The Grace Game

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Grace is a beautiful word, truly a great Bible truth is resident in this word. In fact, it is a word and concept without which man's salvation would be impossible. Grace is derived from the Greek charis. Thayer comments thus on charis: "… the New Testament writers used charis pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ …" (Greek-English Lexicon, pg. 666).

Some biblical facts regarding God's grace. The gospel (good news) is a result of God's grace (Gal. 1: 6-9). Grace is presented as sufficient and Christians are called by grace (2 Cor. 12: 7-10, Gal. 1: 15). Man is saved by grace, the heart is established by grace, and we are justified by grace (Eph. 2: 5, 8, Heb. 13: 9, Tit. 3: 7). Moreover, we render acceptable service by grace and grace imparts everlasting consolation (Heb. 12: 28, 29, 2 Thes. 2: 16). God's grace also makes us better people and helps us in time of need (I Cor. 15: 9, 10, Heb. 4: 16).

The origin of grace. Paul wrote, "Grace be unto you, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 1: 3). Grace is especially associated with Jesus in the New Testament (Jn. 1: 17, notice also the association of grace and truth). Hence, we read: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13: 14). James exclaimed, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (Jas. 1: 17).

Some recipients of God's grace. Noah "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen. 6: 8). The lowly are said to be favored with grace (Prov. 3: 34, I Pet. 5: 5). Jesus and Paul are expressly said to have experienced God's grace (Lk. 2: 40, I Cor. 15: 10). Also, all who love the Lord have God's grace bestowed upon them (Eph. 6: 24). Beloved, a study of those who enjoyed God's grace consistently reveals a certain type of person: one who was implicitly obedient, trusting, submissive to God's requirements, and who had enduring fidelity (Noah, Gen. 6: 5-8, Jesus, Jn. 4: 34, those who love the Lord, I Jn. 5: 3, and Paul, I Cor. 9: 26, 27, 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8). A required personality type to enjoy God's grace explains why while God's grace is universal, still only a few are saved (Tit. 2: 11, Matt. 7: 13, 14).

God's grace can be abused. Some in the First Century turned "the grace of our God into lasciviousness…" (Jude 4). One way in which this was done is seen in Paul's Epistle to the Romans. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (Rom. 6: 1). Paul immediately answered his own question: "God forbid" (vs. 2). Alas, grace continues to be presented today in such a fashion as to actually encourage the commission of sin. Instead of teaching which stresses man's responsibility to live right we hear statements similar to: "… the way a Christian lives, what he says, his character, his conduct, or his attitude toward other people have nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul …" (Sam Morris, Baptist Preacher, A Discussion which Involves a Subject Pertinent to All Men, pgs. 1, 2).

God's grace is also terribly abused when it is presented by man in such a way that God is the only operative force and agent. Consider: "Salvation is a free gift from God to certain individuals. We exercise faith in order to be saved, but even our faith is also a gift of God …" (William Cox, Amillennialism Today, pg. 33). "We believe that salvation of sinners is wholly of grace," one reads in the Baptist Manual (Art. 4, pg. 47).

Grace versus merit. The scriptures reveal that not only are grace and merit not coexistent, they are mutually excluding. Salvation cannot simultaneously be by grace and works (merit), Paul argues (Rom. 11: 6). If man could merit his salvation, God's grace would not be requisite (Rom. 4: 1 ff., Eph. 2: 8-18). However, the Bible truth that grace and merit are incompatible does not mean man is passive in the matter of enjoying God's grace (the scriptures, as seen, do not teach universal salvation - such would inevitably be the case if man were passive and God active because God is not willing that any perish, 2 Pet. 3: 9). "For by grace are ye saved through faith," explained Paul, "and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God…" (Eph. 2: 8). Grace is God's part, faith is man's responsibility. However, faith or belief itself is a work (Jn. 6: 29). Faith is not meritorious but a "work of God." Faith, saving faith, is always active and obedient (Jas. 2: 19-26).

Grace reigns through righteousness. An excellent verse regarding God's grace and which also addresses man's role is Romans 5: 21: "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." The expression "grace reign though righteousness" (charis basileuon dia dikaiosunes) reveals the climate in which grace is successful. "Righteousness" is an atmosphere of the presence of God's commandments and man's humble acquiescence to all that God had required of him (Ps. 119: 172, Acts 10: 34, 35).

In the vein just observed (God and man in the matter of grace), man's sins cancel out God's grace (Rom. 6: 1, 2-23). Grace can be received in vain (2 Cor. 6: 1), we can be removed from grace (Gal. 1: 6), and grace can be frustrated by man (Gal. 2: 21). We are to stand in grace, grow in grace, and be strong in grace (I Pet. 5: 12, 2 Pet. 3: 18, 2 Tim. 2: 1). Moreover, the Christian can "fall from grace" (Gal. 5: 4).

Beloved, we have seen the truth about God's grace as presented by God's word (see "word of his grace," Acts 20: 32). I, therefore, "recommend you to the grace of God" (Acts 14: 26).

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Prayer to Live With Grace


May we discover through pain and torment,
the strength to live with grace and humor.
May we discover through doubt and anguish,
the strength to live with dignity and holiness.
May we discover through suffering and fear,
the strength to move toward healing.
May it come to pass that we be restored to health and to vigor.
May Life grant us wellness of body, spirit, and mind.
And if this cannot be so, may we find in this transformation and passage
moments of meaning, opportunities for love
and the deep and gracious calm that comes
when we allow ourselves to move on.

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beautiful ... Amen!

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Originally Posted by squirt

beautiful ... Amen!

Thank you I say this prayer every morning when I get up.

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Love Your Enemies

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
- Matthew 5:9; Luke 6:27-31

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Grace Alone?

Without grace, salvation is impossible (cf. Lk. 17: 10). However, I submit that one does not read in the scriptures of "grace alone," "grace only," or "salvation wholly of grace." Grace is from the Greek charis and suggests favor. In the absence of the provision of grace, man would be facing attempting to achieve justification simply by works of flawless law keeping and such is not feasible (Eph. 2: 8-10, Tit. 3: 5). Grace is a most powerful word and concept that introduces man to the goodness of God.

The New Testament is replete with teaching relative to grace. The gospel (good news) is a result of God's grace (Gal. 1: 6-9). Grace is presented as sufficient and Christians are called by grace (2 Cor. 12: 7-10, Gal. 1: 15). Man is saved by grace, the heart is established by grace, and we are justified by grace (Eph. 2: 5, 8, Heb. 13: 9, Tit. 3: 7). Moreover, we render acceptable service by grace and grace imparts everlasting consolation (Heb. 12: 28, 29, 2 Thes. 2: 16). God's grace also makes us better people and helps us in time of need (I Cor. 15: 9, 10, Heb. 4: 16).

Having noticed the fact of grace, let us now turn our attention to the abuse of grace. It seems that even the holy and wonderful subject of grace, the means of man's salvation, has been distorted by man, from the first century down to the present. Some so perverted grace as to use it to sanction and encourage the commission of sin (Rom. 6: 1). A popular doctrine today that distorts and defeats God's grace is the teaching that salvation is by "grace alone." This doctrine essentially eliminates man as a participant in his salvation. Moreover, grace alone or grace only is in effect a disabling doctrine that results in man's spiritual stagnation. Salvation by grace alone was popularized by the reformers in their cry, "Salvation is by Christ alone, faith alone, and grace alone." Consider some contemporary statements regarding grace only or grace alone:

"The plan of salvation then is seen as an all-embracing divine plan which gives the credit for man's salvation to God alone. No glory, not even a reflected glory, may accrue to man in the matter of salvation. He brings nothing, not even the will to be saved, to God" - Jay Green (Five Points of Calvinism, pgs. 2, pg. 28).

"Salvation is a free gift from God to certain individuals. We exercise faith in order to be saved, but even our faith is also a gift of God. Faith is the result of regeneration. Unless the Holy Spirit energizes the sinner, that sinner cannot exercise saving faith. Unregenerate man is not capable of turning to God" - William Cox (Amillennialism Today, pg. 33).

"We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace … Justification, the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life … are solely though faith" - Baptist Church Manual, Art. 4, pg. 47, Art. 5, pg. 48).

It has been suggested to you that the doctrine of "grace alone" is patently false. Stated very simply and succinctly, grace alone is false because it excuses man from any real spiritual responsibility (Heb. 5: 8, 9). When consistently applied, grace alone results in universalism or the doctrine that all men will be unconditionally and universally saved. The falsity of grace alone shall be illustrated by sharing with you the fact of the disabling effect of grace alone.

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A Gift.....

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for
I do not think of myself as old.
Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an
interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know.

Growing Older, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life,
the person I have always wanted to be.
Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body ... the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and
the cellulite.

And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't
agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family for less
gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my
own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for
buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio.
I am entitled to be messy, to be extravagant and smell the flowers.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the
great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on
the computer until 4 AM and then sleep until -- ?



I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & 60's, and if I, at the
same time, wish to weep over a lost love... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive
into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini
set.

They, too, will get old. (if they're lucky)

I know I am sometimes forgetful.

But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten and I eventually remember the
important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.

How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even
when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and
understanding and compassion.

A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being
imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to
have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

I can say "no," and mean it.

I can say "yes." and mean it.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.

You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.

I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being older.

It has set me free.

I like the person I have become.

I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time
lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert
every single day... (if I want).

Today,

I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.

Love simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

[squirt]

I am SO with you on that! I hear people say "if I could go back and do it over again ... " and it just stuns me! I don't want to do anything over again, it took every single step to get me to the here and now, where I am happy, content with my lot in life, blessed beyond any means of counting them all ... thank you for the lovely post! *big hugs 'n MUCH love*

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The sinner's prayer offers no incentive to obey. First, the scriptures know nothing of "The Sinner's Prayer." When Saul was praying, he was told by the preacher, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22: 16). You never read of a non-Christian being told to be saved by simply praying. Cornelius was a praying man, however, he was lost (Acts 10: 2, 11: 14). There are many man-made versions of the so-called "Sinner's Prayer."

"I know that you have forgiven and pardoned me due only to your grace alone and to the completed work of your Son on the cross….I thank you that through your grace only I have been forgiven and that your Son did it all for me and that through his righteousness, I am saved…."

Such a concept of grace only results in the lost sinner having no incentive to obey. When the people in Acts 2 realized that they were sinners in need of salvation, they cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2: 37, see 23). Peter did not rebuke them by telling them, "Shame on you, God has done it all for you and you are saved by grace alone," as many modern day grace only preachers would have told them. In fact, Peter told them what they had to do to be saved (Acts 2: 40, 38, 42-47).

The teaching of grace alone even denies the will of man. Notice again the statement by popular author Jay Green, "He brings nothing, not even the will to be saved, to God" (Five Points of Calvinism, pgs. 2, pg. 28). Notwithstanding, the scriptures emphasize the will of man being active in man's salvation (Jn. 7: 17, Rev. 22: 17).

Grace alone robs man of developing saving faith. The scriptures teach that, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). Jesus' miracles are recorded to produce faith in the reader and hearer (Jn. 20: 30, 31). However, in order to have the true grace alone circumstance, man must not even be allowed to develop faith. Hear again author William Cox:

"We exercise faith in order to be saved, but even our faith is also a gift of God. Faith is the result of regeneration. Unless the Holy Spirit energizes the sinner, that sinner cannot exercise saving faith. Unregenerate man is not capable of turning to God" (Amillennialism Today, pg. 33).

Hence, the person taught and influenced by salvation by grace alone is not interested in developing and exercising saving faith, but he is passively waiting for God to miraculously impart such faith (cp. Jas. 2: 19-24).

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The teaching of grace alone offers no provision for personal growth. The scriptures abound with teaching regarding how the Christian is not to remain a babe in Christ, but, rather, is to spiritually grow (Col. 1: 10, 2 Pet. 3: 18). In fact, it is a sin to fail to grow (cp. I Cor. 3: 1-3). Notice, also, how the scriptures point out that growth involves the will and participation of the Christian (Heb. 5: 11-14).

The doctrine of grace alone places all emphasis on God to the point of excluding man. Hence, there is no enjoined responsibility for man to do anything, including spiritually developing in Christ (2 Pet. 1: 5-11).

De-emphasizes teaching the lost. If salvation is by grace alone, then what need is there to teach the lost the gospel of Christ? Yet, the gospel is presented as God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1: 16). Throughout the book of Acts, people were taught the gospel in order that they might believe (cp. Acts 16: 30-34). If salvation is the product of grace alone, then man does not need the gospel. I say this because to suggest as Paul did that man must "obey the gospel," means man has responsibility in his salvation and that salvation is not wholly of grace (Rom. 10: 9-18).