Grace...what is it?

[gloryseeker]

Grace has taken on many concepts. Some think of it as being similar to the grace period on a loan. Your payment is due on the first, but not late until the 10th and thereby equate grace as a free period in which sin can be repented of.

Others use the term that the Amplified Bible has coined, "Unmerited favor." This seems okay in the sense that we are saved by grace and we didn't deserve what Jesus did for us, but it would seem to me that would be a very shallow interpretation.

Paul said that everything he was he contributed to grace... How does that play into it?

What is grace?

[ChristopherHall]

I was taught that many, if not most, confuse grace with mercy.

In this sense "grace" is receiving from God what we don't deserve.

And "mercy" is not receiving from God what we do deserve.

[gloryseeker]

How are those definitions arrived at? The first time the word grace is used in the Bible is with Noah.

Gen 6:8
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Was the grace that Noah found undeserved?

Gen 6:9
"...Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God..."

It seems it would be hard to make a consistent argument that grace was just receiving from God what we didn't deserve.

Also, if you think about it this grace also came with a plan to build the ark and escape judgment.

In the opening statements of the majority of the Epistles (all but about 3) we find statements about grace multiplying in our lives. Therefore, it has a multiplication factor to it. If we don't deserve it, then do we just get more of what we don't deserve?

I have heard 2 preachers say that grace is the ability God gives us to do the right thing. I personally like that teaching.

[Adino]

What is Grace? Here's a good article on the topic:

The Proper View of Grace1

The Proper View of Grace2

The Proper View of Grace3

The Proper View of Grace4

[scotty]

Favor,

Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord,

All of Gods people are favored of Him. He favors those who serve Him. His favor for me is sufficient...

JMO

[Neck]

Originally Posted by gloryseeker

Grace has taken on many concepts. Some think of it as being similar to the grace period on a loan. Your payment is due on the first, but not late until the 10th and thereby equate grace as a free period in which sin can be repented of.

Others use the term that the Amplified Bible has coined, "Unmerited favor." This seems okay in the sense that we are saved by grace and we didn't deserve what Jesus did for us, but it would seem to me that would be a very shallow interpretation.

Paul said that everything he was he contributed to grace... How does that play into it?

What is grace?

The unmerited Favor of God! Is not an interpretation.

No matter how you view Grace, Christ was crucified before the foundations of the world were laid.

So how could you do anything to get God's favor.

John 1:16 after John shares with you who Jesus is states this....

Verse 16, "And of his fullness have all we received, and Grace for Grace".

Which can also be translated Grace upon Grace or his continued favor.

To call the unmerited favor (Grace) of God a shallow interpretation.

Is to deny the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Without which Acts 2:38 is completey a dead verse in eternity.

Without the Grace of God there is no power if there is power in Acts 2:38 as a verse or formula alone.

Remember what is the Power of God?

You can answer that question...

[Neck]

Originally Posted by scotty

Favor,

Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord,

All of Gods people are favored of Him. He favors those who serve Him. His favor for me is sufficient...

JMO

God favors all men. For in that when we were yet sinners he died for us.

It is up to us to show all me the Grace of God...

[Joelel]

Grace is the gift of salvation.G5485
χάρις
charis
khar‘-ece
From 5463 graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

Eph.2
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

[gloryseeker]

Actually I don't disagree with anything you said. I would only say that you misunderstood what I meant by, "a shall interpretation." That was not to imply in any way that the power of God is a shallow concept, but that was to question the teaching that grace is only favor that was not deserved.