Do OPs have a grace problem?

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

I believe grace is preached but sometimes the other things seem to speak louder than the grace message.

Probably a fair statement. But I do believe things are improving.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

I can't remember one message on grace taught or preached. You?

Here's one....

"God's Special Possession"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFnd2vPoy6Q

[navygoat1998]

Originally Posted by Originalist

Probably a fair statement. But I do believe things are improving.

I am going to have to take you at your word on that. I have been 2x in the last 7 years to a UPC church and one was the Christmas service at Brother Glen's church almost 3 years ago.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Originalist

But what saves us? According to that same Paul in Titus 3:5, Paul equates salvation by grace to being "washed by regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost". Peter said that this Holy Ghost was a "gift" that would be for "all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord shall call". (Acts 2:39)

We receive this Holy Ghost regeneration as a free gift that was purchased for us at the cross. Thus, salvation by grace. No contradiction whatsoever.

Actually, Titus 3 indicates that we are justified (rendered just or innocent) by His grace. This is the grace which saves, made us alive together with Christ even while were dead in our trespasses. (Eph 2:5).

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Originalist

Here's one....

"God's Special Possession"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFnd2vPoy6Q

Thanks, I'll listen to it and report back.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by seekerman

Actually, Titus 3 indicates that we are justified (rendered just or innocent) by His grace. This is the grace which saves, made us alive together with Christ even while were dead in our trespasses. (Eph 2:5).

And that gift of grace which accomplishes that salvation is his own Spirit. You cannot separate grace from God himself. The Holy Ghost is God coming to reside on the inside of a repentant sinner, bestowing that grace through regeneration. It's the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead that God uses to quicken those of us who were dead in trespasses and sins. Grace is not some abstract thing. Grace is God.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Originalist

And that gift of grace which accomplishes that salvation is his own Spirit. You cannot separate grace from God himself. The Holy Ghost is God coming to reside on the inside of a repentant sinner, bestowing that grace through regeneration. It's the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead that God uses to quicken those of us who were dead in trespasses and sins. Grace is not some abstract thing. Grace is God.

I agree, one cannot separate grace from God as I pointed out in the previous scriptures from Titus 3 and Eph 3. Grace is that by which we are judged innocent before God. His grace, not ours, but His. His blood has justified us and reconciled us to Him, not according to our works, but according to His grace. It's a gift from God.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by seekerman

I agree, one cannot separate grace from God as I pointed out in the previous scriptures from Titus 3 and Eph 3. Grace is that by which we are judged innocent before God. His grace, not ours, but His. His blood has justified us and reconciled us to Him, not according to our works, but according to His grace. It's a gift from God.

That can't be preached enough, because Christians will either fall into condemnation or self righteousness. We constantly need to hear the gospel preached to us, even after we are saved.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Originalist

That can't be preached enough, because Christians will either fall into condemnation or self righteousness. We constantly need to hear the gospel preached to us, even after we are saved.

I agree. The gospel is what strengthens and grows us.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Why does he favor us? Merit? Is it owed to us?

No it is ENTIRELY Gods choice or "sovereignty. That's the narrow context of "unmerited favor".

Notice:

Romans 9:11-13

11 (For the children being not yet born , neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand , not of works, but of him that calleth 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written , Jacob have I loved , but Esau have I hated .

The free gift of grace (as unmerited favor) is not according to our works. This means he did not choose us because we were doing anything particularly right. His grace is given soley on the basis of his purpose according to election.

This grace was given to those who obtain it before the world began.

2 Tim. 1:8-9

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 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 ,