Grace

[lookn4Grace]

Hi! I am new to GNC. Actually, I am kind of new to forums so I hope I do this correctly. The reason I am here is because I have questions and this seems like a great way to get them answered anonymously. :o
Grace has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Not in the sense that you are probably thinking though. I mean I understand that grace is something God gives us that we don't deserve; Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve but, my question is; God extends grace to people who are not saved so that they might become His children but, after we are saved do we still get His grace? I mean, when we are in darkness we don't know what we are doing but after when we are in the light, we do know what we are doing. So, does God still extend grace to us? :confused: Does that make sense?

[Abigail4476]

Welcome to the GNC. ;)

Please accept my welcome along with a word of caution:

Remember that God's Word has the final say on all matters, and the authorities God has placed in your life, such as your pastor, parents, elders, husband (whichever ones apply to you) have greater importance and precedence than an anonymous stranger on the internet.

That said: Enjoy yourself, and try not to have thin skin. Don't get mad when every view you hold is questioned, analyzed, critiqued, and rarely, if ever, agreed with in entirety. If there's anything to enjoy, it's diversity and anonymity. The rest...well, it depends on your personality and what you can...er..."take"...for lack of a better word. :D

[jstoblikJesus]

Hi! I am new to GNC. Actually, I am kind of new to forums so I hope I do this correctly. The reason I am here is because I have questions and this seems like a great way to get them answered anonymously. :o
Grace has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Not in the sense that you are probably thinking though. I mean I understand that grace is something God gives us that we don't deserve; Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve but, my question is; God extends grace to people who are not saved so that they might become His children but, after we are saved do we still get His grace? I mean, when we are in darkness we don't know what we are doing but after when we are in the light, we do know what we are doing. So, does God still extend grace to us? :confused: Does that make sense?
Good Question. I'll do my best to help. I am going to break your questions down which I hope will better help.

God extends grace to people who are not saved so that they might become His children but, after we are saved do we still get His grace?
It is a continuing process look at these greetings by Paul.

1 Corinthians 16:23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=16&verse=23&version=9&context=verse)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
2 Corinthians 1:2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=1&verse=2&version=9&context=verse)
Grace be to you
Galatians 1:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=1&verse=3&version=9&context=verse)
Grace be to you
Galatians 6:18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=6&verse=18&version=9&context=verse)
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

These are just a few of the scriptures that show that grace isn't a one time thing. But this doesn't answer your question. That is largely because the way you worded it would appear that you believe that salvation is a one time thing. Lets look at some more scriptures about grace and see what they tell us about grace.
Is grace just about salvation? Not according to this.
Hebrews 4:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=4&verse=16&version=9&context=verse)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
According to this grace does more than just save.

Websters dictionary defines grace like this
Grace= a favour favour = a kind deed, partiallity, gift
Gods grace = God doing us a favour or a kind deed.

Grace includes salvation but is not limited to it. It is anything God does for us, because we don't deserve anything that he does for us.


I mean, when we are in darkness we don't know what we are doing but after when we are in the light, we do know what we are doing. So, does God still extend grace to us?

Its funny you refer to light. Scripture says that God is light. If you do a study on light you will find that the more powerful the light the less impurities that are in the light. A 100 watt light bulb has more impurities in it than a flourescent light bulb. A flourescent light bulb has more impurities in it than a laser beam. laser beams can cut industrial steal (no wonder God says no man can look upon me and live) What I am trying to say is that we were in total darkness but when we came to Jesus we took some light into us. But we are not pure light. We still have impurities that is where grace comes in. Grace is God giving us unmerited favour to obtain more light. We obtain Gods grace by responding and growing upon the knowledge from his word.
2 Peter 3:18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=68&chapter=3&verse=18&version=9&context=verse)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
We are gaining more and more light but we can decide to walk out of the light or go back to darkness if we are not careful.
Luke 11:35 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=11&verse=35&version=9&context=verse)
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Galatians 5:4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=5&verse=4&version=9&context=verse)
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace
This scripture plainly shows that one can fall from grace. It is refering to the jews whom were trying to practice the old testament law but God is no respect of person. The point is that for someone to fall from it they had to have had it first.

Romans 1:5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=1&verse=5&version=9&context=verse)
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
I like this scripture because it shows that grace was only obtained after obedience to the faith. Notice it doesn't say obedience by your faith it says to the faith.

Grace has been polluted in most churches to day as a liscense to sin. But read closely to what Paul says.
Romans 6:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=6&verse=1&version=9&context=verse)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:23 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=6&verse=23&version=9&context=verse)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 3:8 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=69&chapter=3&verse=8&version=9&context=verse)
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

I challenge you to reread some of the epistles (romans through Jude) when you read them remember that these are all books written to church people. People whom are suppose to be saved. These books are not written to sinners who have never obeyed Gods plan of salvation. If salvation is something that one can not lose then how come the writers of these books spend so much time telling these allready saved people that they must continue in the faith in order to have eternal life.
Also take a close look at Matthew 25 the 10 virgins parabale. Notice that vs 8 says that there lamps went out. That tells me that they must have had some oil to start with. Vs 11 shows me that they called him Lord so they believed in him.vs 13 shows me this is talking about the last days. So They believed on the Lord and they had a relationship with him at one point but when the Lord comes for them they are not ready and vs 12 says that he tells them that he doesn't even know them.

I said all that to say this. If you were automaticly saved at the beginging of your walk with God then you would only need grace for salvation once. But as I have shown in the scripture grace is continual and we must live in grace in order to be saved when our time on earth is finished. God bless you.

[warmbee]

Welcome lookn4Grace!!! That is such an interesting question, one that I never thought about:) jstoblikJesus, I like your response and how you laid the scriptures out, real nice study:tup:

[jstoblikJesus]

Thanks I just hope it didn't run lookn4grace off. Lookn4grace I should have welcomed you first before I went into all that my appologies. Glad to have you here.

[lookn4Grace]

No, you didn't run me off. Yes, I guess I did word my question incorrectly. I have to tell you, I am involved with people who do think salvation is a one time thing. It really makes grace confusing to me, although (jstoblikJesus) I really liked your last paragraph on your first post to me. It made sense. Thanks. I don't think in any way that grace is an excuse to sin, in fact just the opposite. Kind of a….’I know better now so I’d better watch out’. I’ll just be honest. (Maybe too honest) I feel like every time I sin, (everyone sins) I’m going to Hell. I know not to sin, so why would God continue to take me back once I know better? I guess that’s Grace huh? But, others tell me that they have a peace because they have assurance of salvation. They know that God loves them just like their worldly father loves them, even when they mess up. They know they need to ask forgiveness but, it doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not they are a child of God. But, I don’t feel that way. I live in fear. I would love to have that peace. Personal question here if I may; Knowing that you can lose your salvation because of sin, do you experience peace? Or is this where grace comes in or am I just way off track here? Gee, I guess I just changed the subject huh? Hope that’s ok. By the way, I’ve discovered I’m definitely not a writer. Getting my thoughts across is not easy. So bear with me. I can’t tell you how long it took me to write this and it still isn’t coming out right. :grumble: Oh well, Thanks for your replies.

[jstoblikJesus]

No, you didn't run me off. Yes, I guess I did word my question incorrectly. I have to tell you, I am involved with people who do think salvation is a one time thing. It really makes grace confusing to me, although (jstoblikJesus) I really liked your last paragraph on your first post to me. It made sense. Thanks. I don't think in any way that grace is an excuse to sin, in fact just the opposite. Kind of a….’I know better now so I’d better watch out’. I’ll just be honest. (Maybe too honest) I feel like every time I sin, (everyone sins) I’m going to Hell. I know not to sin, so why would God continue to take me back once I know better? I guess that’s Grace huh? But, others tell me that they have a peace because they have assurance of salvation. They know that God loves them just like their worldly father loves them, even when they mess up. They know they need to ask forgiveness but, it doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not they are a child of God. But, I don’t feel that way. I live in fear. I would love to have that peace. Personal question here if I may; Knowing that you can lose your salvation because of sin, do you experience peace? Or is this where grace comes in or am I just way off track here? Gee, I guess I just changed the subject huh? Hope that’s ok. By the way, I’ve discovered I’m definitely not a writer. Getting my thoughts across is not easy. So bear with me. I can’t tell you how long it took me to write this and it still isn’t coming out right. :grumble: Oh well, Thanks for your replies.
I want to start by saying that It isn't the will of God for you to live in what you are calling fear which I think is more of worry.
Their is nothing wrong with Godly fear.
Proverbs 1:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=1&verse=7&version=9&context=verse)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=9&verse=10&version=9&context=verse)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

We see that fear is a good thing. Franklin Rosevelt said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nike started the fad several years ago "No fear" . The world has made fear something negative. But according to the scriptures I just posted fear is a good thing if pointed in the right direction. The word fear simply means a deep respect when refering to God. Hebrew to english translation below.
yir'ah {yir-aw'} = fear = to reverence
Now you are probably wondering how do I fear God and yet have peace.
Romans 14:17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=17&version=9&context=verse)
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=15&verse=13&version=9&context=verse)
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 8:6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=6&version=9&context=verse)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=1&version=9&context=verse)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Do you see a trend here. We obtain peace by the Holy Ghost. You say how do we do that lol. Thats were prayer comes in. We obtain peace through the Holy Ghost by time spent with God. The Holy Ghost is refered to as the comforter. To have peace you must be comfortable or comforted.
But, others tell me that they have a peace because they have assurance of salvation.
They are looking at this wrong and how do they have assurance of salvation? First off Jesus only saves us in the sense that he gave us the tools to be saved. Second we have a part to play in this saving process look at this cloesly.
Acts 2:40 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=2&verse=40&version=9&context=verse)
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Looks to me like we have to save ourselves. If you were hanging from a cliff for dear life and your earthly father let down a rope he would be saving you. But the only way you would be saved is to save yourself by grabing the rope. lets say sin is letting go of the rope. You let go the only way to be saved again is to grab it again. In reality you will only be truly saved when you make it to your father who is holding the rope. He will take care of getting you to him you just have to hold on to the rope. I am tired so I hope this made sense. LOL. I will respond better tommorrow God bless.

[truthseeker3139]

I want to start by saying that It isn't the will of God for you to live in what you are calling fear which I think is more of worry.
Their is nothing wrong with Godly fear.
Proverbs 1:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=1&verse=7&version=9&context=verse)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=9&verse=10&version=9&context=verse)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

We see that fear is a good thing. Franklin Rosevelt said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nike started the fad several years ago "No fear" . The world has made fear something negative. But according to the scriptures I just posted fear is a good thing if pointed in the right direction. The word fear simply means a deep respect when refering to God. Hebrew to english translation below.
yir'ah {yir-aw'} = fear = to reverence
Now you are probably wondering how do I fear God and yet have peace.
Romans 14:17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=17&version=9&context=verse)
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=15&verse=13&version=9&context=verse)
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 8:6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=6&version=9&context=verse)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=1&version=9&context=verse)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Do you see a trend here. We obtain peace by the Holy Ghost. You say how do we do that lol. Thats were prayer comes in. We obtain peace through the Holy Ghost by time spent with God. The Holy Ghost is refered to as the comforter. To have peace you must be comfortable or comforted.
.
They are looking at this wrong and how do they have assurance of salvation? First off Jesus only saves us in the sense that he gave us the tools to be saved. Second we have a part to play in this saving process look at this cloesly.
Acts 2:40 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=2&verse=40&version=9&context=verse)
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Looks to me like we have to save ourselves. If you were hanging from a cliff for dear life and your earthly father let down a rope he would be saving you. But the only way you would be saved is to save yourself by grabing the rope. lets say sin is letting go of the rope. You let go the only way to be saved again is to grab it again. In reality you will only be truly saved when you make it to your father who is holding the rope. He will take care of getting you to him you just have to hold on to the rope. I am tired so I hope this made sense. LOL. I will respond better tommorrow God bless.

I am very saddened and troubled to read what I have highlighted above. I will respond later when I have the time.

[luvmyfamily]

Different people have different ways at looking at "assurance of salvation".

I have had peace ever since I came to God and was baptized and began to live for Him. That doesn't mean I never worry, because there are always things I worry some about...like I worry when my kids are sick...but I have peace that God is there, too, looking out for my child, and has a will for her that I can't see just yet. I know that HE knows what is best. He knows what is best for me, and He knows what is best for my family. I put my trust in Him. I love Him, and I follow Him, and when sin has been brought to my attention, I confess it because I am sorry I did it, and ask Him for forgiveness. And because I have Him in my life, I know that He WILL forgive it, because He is my Father and He said He would. I know that when I sin I lose a certain fellowship and relationship with Him, because He can't be around sin. When we sin, we SHOULDN"T have peace, we should be convicted and have godly sorrow to be back in fellowship. Do I believe I am going to Hell everytime I sin? I don't. Some people believe that, but I don't. Jesus has REDEEMED me by His SAVING GRACE. I can rest in that peace. I think that in order for Him to blot my name from the Lamb's Book of Life, I have to turn away from Him. And I think it takes A LOT for Him to do that. He is full of grace and truth, just as John's gospel says, and He is full of mercy.

As long as my name is in the Lamb's Book of Life, I have assurance of salvation. He makes it a point not to blot it out every time I slip up! He is faithful to forgive me. His blood covers my sins and slip-ups, as long as I trust in Him. If I ever turn my back on Him, it's like crucifying Him all over again. If I never come back to Him, that's when He sadly blots out my name.

[truthseeker3139]

Different people have different ways at looking at "assurance of salvation".

I have had peace ever since I came to God and was baptized and began to live for Him. That doesn't mean I never worry, because there are always things I worry some about...like I worry when my kids are sick...but I have peace that God is there, too, looking out for my child, and has a will for her that I can't see just yet. I know that HE knows what is best. He knows what is best for me, and He knows what is best for my family. I put my trust in Him. I love Him, and I follow Him, and when sin has been brought to my attention, I confess it because I am sorry I did it, and ask Him for forgiveness. And because I have Him in my life, I know that He WILL forgive it, because He is my Father and He said He would. I know that when I sin I lose a certain fellowship and relationship with Him, because He can't be around sin. When we sin, we SHOULDN"T have peace, we should be convicted and have godly sorrow to be back in fellowship. Do I believe I am going to Hell everytime I sin? I don't. Some people believe that, but I don't. Jesus has REDEEMED me by His SAVING GRACE. I can rest in that peace. I think that in order for Him to blot my name from the Lamb's Book of Life, I have to turn away from Him. And I think it takes A LOT for Him to do that. He is full of grace and truth, just as John's gospel says, and He is full of mercy.

As long as my name is in the Lamb's Book of Life, I have assurance of salvation. He makes it a point not to blot it out every time I slip up! He is faithful to forgive me. His blood covers my sins and slip-ups, as long as I trust in Him. If I ever turn my back on Him, it's like crucifying Him all over again. If I never come back to Him, that's when He sadly blots out my name.

Hmm. Maybe I don't need to respond after all. Great post.

[BrotherD]

I don't know if you still check in here because it's been a while since you first posted here but I think I understand what you are saying and what is going on here.
Don't get discouraged because you are not perfected yet. When I came into the church I was zealous to do all the right things and abstain from the wrong things. I learned all the do's and don'ts and I applied them dilligently. Problem was, it was not in my heart. I had good intentions and I thought if I just did a, b, c, i would become a good christian. But God wants us to have a heart change. Which means, not doing the things you're know are not right because you don't want to do them. You know longer have the desire. It sounds like to me has quickened your conscience and so the things you used to do without a care, now bother you. God is patient, gentle and merciful. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted". Do you ever just cry, or feel sad, or perhaps just feel down and frustrated with yourself? Like Paul, you do the things you don't want to do, but you fail to do the things you should (Romans 7)?
My prayer is that you will learn to let God have more control of your life so that you can have the peace that comes with it. Like the song goes... "learning to lean on Jesus". Fear keeps us from God and from allowing him to come closer to us. For whatever reason trust may not be easy for you, but God love you and is very kind, patient and willing to work with you. Just try is all he asks. The difference between Godly fear and being afraid of God is that Godly fear brings you closer to Him. The fear that is unhealthy, pushes him away. God will teach you if you ask Him so you can have the awe and respect that comes from Godly fear of realizing how big and great He is. And you can ask him to help you with the fear that keeps you from having fellowship and interaction and trust in Him.

God Bless.

Hi! I am new to GNC. Actually, I am kind of new to forums so I hope I do this correctly. The reason I am here is because I have questions and this seems like a great way to get them answered anonymously. :o
Grace has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Not in the sense that you are probably thinking though. I mean I understand that grace is something God gives us that we don't deserve; Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve but, my question is; God extends grace to people who are not saved so that they might become His children but, after we are saved do we still get His grace? I mean, when we are in darkness we don't know what we are doing but after when we are in the light, we do know what we are doing. So, does God still extend grace to us? :confused: Does that make sense?

[YAHWEH TSIDKENU]

This is a lovely scripture which I frequently quote to myself when 'condemnation and fear' comes from my spiritual enemies , "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:1,2).

Because we have been justified by faith in His blood atonement (Rom. 5:9), we have peace with Him, and when we were buried with Him in baptism, we died to the law (Rom. 6:3,4; 7:1-6), the Old Covenant of do's and don'ts which not even the Jews could keep perfectly (Rom. 2:17-24) and when we received His Spirit we entered into a newness of life in a new relationship of Father and child ... 'Abba (Papa) Father' (Rom. 8:15,16), or 'Daddy', the most beautiful, perfect love relationship you will ever have with any living being.

We now have have a standing in grace, we are not under a system of law anymore (Rom. 7:4,6; 10:4), He's not the stern judge sitting in the courtroom just waiting to criticise and judge and beat us up, He took off his judge's wig, came down into the dock and paid the penalty for us guilty sinners, and took us into His arms as His new spiritual babies (1 Peter 2:2). Having filled us with His powerful Spirit, He now diligently parents us and patiently teaches us to walk in His ways by leaning on His power, rather than our own, and He is very sympathetic concerning our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15,16), He is not condemning us when we fail (Rom. 8:31-35), He knows it takes years for us to grow in Him and He is not impatient.

When I first became a Christian I was so convicted by my sinfulness I spent hours saying sorry for every thing I could think of that I had done wrong, and I lived in fear continually, not understanding the love relationship and new standing in grace I had come into with God through faith and obedience to the New Covenant. My natural father was very critical and hard to please and my understanding of a father/child relationship was coloured by my human parental relationship. It took many years of God patiently being there for me, constantly reassuring me and teaching me what the scriptures say about my new relationship with Him, for faith to grow to the place that when I messed up, I knew that He was still very graciously, patiently and lovingly waiting for me to say sorry like a repentant child and to ask for His forgiveness and know without doubt that He would grant it to me (1 Jn. 1:9).

The scriptures also say "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17), we don't get justified by faith then continue our walk with Him under a system of law (Gal. 3:1-11), we cannot be perfect enough to be justified by works, our sinful natures will beat us every time we attempt to stand before Him on the basis of law and works (Rom. 7:8-25), we have a new standing of grace and faith, and we do the works we do with the motives of faith and love (Gal. 5:1-6), not trying to work our way into heaven, no-one can do that (He already paid the entrance fee for us by Christ's sacrifice). He's given us (imputed) His perfect righteousness (Rom. 4:22-25) and we can't have a more perfect standing before Him than that.

I had to learn to just rest in His love and grace and His righteousness (Heb. 4:9,10) like a precious baby in His arms knowing that no one could love me as perfectly as He does, and look to Him for the power to do the things He convicts me to do. The promise of the New Covenant is that He will enable us to live righteously (Ezek. 36:26,27), but I did spend a few years learning that I couldn't do it in my own power, He let me fail drastically quite a few times until I understood that I can do nothing apart from Him (Jn. 15:5) but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philip. 4:13). My times of failure now remind me to stay humble and continue to live by faith, not by works, because "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9) and the occasional good works He helps us foolish, weak and base creatures do, we give Him the glory for (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Hope all this helps,
love,
Lyn. :)

[truthseeker3139]

This is a lovely scripture which I frequently quote to myself when 'condemnation and fear' comes from my spiritual enemies , "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:1,2).

Because we have been justified by faith in His blood atonement (Rom. 5:9), we have peace with Him, and when we were buried with Him in baptism, we died to the law (Rom. 6:3,4; 7:1-6), the Old Covenant of do's and don'ts which not even the Jews could keep perfectly (Rom. 2:17-24) and when we received His Spirit we entered into a newness of life in a new relationship of Father and child ... 'Abba (Papa) Father' (Rom. 8:15,16), or 'Daddy', the most beautiful, perfect love relationship you will ever have with any living being.

We now have have a standing in grace, we are not under a system of law anymore (Rom. 7:4,6; 10:4), He's not the stern judge sitting in the courtroom just waiting to criticise and judge and beat us up, He took off his judge's wig, came down into the dock and paid the penalty for us guilty sinners, and took us into His arms as His new spiritual babies (1 Peter 2:2). Having filled us with His powerful Spirit, He now diligently parents us and patiently teaches us to walk in His ways by leaning on His power, rather than our own, and He is very sympathetic concerning our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15,16), He is not condemning us when we fail (Rom. 8:31-35), He knows it takes years for us to grow in Him and He is not impatient.

When I first became a Christian I was so convicted by my sinfulness I spent hours saying sorry for every thing I could think of that I had done wrong, and I lived in fear continually, not understanding the love relationship and new standing in grace I had come into with God through faith and obedience to the New Covenant. My natural father was very critical and hard to please and my understanding of a father/child relationship was coloured by my human parental relationship. It took many years of God patiently being there for me, constantly reassuring me and teaching me what the scriptures say about my new relationship with Him, for faith to grow to the place that when I messed up, I knew that He was still very graciously, patiently and lovingly waiting for me to say sorry like a repentant child and to ask for His forgiveness and know without doubt that He would grant it to me (1 Jn. 1:9).

The scriptures also say "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17), we don't get justified by faith then continue our walk with Him under a system of law (Gal. 3:1-11), we cannot be perfect enough to be justified by works, our sinful natures will beat us every time we attempt to stand before Him on the basis of law and works (Rom. 7:8-25), we have a new standing of grace and faith, and we do the works we do with the motives of faith and love (Gal. 5:1-6), not trying to work our way into heaven, no-one can do that (He already paid the entrance fee for us by Christ's sacrifice). He's given us (imputed) His perfect righteousness (Rom. 4:22-25) and we can't have a more perfect standing before Him than that.

I had to learn to just rest in His love and grace and His righteousness (Heb. 4:9,10) like a precious baby in His arms knowing that no one could love me as perfectly as He does, and look to Him for the power to do the things He convicts me to do. The promise of the New Covenant is that He will enable us to live righteously (Ezek. 36:26,27), but I did spend a few years learning that I couldn't do it in my own power, He let me fail drastically quite a few times until I understood that I can do nothing apart from Him (Jn. 15:5) but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philip. 4:13). My times of failure now remind me to stay humble and continue to live by faith, not by works, because "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9) and the occasional good works He helps us foolish, weak and base creatures do, we give Him the glory for (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Hope all this helps,
love,
Lyn. :)

Great post! :bow: :bow: :bow:

[zealwriter]

Welcome to the spot.

GRACE: the divine enablement to accomplish the will of the LORD JESUS.

[Evangelist Paul]

Welcome to the spot.

GRACE: the divine enablement to accomplish the will of the LORD JESUS.

Some have made the grace of God, his favor that we do not deserve, into a doctrine. When Paul said, "we are saved by grace, through faith," he wasn't talking about the "doctrine" of grace - he was talking about the reality of God's gift of salvation that comes to thsoe who believe.

There are no scriptures, that are rightly applied, which indicates that grace is an automatic covering for all of our sins. It is the grace of God that makes forgiveness and restoration possible for us; but the grace of God does not give us the liberty to continue in sin under the banner of "grace."

[Hnovilla]

His NAME is Jesus!


zealwriter:
"GRACE: the divine enablement to accomplish the will of the LORD JESUS.



I like that: "the divine enablement". Grace is that "...same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead...he shall quicken... (give life to) ...your mortal bodies..." Without the Holy Spirit we might be able to perform good deeds, but would be unable to do any "...works of righteousness..."


Brother Villa

[sipes]

Hi! I am new to GNC. Actually, I am kind of new to forums so I hope I do this correctly. The reason I am here is because I have questions and this seems like a great way to get them answered anonymously. :o
Grace has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. Not in the sense that you are probably thinking though. I mean I understand that grace is something God gives us that we don't deserve; Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve but, my question is; God extends grace to people who are not saved so that they might become His children but, after we are saved do we still get His grace? I mean, when we are in darkness we don't know what we are doing but after when we are in the light, we do know what we are doing. So, does God still extend grace to us? :confused: Does that make sense?


Welcome to GNC. I'm new here as well.

The gift of grace is not something that God would give and then take away.

Rom 5:15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

[coadie]

Welcome to GNC. I'm new here as well.

The gift of grace is not something that God would give and then take away.

Rom 5:15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.


15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many

3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

We recieve God's grace by being buried with Him in Baptism.

[DInsight]

The English language definition of "grace" does not fully encapsulate what the grace of God is all about. One scriptural example, Est 2:17, renders a clear difference between "grace" and "favour":And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. The grace of God is NOT an unmerited favour; rather, it is legally obtained (through mindfulness and command of the new covenant) and exclusively reserved for saints (adopted/begotten sons of God) so that they (saints) might obtain (through faith) the following things of grace (in given sequential order) unto an inheritance called eternal life:

Eternal righteousness (through faith) unto the knowledge of God;
The truth (through faith) unto salvation; and
The Spirit unto strength and eternal praise of God.If a carnal man hands over an inheritance to his children without doing so as a matter of unmerited favour, how much more shall God give grace (that is mindful of His covenant and commands the oath of His covenant) as a deserving gift unto the inheritance reserved for His beloved children. Therefore, we see that God's favour may extend to any man... but grace is exclusively given to heirs of eternal life, even His beloved children.

Any saint who has found/obtained manifold grace in the sight of God knows he/she obtained that gift as a result of a covenant, having been adopted or begotten as a son. Grace is obtained through faith; through faith and patience we obtain promises from God. That is why we are saved by grace through faith.

Now, we learn from Apostle James that faith without works is dead. Indeed, the faith of God through which grace comes must also be worked out as well... or the scripture will have erred.


How is faith worked out unto salvation? It is worked out by walking in the steps of faith, even as Abraham our father of faith (according to the flesh) walked in the steps of his faith (see Rom 4:12) after righteousness was imputed unto him.



Eph 2:10 declares:For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. If a believer has obtained faith (through which comes grace) unto salvation but does not walk in the steps of faith (as Abraham walked), his faith is dead. So, let us obtain grace which comes through faith in order that we may know and walk in the steps of faith unto salvation.

That is how we work out our salvation with fear (of God) and trembling; not by our own works, but by walking in honest and good works by Christ Jesus unto our salvation

Without having received the free gift of faith (hence grace) from God, no man can walk in the steps of faith unto salvation. Faith is a substantive gift from God; it is imparted through ministry by those given the gift of faith to minister. Apostle Paul, for example, had such a ministry for the impartation of faith (hence grace that comes through faith) to those who believe God.

By the way, the Lord Jesus Christ is able to blot out a name from the Book of Life (see Rev 3:4-5). When He comes again (like a thief at night appears suddenly and unannounced) to find a saint who is unwatchful and with defiled garment, He will blot out his/her name from the Book of Life. He is not playing, but has given ample warning that believers may heed what the Spirit is saying unto the churches.

Also by the way, the manifold (variegated) grace of God covers all sins in them who have obtained that gift. That is a major point (and step) of the grace of God in truth; the redemption by His blood is of grace through faith, and is able to purge and redeem all sins according to the New Covenant (see Hbr 8:12)... and then some. And, His blood covers ALL sins in them that believe.

Also by the way, the grace of God is eternally righteous, holy, and reverend among many other things. Therefore, grace is absolutely no license or liberty for any believer to continue in sin. God forbid that a man continues in sin that grace may abound... for how then shall grace justify, and sanctify, and bring about righteousness.... if it allows sin?

[pastor febus]

Grace is obtained by faith only. We are saved by grace THROUGH faith. Grace is not unmerited favor. Preachers got that from the Websters dictionary. Strongs says it is divine influence on the heart. Grace empowers, it is not a margin of error or sloppy religion. The word is rendered CHARIS, the root word for charisma or the gifting and empowement of the church. The power of grace is the mo jo we possess in the Holy Ghost. That is why Paul often says "grace unto you...." in his salutations to the churches.