Concerning God's Grace

charis, Greek 5485, Strong’s
charis, khar'-ece; from Greek 5463 (chairo); 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).

Where, in the above, does it state that it is God's "unmerited" favor?

I haven't suggested anything. I asked a question concerning the definition found in Strongs. I'm not here picking a fight. Can you answer my question? Can you find where it is God's unmerited favor? If not, .... what?

JaySaved wrote:

I haven't suggested anything. I asked a question concerning the definition found in Strongs. I'm not here picking a fight. Can you answer my question? Can you find where it is God's unmerited favor? If not, .... what?

charis, Greek 5485, Strong’s
charis, khar'-ece; from Greek 5463 (chairo); 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).

Where, in the above, does it state that it is God's "unmerited" favor?

It does not contain the words 'unmerited favor'. However, it is important to note the context in which it is used, especially when it refers to 'saving grace'. Please consider the verse I provided earlier.

What do you make of Romans 11:5-6
"So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."

In the context of these verses Paul is stating that there is a remnant of Jewish people chosen by the charis (grace) of God. Paul then says that since it is by charis then it cannot be on the basis of works. Grace cannot be based on merit because if it is based on merit it becomes debt.

But I didn't give a verse to be interpreted. I submitted a word and its definition. What does the word mean if Strongs doesn't have it right.

First rule in understanding anything written is to first let it say what it says, using correct definitions in the process. Ergo, one must let the word "grace" mean what it is defined to mean. If the word doesn't mean what we have been led to believe or has more depth of meaning than we are given to believe and it is taught us, by commentary, in a way that can't be reconciled with its actual definition, there must be something else at work in the commentary making the verse say something other than intended by the writer of the verse[s] presented us.

Here are just a few verses you may wish to ponder before you say it is not unmerited and yet I know that it can be and is, however, our understanding of when it is and when it isn't, will be a point of contention:

Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 19:19 (KJV)
Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

Genesis 32:5 (KJV)
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Genesis 33:8 (KJV)
And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

Genesis 33:10 (KJV)
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

hulsey wrote:
Hey Brother,

You wrote:

charis, Greek 5485, Strong’s
charis, khar'-ece; from Greek 5463 (chairo); 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, [b]grace[/b] (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

Where, in the above, does it state that it is God's "unmerited" favor?

I placed in bold one of the words that it's translated as. Grace has as one of it's meanings "unmerited favor".

Here is the second potential definition of "grace" as provided by Webster's dictionary:

2. Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.

And if by grace,then it is no more of works. Rom 11.

So if the word is translated as "grace" and "grace" has as a potential meaning "unmerited favor" then it is appropriate to say that "charis" can mean "unmerited favor".

Hope this helps.

In Christ,
Jeremy Hulsey

According Webster, that may be so, but when did Webster become an authority on Biblical definitions?

If choice is between Webster and Strongs which way will you lean when seekin the truth of God's word? Whose meaning carries more weight? You don't know but that Webster's may have written by someone who grew up with nothing but Calvin's view of scripture, throwing objectivity to the wind.

JaySaved wrote:
Please respond to Romans 11:5-6 before we go any further. Please tell me what Paul means by "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."

No... I'm not interested what Paul is saying there or any place else. This has nothing to do with Paul. It has everything to do with Strongs definition of Grace. Why can't you see that... perhaps you don't want to? Aren't you capable of being objective?

JaySaved wrote:

No... I'm not interested what Paul is saying there or any place else. This has nothing to do with Paul. It has everything to do with Strongs definition of Grace. Why can't you see that... perhaps you don't want to? Aren't you capable of being objective?

I cannot speak for Strong's definition of Grace. You must forgive me for failing to answer your question. I am trying hard not to be sarcastic here, but I tend to go to scripture for answers to questions such as these to let the men inspired by God speak for themselves.

Please forgive me also if my tone was sarcastic.
I don't wish to get into a discussion concerning what Paul was trying to convey in any particular verse. However, having said that, whatever it is that is written/spoken concerning God's Grace can be seen in a different light if "unmerited favor" isn't the only definition of the word, which necessitates our further inquiry in order to ascertain what the thought or declaration presented by the writer[s] really is intended for us to grasp. I mean only to convey that certainty.

This list is long but worth the effort reading to see if "unmerited favor" fits all occasions. I believe you will agree, it doesn't .. nor can it.

Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 19:19 (KJV)
Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

Genesis 32:5 (KJV)
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Genesis 33:8 (KJV)
And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

Genesis 33:10 (KJV)
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

Genesis 33:15 (KJV)
And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.

Genesis 34:11 (KJV)
And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.

Genesis 39:4 (KJV)
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Genesis 47:25 (KJV)
And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.

Genesis 47:29 (KJV)
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

Genesis 50:4 (KJV)
And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

Exodus 33:12-13 (KJV)
And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. [13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Exodus 33:16-17 (KJV)
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. [17] And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Exodus 34:9 (KJV)
And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

Numbers 32:5 (KJV)
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.

Judges 6:17 (KJV)
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

Ruth 2:2 (KJV)
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Ruth 2:10 (KJV)
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

1 Samuel 1:18 (KJV)
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

1 Samuel 20:3 (KJV)
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

1 Samuel 27:5 (KJV)
And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?

2 Samuel 14:22 (KJV)
And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, Today thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

2 Samuel 16:4 (KJV)
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

Ezra 9:8 (KJV)
And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

Esther 2:17 (KJV)
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.

Psalm 45:2 (KJV)
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Psalm 84:11 (KJV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 1:9 (KJV)
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Proverbs 3:22 (KJV)
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Proverbs 3:34 (KJV)
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Proverbs 4:9 (KJV)
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Proverbs 22:11 (KJV)
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Jeremiah 31:2 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

Zech. 4:7 (KJV)
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

Zech. 12:10 (KJV)
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Luke 2:40 (KJV)
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

John 1:14 (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:16-17 (KJV)
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. [17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:33 (KJV)
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 11:23 (KJV)
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Acts 13:43 (KJV)
Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 14:3 (KJV)
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 14:26 (KJV)
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Acts 15:11 (KJV)
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Acts 15:40 (KJV)
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

Acts 18:27 (KJV)
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Acts 20:24 (KJV)
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:32 (KJV)
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Romans 1:5 (KJV)
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 1:7 (KJV)
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:24 (KJV)
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 4:4 (KJV)
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Romans 4:16 (KJV)
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 5:2 (KJV)
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:15 (KJV)
But 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.

Romans 5:17 (KJV)
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:20-6:1 (KJV)
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: [21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
[6:1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Romans 6:14-15 (KJV)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Romans 11:5-6 (KJV)
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. [6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Romans 12:3 (KJV)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 12:6 (KJV)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 15:15 (KJV)
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

Romans 16:20 (KJV)
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Romans 16:24 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1 Cor. 1:3-4 (KJV)
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

1 Cor. 3:10 (KJV)
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Cor. 10:30 (KJV)
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

1 Cor. 15:10 (KJV)
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1 Cor. 16:23 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Cor. 1:2 (KJV)
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Cor. 1:12 (KJV)
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Cor. 4:15 (KJV)
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2 Cor. 6:1 (KJV)
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 Cor. 8:1 (KJV)
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Cor. 8:6-7 (KJV)
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. [7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Cor. 8:9 (KJV)
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

2 Cor. 8:19 (KJV)
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

2 Cor. 9:8 (KJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Cor. 9:14 (KJV)
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

2 Cor. 12:9 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Cor. 13:14 (KJV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Galatians 1:3 (KJV)
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Galatians 1:6 (KJV)
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Galatians 1:15 (KJV)
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

Galatians 2:9 (KJV)
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Galatians 2:21 (KJV)
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 5:4 (KJV)
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Galatians 6:18 (KJV)
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Ephes. 1:2 (KJV)
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephes. 1:6-7 (KJV)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. [7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephes. 2:5 (KJV)
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephes. 2:7-8 (KJV)
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephes. 3:2 (KJV)
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:

Ephes. 3:7-8 (KJV)
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephes. 4:7 (KJV)
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephes. 4:29 (KJV)
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephes. 6:24 (KJV)
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Philip. 1:2 (KJV)
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philip. 1:7 (KJV)
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Philip. 4:23 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Col. 1:2 (KJV)
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Col. 1:6 (KJV)
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

Col. 3:16 (KJV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Col. 4:6 (KJV)
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Col. 4:18 (KJV)
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

1 Thes. 1:1 (KJV)
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thes. 5:28 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

2 Thes. 1:2 (KJV)
Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thes. 1:12 (KJV)
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thes. 2:16 (KJV)
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2 Thes. 3:18 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1 Tim. 1:2 (KJV)
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Tim. 1:14 (KJV)
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim. 6:21 (KJV)
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

2 Tim. 1:2 (KJV)
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Tim. 1:9 (KJV)
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2 Tim. 2:1 (KJV)
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Tim. 4:22 (KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Titus 1:4 (KJV)
To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus 2:11 (KJV)
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 3:7 (KJV)
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:15 (KJV)
All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Philemon 1:3 (KJV)
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:25 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Hebrews 2:9 (KJV)
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:29 (KJV)
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 12:15 (KJV)
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Hebrews 12:28 (KJV)
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Hebrews 13:9 (KJV)
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Hebrews 13:25 (KJV)
Grace be with you all. Amen.

James 1:11 (KJV)
For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

James 4:6 (KJV)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 1:2 (KJV)
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 Peter 1:10 (KJV)
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1 Peter 1:13 (KJV)
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 3:7 (KJV)
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 5:5 (KJV)
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 5:12 (KJV)
By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

2 Peter 1:2 (KJV)
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
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.

2 John 1:3 (KJV)
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Jude 1:4 (KJV)
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. 1:4 (KJV)
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Rev. 22:21 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

c52 wrote:
How about a definition from another source? I concur that Strong's doesn't even hint at unmerited favor. However the "New International Dictionary of the Bible" defines grace as "the unmerited favor of God toward fallen man". "Webster's Collegiate" defines grace as a "disposition to an act or instance of kindness, courtesy or clemency", which, even from a secular point of view seems close to what we have been taught to believe. Obviously there are many examples in scripture of what might reasonably be considered to be instances of "merited favor". Would you agree?

Indeed. That is why I posted every verse in the Bible [KJV] that contained the word "grace". Examining only few verse will illustrate my point.

For any source like one you point to have as its root meaning for grace, "unmerited favor" is a source that is slanted toward a particular dogma. Dogma is doctrine to many who can't tell the difference. Me thinks the meaning came from Calvin. Can we be sure of that? Does someone know?

Being careful when purchasing a study Bible or one with commentary, must include who it is and what "dogma" they embrace that influences their commentary and leading questions that they hope will only produce the answers in you they wish you to learn.. I believe most take the commentary as being, itself, the gospel thus causing folk to believe others are heretics if they disagree with their slanted/corrupted understanding.

JaySaved wrote:
Ormly,
In your understanding of scripture, how does a person merit the grace of God? What must a person do to earn it?

Turn their face towards Him that He will see it and cause His Grace to be made effective in them that they turn even more to be made complete in Him, by that same gift of Grace. For us, this side of the cross, that means to be made complete in Christ Jesus per Gal. 2.20. That is His purpose/reason for His Grace, that it might seen by man that God could-would favor Him even more, with His Glory. See John 17

I pray that is a help to you?

JaySaved wrote:

Turn their face towards Him that He will see it and cause His Grace to be made effective in them that they turn even more to be made complete in Him, by that same gift of Grace. For us, this side of the cross, that means to be made complete in Christ Jesus per Gal. 2.20. That is His purpose/reason for His Grace, that it might seen by man that God could-would favor Him even more, with His Glory. See John 17
I pray that is a help to you?

So it is man who initiates the process? Is this why some men become Christians and others don't? Is grace therefore dependent upon man?

No. What is depended upon man is the effect of Grace upon him. That is why faith is so important. Without faith directed/redirected to God it is impossible to please Him that Grace be manifested in him.

JaySaved wrote:

No. What is depended upon man is the effect of Grace upon him. That is why faith is so important. Without faith directed/redirected to God it is impossible to please Him that Grace be manifested in him.

Help me to understand your position. You are saying that God initiates the process? That grace is not dependent upon man?

That's exactly correct. However you might say God's Grace is because of man; God loves him. But that is not to say God won't judge him. There is coming a time when God's Grace will be removed from the earth. However, for the present, it remains for all to accept. Is that not true? However, will all respond? No. Whose fault is that if man has within him the created ability to believe? Man is without excuse because God's Grace is evidenced.

JaySaved wrote:
I agree that in regards to salvation, God's grace is not dependent upon man.

If you are speaking of salvation for man, it most certainly does depend upon man, as with all that I have put forth to you. Man is given a choice to make.. Need scripture for that?

So, why are you trying to say that grace does not mean unmerited favor?

Show me where it does? I gave you every verse in the Bible where the word "grace" is mentioned. Pick one, open it up and explore the context and then make a judgment.

Here is where I am confused:
If grace is not dependent upon man, then man does not merit the grace by what he does or does not do.

Grace is a gift to man for him to do something with it, not to let pass him by without appropiating it's riches. Get my drift? Ever receive a gift like that and not take it?

For the grace to not be unmerited, then it would be bestowed upon whomever meets certain criteria.

You must mean like, "faith"? If so, you are seeing the picture because without it it is impossible to please God nevertheless come to Him since it is in believing that draws men unto the Father who points you to Christ.

It cannot be unmerited/not dependent and merited/dependent at the same time.

It can be whatever God deems it to be, however, His Grace will never violate His Holiness and Justice, ergo, His Character, therefore, believing and repentance must happen in the life a one before God's Grace can be appropiated. Can you see that?

Orm

JaySaved wrote:
I wrote:

Is grace therefore dependent upon man?

Ormly replied:

No.

I then replied:

Ormly replied

That's exactly correct.

I then replied back:

I agree that in regards to salvation, God's grace is not dependent upon man.

To which Ormly then replied:

If you are speaking of salvation for man, it most certainly does depend upon man, as with all that I have put forth to you. Man is given a choice to make.. Need scripture for that?

Ormly, your position changed during our discussion. For us to continue this discussion you are going to have to pick a side. Is God's grace dependent upon man or is it not dependent upon man. Clear this up for me.

My position hasn't changed one wit.

You fail to see that God initiates the whole thing from creation. He began the whole program by GIVING you first a body and then His Grace and a brain/mind in which to exercise YOUR perogatives. This goes by the term, "freewill" ... man's.. How much faith you have will be seen by how well you can sort out the issues of life and what you appropiate as a help in doing so. You will either respond with faith towards what God has provided as a gift to you or you will exercise your progative/freewill along another line of persuasion. Isn't God Good?!

Also, in response to my statement
So, why are you trying to say that grace does not mean unmerited favor?

You said:

Show me where it does?

Do you not remember the very first verse I gave?
What do you make of Romans 11:5-6? "So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."

Remember that was the verse that caused you to reply:

I'm not interested what Paul is saying there or any place else. This has nothing to do with Paul.... This has to do with the meaning of the word Grace

I stand by that remark. Grace does not ever violate God's Character. Whatever He CHOOSES must meet certain criteria that His Holiness and Justice be not violated. Therfore, those chosen, qualified. It is given for us to understand what that qualification is. I submit that it is the application of the Great Commandment and all that IT entails when we speak of rectification of our soul, our resposibility, not His. See 1 Pet.1.22.

Romans 11:5-6 speaks of Grace not being by works or based on anything that man does or does not do. This means that grace is unmerited.

Then it must assumed by you that our love to the Father is irrelevant; "works".

JaySaved wrote:

If you understood the meaning of Grace as given instead of embracing a singular meaning from Calvin's Intitutes, you would understand why I could say that without contradicting myself.

In the context of grace in salvation, please tell me how you can say that grace is not dependent upon man but it is dependent upon man.

Grace is unconditionally given. That's God's part, His gift, that man can only respond by an exercise of his faith. I'm sure you've read that somewhere.

Grace received is man's part, conditional upon his receiving it. That should be clear and simple.

Then it must assumed by you that our love to the Father is irrelevant; "works".

I am not saying that our love for God is irrelevant. I am saying that our love for God is not the reason why we receive Grace.

I fully realize the sun shines on the just and the unjust equally however, our love TO God is ultimately the reason unto salvation. "Ultimately" should be emphasised because man is saved for a reason that only love TO and not FOR God imperative.

Does anyone else viewing this discussion believe that grace is merited by man?

What? Not convinced yet? All that scripture falling on obstinacy. Whatta waste of good scripture.

Abide wrote:
Genesis 33:10 (KJV)
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

ORMLY: this has ministered to ME, and reminded me of Gideon in the book of Judges and how he too went to prepare an offering for the Lord – the Angel of the Lord waited and the offering was consumed, do you understand? I concur that you do.

Amen Brother, All these verses from Genesis speak of a realisation of the need to be pleasing to God that they might receive of Him His blessings. No presumption allowed. Blessings of God to seen here as His Grace.

Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 19:19 (KJV)
Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

Genesis 32:5 (KJV)
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Genesis 33:8 (KJV)
And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

Genesis 33:10 (KJV)
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

Genesis 33:15 (KJV)
And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.

Genesis 34:11 (KJV)
And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.

Genesis 39:4 (KJV)
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Genesis 47:25 (KJV)
And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.

Genesis 47:29 (KJV)
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."

Question for Jay: If you believe, and you must, that God's is arbitrary in giving out His "unmerited favor", how come no one else found Grace in the eyes of the Lord? How come with so much riding on this human event and tragety, Noah was the only one? What was God's reason for choosing Noah? Scripture chapter and verse, please.

JaySaved wrote:

Grace is unconditionally given. That's God's part, His gift, that man can only respond by an exercise of his faith. I'm sure you've read that somewhere.

Grace received is man's part, conditional upon his receiving it. That should be clear and simple.

A study must be done concerning saving grace and saving faith.

I thought we just did that. What, ...not convinced?

Saving grace is given by God to those whom He chooses to regenerate. This grace is not extended to all people. (I know that is unpopular teaching, but it is scriptural.)

Titus 3:3 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Notice where we were
-Slaves to sin.

Notice what happened
-God saved us.

Notice how salvation did not happen
-Through works done in righteousness.

Notice how salvation did happen
-His mercy, by the washing of regeneration.

How were we justified?
-By His grace poured out on us.

Who is the 'us' spoken of?
-All who receive the regenerating grace.

Saving grace is different than common grace. I agree with you statement:

the sun shines on the just and the unjust equally

Saving grace is regenerating grace. It is only through the regenerating grace that we can love God in the first place.

You overlooked a verse from the same writer:

Titus 2:11 (KJV)
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Argue this with someone else, You are going circular beyond my willingness to further engage you, as is what usually happens when a 5 pointer can't explain the scripture they offer up for prove texting they have learned.. Please don't take my backing away from this discussion as a sign I have nothing further to say. I just believe at this point, given your unsoundness and willful attempt at manipulately my words, must bow out, leaving you to your flower bed.

Regards

JaySaved wrote:
Ormly,

I agree that it would be wise to end this discussion since we obviously hold to two different views on this issue and neither one of us feel compelled to budge.

I do ask that you would disagree with a little less sarcasm. It has been more difficult to engage in this discussion because of it. I understand that you disagree with me, I accept that and do not think badly of you. What is hard is for the snide comments directed at myself. Please know that I have done my best to treat you with the utmost respect. All I ask is for the same in return.

But that is just another false remark from you to which my sarcasm has been addressed. Dishonesty-misuse of scripture, however justified you may believe it is to do so, and false accusatons deserve nothing less, that your attention be made alive, especially after it been pointed out to you who has twisted my words and argument for personal advantage. Its not honest nor is it Christian.

Further comments on this subject from me will not be directed to you but rest assure you have, for many reasons, further solidified my opinion concerning the issue of God's Grace.

However, I do want to apologize to any/all who have observed this discussion who may have been offended by my responses to you however well intended by me. Knowing that it is always difficult to speak without saying wrongly, that which you wish to convey, my choice of words/writing ability is always suspect in my own mind. I do my best to say what I mean and mean what I say, without sarcasm when ever possible.

I am submitting this not because I am persuaded that many suffer from delusional thinking but rather a fear that many, whose salvation is not, nor can be verified to their satifisfaction, to be made secure to them, based upon a message that can not produce the peace of God. The dogma-doctrine I speak of can only produce discomfort in the practice of it because it produces nothing but a fatalism to the hearer/practioner. It does so by rendering the scriptures, unexplainable; a mystery that demands there be no inquiry because it has no answers that can satisfy the inquiring sincere mind. Things just are the way they are and man, by his actions/faith, cannot persuade God in His choosing and His Judgment, nor the giving of His Grace. Though scripture is repleat with examples, they are simply explained away by bad understanding of the context or lack of it, some scripture being able to stand alone.

Lets read:

Romans 9:15-16 says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."

Based on what, man’s ongoing sin without regard to the Mercy of God, the Grace shown by His Mercy? Man’s obstinacy? I don't believe God can be or has ever been arbitrary in His dealings with man.

Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD is because he "was a righteous man, blameless in his generation." and that he "walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)

Noah indeed found favor with God because Noah honored God, honor being something that can only be advanced toward God from a freewill in response to the revelation of who it is to be honored; the Grace of God given to all men. If God's Grace cannot be refused by man, why didn't men, other than Noah, respond to it? If you say it was God's Sovereignty then you are saying God is unjust, unmerciful, which He is never because He can violte who He is. Therefore, God did gave His Grace and man it was who refused it, coming only to their senses after the door was shut and by then, it was too late. Noah warned them for over 100yrs, but they would not believe. They would not turn to God for His Grace, as they did not turn to the ark for what is was about to accomplish, the saving of the remnant.

This is acknowledged by the writer of Titus 2:11 (NASB-U)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

In Noah's case, only he and his family because he was the only left who honored God by/with his life.

This is supported by 1 Tim. 2:4 (KJV)
"....Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

And then we have this that more specifically supports the necessity of man’s participation in the matter that has influence with God, able to change His Mind:

Titus 1:1 (NASB-U)
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to [Man’s] godliness...[emphasis mine]

Hebrews 10:26 (NASB-U)
For [if] we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Scripture, such as the verse below only point up the application of Grace based on the foreknowledge of God that can not be separated out to mean God chose Paul in an arbitrary manner. Paul met certain criteria for which and by which God chose him. Of course, we all know Paul needed a little help in understanding this that caused him to state what he stated as the truth of what really happened, God only foreknowing this about Paul.

"But by the grace of God [the revelation of Christ Jesus] I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. ………” [The revelation of Himself that caused me to come to my senses.... He knew I would under the proper circumstances of His Grace] [Emphasis/commentary, mine]

The rest of the verse is simply honor to God for His mercy in the matter, enabling His Grace for/to others through his own ministry.

Romans 11:2-4,
"Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." But what is God's reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

Romans 11:5-6
"So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."

The above verses, though seen as arbitrary by some, are not, simply because God’s Grace is never arbitrary.
Why would there ever be a remnant? A remnant connotes a people who once were. In this case, folk who were once in the Grace/Favor of God. This is not unlike the situation in the time of the flood or the destruction of Sodom. There was that very small remnant then, however, time and procreation had its way of multiplying the very few to become the very many who will, without God’s intervention, will once again become the very few. Why? ---Because they will lose their love to, for, and of God. It will wax cold. Even some of the very elect will be deceived to return to their existence away from the God of their salvation. From Peter is this:

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:20-22 (KJV)

From Job is this:

Job 20:15 (KJV)
He [deceived man] hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. [emphasis mine]

It can be readily seen in the scriptures that God keeps those who keep Him, His keeping us the better in times of trial/faithlessness, however, discarding those who will not retain Him in their thinking. He is the great rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, especially with the whole heart.

One more thing that must be noted and remembered: There is no difference between God’s “saving Grace” and any other Grace God gifts to man. Most importantly to remember is that the Grace of God is NEVER, EVER, common.

If the Grace of God cannot be understood certainly His Sovereignty, Justice, Mercy and Holiness can never also be understood because they can not violate one another. This goes unnoticed by the unlearned.

I pray this will be a help to some who are searching for God's Amazing Grace.

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely". Rev. 22:17 (KJV
Peace,

Orm

I like this from Oswald Chambers:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void [“waste and void,” rv]. (Genesis 1:1-2)

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
Fundamentally, chaos—the state of matter before it was reduced to order by the Creator—is not to be regarded necessarily as the result of Divine judgment but as the foundation of cosmos, like a painter’s palette where he mixes his colours: he sees in it what you cannot. “Bairns and fools shouldn’t see half-done work.” We must bear in mind that the constructed world of man we see to-day is not the created world of God. The basis of man’s life has had a formation put upon it which is not of God; what is needed is not the re-forming of the basis, but the removal of that which has been erected on the basis. If I build my life on the things which God did not form He will have to destroy them, shake them back into chaos. That is why whenever a man, moral or immoral, sees for the first time the light of God in Jesus Christ it produces conviction of sin, and he cries out, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” When the Holy Spirit comes into a man “his beauty is consumed away,” the perfectly ordered completeness of his whole nature is broken up; then the Holy Spirit, brooding over the chaos that is produced, brings a word of God, and as that word is received and obeyed a new life is formed."

Chambers, O. 1958;2002. Our Portrait in Genesis;PORTGEN. Marshall Morgan and Scott

Grace is from God that is distributed to all without distinction. However, the term common Grace is never used in the Bible pertaining to the Grace of God. Therefore, the word common was inserted by teachers to facilitate people to another belief system/model, otherwise, how can it ever be explained as being “common”. So called “common” Grace is manifested in sunshine and rain, they say. Both of these are brought upon the good and the evil without distinction.

Note:
This is the MAJOR reason for not buyng a Bible with a commentary in its covers. Much too often, as seen here, a commentary as part of a Bible is viewed as gospel. People are spiritually lazy who buy such Bibles, not wanting to do their own research, being led of the Holy Spirit in their understanding. All that is produced is "headknowledge" ... from written out "headknowledge" from other in most cases.

Moving on:

What it is is an act of creation whereby man will/must be sufficiently sustained that the furthering of God’s Grace might be manifest to man. All of God’s creation is an act of His Grace. Therefore, it can never be a common thing that God does/dispenses when His plan-purpose for man is revealed by His Grace to all, so-called common or otherwise. Man is without excuse because of God’s Grace revealed.

Psalm 145:9, “The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”

The sunshine and the rain is what God created for all that He has made and no one can say that they have not been the recipient of God’s Grace in some fashion.

It can not be denied that God’s Grace and His Mercy are one in the same, in fact the word is interchangeable with any of His Attributes but that takes insight when reading verses that do not use the word outright, therefore I can say without violating scripture, His Grace is over all He has made. The below scriptures testify to this when trying to understand how His can be explained as His “unmerited favor”, though His Plan-Purpose is never without merit. Proper distinctions are a must if a rightly divided word is to be achieved.

Psalm 145:15-16, “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

Psalm 136:25, “he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

We can see that God’s Grace and His Love are one in the same as well.

John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus was full of Grace and Truth, Truth also being an attribute of God. Therefore, it can be seen that God gave man His Grace in Flesh, man being such the hardhead, he needed Grace with skin on it…. But that wasn’t the only reason Christ came to earth.

Acts 14:16-17, “In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

“God brought rains and fruitful seasons to all nations, not only the Jewish Nation. God satisfied the worlds hearts with plenty of food and gladness. These verses also tell us that common grace bears witness to the existence of God.”

If the witness was Himself and it was given to all nations then His Grace, the witness of Himself, is still not common but given in commonality to all men to spiritually as well materially, profit withal. The difficulty here is that credit for the profit was to be given to God. [see the account of Cain and Abel] In this can be seen the reason for the heathen religious rituals/sacrifices/ceremonies to their various god’s, for the blessings they sought to preserve. This they did from a “righteous” ignorance/innocence. They did not know about Jesus, Grace in the Flesh. Many today are still without that knowledge that would facilitate, to bring them into son-ship. Calvin never saw that as the Gospel and the world has suffered because of it.

Common Grace is a term not found in scripture and thus must be viewed as man’s reasoning, his attempt to sort out for himself the message of the Bible without the help of the Holy Spirit. God’s Grace is indeed made available to all that all might believe in God and turn to Him for the furthering of His Grace to them, unto son-ship. If we bring that perspective into the NT to be enlarged upon, it can be seen to mean, “in all for son-ship” and “whosoever will… let him come, drink”, fits that perspective.

Psalm 34:8 (NASB-U) “How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O taste and see that the Lord is good;” [emphasis mine]

The word “common” inserted brings a ready contradiction to a 5 pointer who says God picks and chooses those to receive His Mercy and Goodness. Why would God give His Grace [Mercy and Goodness] to all but not for coming to Him for His salvation?? That does not make sense to this thinker. God’s Grace given to Israel was never for their regeneration, justification, sanctification and glorification unless that happened. We know from the record it did not nor could it be for those reasons. It was impossible. However, they were repeatedly the recipients of God’s Grace to profit withal by the very presence of Himself yet they always rebelled as a nation and turned their back on Him. How come if God’s Grace is irresistible, the very presence of God, mind you? How come if God picked/chose them to be that which He prevented others from being? What did they do with God’s Mercy and Goodness, His saving Grace that was obviously more than “common”?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that [gifts] to all men liberally, and upbraideth not [without shaming you]; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 (KJV) [emphasis mine]

Romans 8:28-30
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

It is to be understood from the above that God foreknew who He called. God always foreknows whom He calls unto whatever purpose or plan He has in mind because of the foreknowledge He alone possesses concerning everyone, both the good and the bad.

In this can be seen that Paul is only referring to those God foreknew to be His followers. We must keep in mind that with God there is no time frame of reference; everything is in the present tense with Him. Choices made by Him in eternity past are as today’s happenings. If He would say to us, “You are My son” it is because He saw from eternity, aeons ago. In our heart we may doubts about being a son, a child certainly, but a son? However, if God said it, it is a fact regardless of the work of rectification within yet to be accomplished. This can be looked upon as Reality vs Actuality; we are saved to be saved. Ergo, in reality we are Justified from eternity past because of God foreknowing us and performing ahead of our of discovery of Him….By His Grace given, mind you. Predestination should be easy to understand from this perspective.

This writer has asked:

"Is God’s foreknowledge based upon man’s decision or is it based upon God’s choice?"

My short answer is, neither, since God is omniscient and therefore He cannot ever not know a thing.... or person. That's a scriptural given.

Starting out a discussion with a wrong convoluted question, one that should not even be asked, how can the rest of his post be addressed? It is like being asked: "Would like to ride the buss or take your lunch?"

Concerning Matthew 7:22-23, the answer is very simple. However, if the discussion starts off wrong no answer will nor can, ever by right. I believe I'll save my writing for better [in] formed questions.

Indeed I do. You ask a stupid question that angers me, as it should anyone with a basic understanding of the scriptures.. Discussing the rest of your ramblings is pointless.

Post a question that can be truthfully answered. Post one that is not misleading and loaded with a wrong assumption you state as being a choice. When you do, I will be here.

The definition you supplied above says "gift." A gift is something given without merit. When a person earns something by their merit, then it is considered "pay." We earn a degree at a university by our merit through years of hard work, unless we have received an unmerited honorary degree given by the university as a gift.

I have repeatedly stated God's Grace is gift to all mankind for it is by Grace we can only be saved, if we appropriate it. God's part = the Gift of Grace.
Our part = receiving it.

Conclusion: God's Grace can be ignored, blasphemed, abused, resisted, presumed upon, etc, etc.
Why? Man has a freewill, even to damn himself.

JaySaved wrote:

I have repeatedly stated God's Grace is gift to all mankind for it is by Grace we can only be saved, if we appropriate it. God's part = the Gift of Grace.
Our part = receiving it.
Conclusion: God's Grace can be ignored, blasphemed, abused, resisted, presumed upon, etc, etc.
Why? Man has a freewill, even to damn himself.

Ormly, you are spinning! You have maintained that Grace is not unmerited favor and now you are saying it is favor extended to us regardless of merit.

Who's us?

I'm done. I leave you to your distortions and lack of insight.

Does anyone believe one can hold the results of God's Grace, in this case "truth", and be unrighteous?

Romans 1:18-20 (KJV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Titus 2:11 (KJV)

Here is an example of man responding to God's Grace, appropriating and then turning their back to it:

Romans 1:21 (KJV)
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Was further Grace from God witheld? Why would that be if it man can't affect it? Also, do you believe this was just a setup for God to get Glory when His wrath is dispensed?

More:

Romans 1:22-25 (KJV)
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Where is it stated in the below verse of God' Grace given that it is to be seen as saving Grace, apart fron other Grace He gifts since all of His Grace gifted is for one to come to repentance?..So stated by Paul.

Romans 2:4 (KJV)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Point is they had it. Since God is the possessor of truth, how did they get it?

Read down a litle further in the chapter.

(yawn)

You are in trouble. You need help. Take your pulse, it might be too late.

Do you ever go by any other name like "Bubba"? There is other guy on another who reads just like you. Perhaps you are brothers.

I'm noticing something about you, also. Your delusional.

JaySaved wrote:
I can't believe you are resorting to name calling. I will not respond in the same manner.

May God bless you my brother.

That not a name, it is a condition. Perhaps that also escapes you. Now all I have to do is determine whether or not it is by intention. I persuaded it is because .............