Quote:
Originally Posted by Socialite
PO, that is exactly what I believe.
I'm glad to hear that you no longer believe we obey before Grace comes to us. Whew... thought I was losing you there for a second yesterday 
1 Peter is used a lot as proof text because of the word "obey" (some get the idea that us greasy gracers don't like obedience -- not true, but I digress)
Another way of understanding the Text there is... "who refuse God's Message"
I could explain ad infinitude what "Gospel" meant to the 1st Century Church.. and have a pretty good cloud of witnesses, including the whole of NT scripture and history -- but let's just say, the Gospel was never a command. It was an offer. |
I believe that God does initiate grace. He would have to, He is our Creator. However, I don't believe grace applies to me if I don't obey His commands. It stands alone. It is like being given a gift. If I don't pick it up and open it, it does me no good. Beautiful to look at, but ineffective if I let it sit waiting.
I just think that when I study His Word, everything works together and nothing works without the other. He was the Creator - He created us. If we weren't here, He wouldn't have created. Would He then be a Creator?
So, if He offers grace and I reject that, His grace is not given to me. It is always there waiting, but I have to reach out and accept it. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. It must begin with our faith - "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace."
So, again, grace doesn't stand alone. We also must have faith. That is what I mean about so many elements working together.
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