew where Bruce was going, but its the same Grace that allows us to recieve Salvation, as is the one which gives us strength thru trials, which is the same one, if we sin and fall from Grace with God and humble ourselves, repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive us.

Jms. is showing in 4:6, from reading before it to after it, they are shown thier sinful pattern, thus being instructed by James to repent and seek forgiveness for thier prideful thinking and actions- 4:7-10.

In each of the 3 cases, it takes repentance and willingness to turn ourselves over to God fully in humility to let Him lead us thru each example of God's Grace administered to us.

Grace is not complex, as God declares thru Paul as well, its simple to understand if we remember its the same Spirit that operates in all things, thus its the same "Grace" we see applied for various situations.

My question is tho, if we are no longer "under the Law", why then did Christ declare He came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them? 2- Why God commands us to still follow the "Law" or we will sin?

God shows clearly, we will be condemned by the "Law" without humility and repentance turning back to God. So, its a two way street- if we realize we are sinning, repent and turn away from that and seek forgiveness from God, He will forgive us. If we don't and continue sinning without repentance, God eventually turns us over to Satan and headed for Hell.

Grace is not earned, its freely given if you seek it from God in humilty and repentance. Coming from your heart as such is not works.

Grace is God's "unmerited favor" towards those who believe and belong to God. But its by His Love, He supplies us with Grace- "umerited favor", to recieve Mercy- "Forgiveness", for us as His creation in His Image. And God's Grace stays so long as we stay humble and seeking His guidance in repentance when we sin.

But, we are still bound to following the "Law", for the "Law" shows us our sin. King Saul is a prime example of this, for tho he was called and appointd by God, you'll see
Satan influenced him to consistantly go against God's "Law". He wentafter David uncalled for, plus alot more.

It lead the King to eventually being involved with an abomination to God, which, after so many times in that even, God finally let Saul go to Satan and suicide- (early grave) and Hell. God chastised him over and over but Saul never repented.

God Bless!


Posted by: eagle4him

I remembered a year and a half ago when I was unemployed for a few months and struggling with other health issues after knee surgery. Finances were stressed as was my marriage. I took a stress test and found out I had so much stress in my life for all practical purposes I should have been dead. I prayed to the Lord and asked for my health and to overcome the stress. I asked "how is it that I am still alive?"

He said, "only by My sustaining grace!"

more scriptures on grace: (NASB)

Grace is the light of God, and the power of His shield is His glory!
Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Grace overcomes our troubles!
Proverbs 3:34
Though He scoffs at the scoffers,Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

Grace is sustaining!
Jeremiah 31:2
Thus says the LORD,"The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness--Israel, when it went to find its rest."


Grace brings repentance!
Zechariah 12:10
"I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.


Luke 2:40
The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.


John 1:16
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

"...a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us. The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it. But we cannot derive from it pardon, righteousness, or strength. It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, but it cannot supply the place of that doctrine. As no mercy comes from God to sinners but through Jesus Christ, no man can come to the Father but by him; no man can know God, except as he is made known in the only begotten and beloved Son."

--Matthew Henry's Commentary on John the Baptist's Testimony to Christ!

Grace is the power of the Holy Spirit!
Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

Grace is the gospel of Jesus!
Acts 20:24
"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.


Posted by: sonrise

I heard a very powerful saying once that has stayed with me:"You may fall from grace but never out of grace" another one: "You may fall on the rock but not off the rock" blessings!!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

Quote:
Originally Posted by Christian Commando
My question is tho, if we are no longer "under the Law", why then did Christ declare He came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them? 2- Why God commands us to still follow the "Law" or we will sin?

God shows clearly, we will be condemned by the "Law" without humility and repentance turning back to God. So, its a two way street- if we realize we are sinning, repent and turn away from that and seek forgiveness from God, He will forgive us. If we don't and continue sinning without repentance, God eventually turns us over to Satan and headed for Hell.

Grace is not earned, its freely given if you seek it from God in humilty and repentance. Coming from your heart as such is not works.

Grace is God's "unmerited favor" towards those who believe and belong to God. But its by His Love, He supplies us with Grace- "umerited favor", to recieve Mercy- "Forgiveness", for us as His creation in His Image. And God's Grace stays so long as we stay humble and seeking His guidance in repentance when we sin.

But, we are still bound to following the "Law", for the "Law" shows us our sin. King Saul is a prime example of this, for tho he was called and appointd by God, you'll see
Satan influenced him to consistantly go against God's "Law". He wentafter David uncalled for, plus alot more.

It lead the King to eventually being involved with an abomination to God, which, after so many times in that even, God finally let Saul go to Satan and suicide- (early grave) and Hell. God chastised him over and over but Saul never repented.

God Bless!
Dear Brother Commando,

Sarcasm; Now how many laws are there?
Do you wear mixed blend fabrics like polyester?
OOPS! You just broke the law.
I thought it might be worth mentioning Matt. 22: 37-40 to others reading, since the "law" keeps getting brought up in differant threads.
Here's what Jesus tells us about keeping the law.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

He wants all to come to him, and God makes it easy through Jesus for the simplist of us. ;> WITH LOVE! GOD'S Grace

BTW: I believe Grace is recieved. "Greasy Grace" is a little bit of a pet pev with me since Grace is my name, I got to remember I'm died in Christ !!!!


Posted by: eagle4him

Grace, now that was amazing!!!!!


Posted by: Christian Commando

Well, thank you dear God's Grace for your compliment.

Yes, amazing, but not accurate.

First of all, there is no one who can keep the whole "Law" and you know that. But, its still not a very good example for showing your point, as there is nothing God speaks of concerning clothing materials if good or bad.

Secondly- You all should know as well as I, how God and Christ both declare, he that loves God follows His Word- (Law). Christ spoke about the 9 moral Commandments during the "Sermon on the Mount".

Third- It was not I who claimed "Laws" plural, but "Law"- (God's Word). Jesus and God both declare that loving God with all our being and loving others as ourselves were the 2 "greatest Commandments".

It amazes me how so many people dismiss needing to follow the rest of God's Word all for only needing to follow these two "greatest Commandments."

Fourth- If anyone thinks I've spoken out of context, please enlighten me as to where or how?

Fifth- You know full well, as Paul declares, just as he had to work to keep his body under subjection, we all have to do this to follow God's Word best we can and continue to grow in God, thereby the Grace of God grows in our lives as well for us.

I pray to God that from here on, more Christ-like maturity could be shown from others in further responces in this thread and put away childish responces as recently seen.

God Bless!!


Posted by: eagle4him

Grace is everywhere. It is even in the song lyrics. Here are a few:

Grace
she takes the blame
she covers the shame
removes the stain
it could be her name.

...because grace makes beauty
out of ugly things
grace finds beauty in everything
grace finds goodness in everythin
-U2

Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Only Grace
------Matthew West

“Only Grace” by Matthew West
From the album “History”

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday…has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

An’ there's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me…it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace…

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh…get…back…up…again…


There's only grace…
There's only love…
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only…there’s only…grace…

There's only mercy and believe me it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There’s only…grace……
So get back up…get back up again…
Get back up again.


Posted by: Christian Commando

Yes, which is why its the same Grace that abounds for us of God in all things. Its the same love, compassion and forgiveness that supplies us with the ability from the Holy Spirit of God to understand things, to get thru trials, to be saved from eternal seperation from God, to forgive those who trespass against us, as God forgave us for doing that to Him, plus alot more.

Very good Bro, very good.

God Bless!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

Quote:
Originally Posted by Christian Commando
Well, thank you dear God's Grace for your compliment.

Yes, amazing, but not accurate.

First of all, there is no one who can keep the whole "Law" and you know that. But, its still not a very good example for showing your point, as there is nothing God speaks of concerning clothing materials if good or bad.

Secondly- You all should know as well as I, how God and Christ both declare, he that loves God follows His Word- (Law). Christ spoke about the 9 moral Commandments during the "Sermon on the Mount".

Third- It was not I who claimed "Laws" plural, but "Law"- (God's Word). Jesus and God both declare that loving God with all our being and loving others as ourselves were the 2 "greatest Commandments".

It amazes me how so many people dismiss needing to follow the rest of God's Word all for only needing to follow these two "greatest Commandments."

Fourth- If anyone thinks I've spoken out of context, please enlighten me as to where or how?

Fifth- You know full well, as Paul declares, just as he had to work to keep his body under subjection, we all have to do this to follow God's Word best we can and continue to grow in God, thereby the Grace of God grows in our lives as well for us.

I pray to God that from here on, more Christ-like maturity could be shown from others in further responces in this thread and put away childish responces as recently seen.

God Bless!!
Dear Brother,

I didn't intent to offended you, please except my apologies. I've been very tired lately and will try my best to consider my words.

Mentioning "polyesters" may be debated by some but regarding the existance of law of fabric blends, please google shatnez for details.

(Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:5, 22:9-11)

Getting to my point...
Christ does not want you to relate to him as a debtor who uses the law to make installment payments on an unending loan.
We must never try to relate to God as a debtor trying to pay back a debt, no matter how thankfully.
our effort to increase, from our account, the deposit made for us by Christ at Calvary is an insult to its infinite value.
If we take upon ourselves the yoke of the law and aim to use it to achieve our own righteousness before God, we have submitted to a yoke of slavery and are not standing in the freedom for which Christ freed us.

Please allow me the continue after I've rested.

Greatly Appreciative, Grace


Posted by: Christian Commando

Dearest Grace-

You never have nor ever could offend me. If anyone, including me, ever makes an "off hand" remark, its because at that moment, Satan has at least some hold over us to feel offended. I just pray you were not offended by my remarks.

As I have told you before, I value your sharing and insights greatly, as they are very Godly driven. But, we all have things to learn from God, which is why I participate, that God can teach me too as He requires. For I have much to learn as well.

Apology not accepted, for it is not needed or required. You have done nothing wrong my friend. Ok? You area very dearly loved Sister in Christ to me and thus ask you not stop your responces, as I need your input to learn from God as well.

And you are right on about how the "Law" is to be viewed. but we muststill value the "Law",as It's our guide to help us keep from sinning, and the fact Christ became God's Word manifest in the flesh, It still holds Its original authority equal to God, for even tho thru christ's Blood we are saved alone, without the "Law", we have no way to follow God to keep our Salvation. Matt. 7:24-27,Jhn 5:23-24,46-47,6:45, 7:16-17, plus many more.

i understand where you are coming from, but God's Word is equally important to be followed, otherwise Christ would not tell us those who do not follow His Word are not of God. Relating to God as debtor was not my intent. Forgive me if my responces suggested that.

I pray the best Blessings for you Sis in Christ and for your family.

God Bless!!

CC


Posted by: eagle4him

This week at Church Pastor began his series on "Sola Gratia", only grace. He talked about the common grace that is available to all, saved and unsaved alike. He talked about creation being an example of this grace, and the beauty of it.

He also talked about the spiritual laws such as giving and receiving that also can benefit the saved and the unsaved alike. He had many more examples of this common grace.

But, he said, it is this common grace that brings us to God's redemptive grace which is what draws sinners into confession and repentance, ultimately salvation.

While he was teaching on this subject I thought of a friend of mine, whose spouse is an atheist. I found out this morning that this person, the atheist was on his knees this weekend confessing his sins and asking Jesus to be Lord over his life.

I am blown away by Gods common grace that drew this man into salvation and His redemptive grace.

God is gooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Posted by: GODS Grace

Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle4him
This week at Church Pastor began his series on "Sola Gratia", only grace. He talked about the common grace that is available to all, saved and unsaved alike. He talked about creation being an example of this grace, and the beauty of it.

He also talked about the spiritual laws such as giving and receiving that also can benefit the saved and the unsaved alike. He had many more examples of this common grace.

But, he said, it is this common grace that brings us to God's redemptive grace which is what draws sinners into confession and repentance, ultimately salvation.

While he was teaching on this subject I thought of a friend of mine, whose spouse is an atheist. I found out this morning that this person, the atheist was on his knees this weekend confessing his sins and asking Jesus to be Lord over his life.

I am blown away by Gods common grace that drew this man into salvation and His redemptive grace.

God is gooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!


That's sooo exciting!!! Thanks for sharing!

GODS Grace


Posted by: Christian Commando

yes, that very, very good my friend. Keep it up.

God bless!!


Posted by: eagle4him

God commands us to "be holy for I am holy" --Leviticus 11:44 and "without holiness no one will see the Lord"--Hebrews 12:14.

These are very powerful scriptures, full of God's truth. Ther is absolutely no way we can do this without God's grace. It is His transforming grace alone that empowers us to live a holy life, pleasing to the Lord.

On our own we can do nothing! It is His released power to live according to the ways He has commanded us. We cannot do this on our own, but only by being totally comitted and submitted to the Lord!


Posted by: Rmartel

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, Mygraceis sufficientforthee:formystrengthismade perfectinweakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Rmartel