Defining Grace.

[Meowzltov]

So it was recently brought to my attention (by my own wandering thoughts, thanks brain) that if I was asked to clearly define what exactly God's grace is and how it works and where one can find it and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever, I wouldn't know how exactly to define it for them (and I'm a little fuzzy on a correct definition for myself). I'd be interested if you guys could help me find a good answer not just for me but if it comes up in a conversation with someone who has questions...

The cliche definition of grace is "undeserved mercy," but I don't buy that because it says that Jesus was full of grace, and Jesus did not need mercy.

The best definition of grace is James Ryle's: "Grace is the empowering Presence of God enabling you to be who He created you to be, and to do what He has called you to do right where you are."

Now that's an example that would apply to Jesus being full of grace.

The best example of grace that I know of was in the movie, THE MISSION. A slaver in South America killed his own brother. He was so overwhelmed with remorse that he felt he was beyond hope and forgiveness. He sat immobilized by his guilt. A Jesuit priest came to see him, and asked him if he was willing to do what it took. He strapped great weights onto the slaver's back and had him hike up the Great Falls, a trek that took many day. Many times the slaver slipped, almost falling to his death. When they reached the top of the falls, the slaver became surrounded by the very Indian tribe from which he had kidnapped many people to sell into slavery. One of them began yelling and came towards him with a knife. The slaver was sure he was going to die -- after all, it was what he certainly deserved. Miraculously, the Indian cut the weights from his back instead. The weights fell free, and tumbled down the Great Falls. The slaver began to cry, knowing that hope beyond hope, he had been forgiven. Because of the grace that had been extended to him, he was transformed, and began a whole new life as a Jesuit priest, serving the very Indians he had once enslaved.

 

[LadyCrosstalk]

So it was recently brought to my attention (by my own wandering thoughts, thanks brain) that if I was asked to clearly define what exactly God's grace is and how it works and where one can find it and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever, I wouldn't know how exactly to define it for them (and I'm a little fuzzy on a correct definition for myself). I'd be interested if you guys could help me find a good answer not just for me but if it comes up in a conversation with someone who has questions...

A good working definition of grace could be stated in Philippians 2:13. We NEED grace--we cannot ever merit God's favor any other way. The Old Testament saints understood that they needed constant forgiveness for their infractions of the Law and they were granted grace through their belief--"Abraham believed God..."

 

[FenderTL5]

Grace, as I understand it is; the uncreated Divine energies and workings of God.

 

[com7fy8]

what exactly God's grace is

There is God's favor, from the throne . . . including how He has forgiven us and imputed His righteousness to us.

And there is God's personal grace effecting our nature with His correction > Hebrews 12:4-11 > and His curing of our nature > 1 John 4:17.

And I would say there is God's circumstantial grace . . . how He effects things and people around us.

and how it works

Grace is God doing what He pleases . . . from a distance on His throne, in our circumstances, and in us. By the way, His grace includes how He in us personally guides us in His own peace > Colossians 3:15.

and where one can find it

Wherever God is loving, this is where grace is

and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever,

However God pleases. What can work especially well is how our example can be used by God to effect a sinner; for example, Peter says this > 1 Peter 3:1-4.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

First remove the beam in your own eye before you try to take the splinter out of mine. You cannot show me from the Scriptures, which I have extensively read and studied for many years, that we are ever to examine each other. No if we see a brother fall we are to pick him up and remember the Gospel is about forgiveness. We are told to let the tares grow with the wheat because we can't tell the difference. Much harm has come from the unbiblical way that discipline has been used in the so-called church. My sin is between my and Christ not between me and you. I am to encourage you in faith and walk beside you in love but never to judge what you do or do not do.

Galatians 6:1 Titus 2:15 2 Timothy 4:2 James 5:20 1 Corinthians 5:12 2 Timothy 3:16

These scriptures speak about correcting a brother/sister. Paul wrote letters of correction...using scripture to test all things. The same spirit that rose Jesus Christ from the grave is supposed to come to live within us, writing HIS law upon our heart and thereby giving us the GRACE to do it. Those who have grown up into Christ (as scripture says we should) have HIS spirit (just as Paul) and love his/her brother enough to show them what the LORD requires of each and every one of us...then point in that direction. If one is not following that path of Jesus Christ, it is our duty to point that out and encourage them to continue on in FAITH. It is not the person judging another, but the SPIRIT alive within. Comparing spirit to spirit and encouraging onward and upward in HIS way.

Grace, Paul summed up so well in 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

Grace is the power God gives to us to become all that HE calls us to be - Holy. Overcomers. The power of Christ can only rest upon us when we realize how weak the flesh is to do anything. With man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible. HIS grace HE gives so freely when we have faith that HE is God, truly.

 

[com7fy8]

Much harm has come from the unbiblical way that discipline has been used in the so-called church.

If people have done discipline the wrong way, though, we should not let this keep us from doing discipline the right way. We need each other, we help each other.

@derpytia Grace includes the ability which God gives us to do discipline right and help one another to get real correction > God uses us to minister His own grace to one another (1 Peter 4:9-10) > grace is all which has to do with how God loves us and does us good; and His good includes how He corrects us because He loves us > Hebrews 12:4-11 clearly shows how our Father loves us and therefore corrects us. And Ephesians 5:1-2 says we also need to love one another the way God loves us

And God makes us able to minister His grace of real correction to one another > 1 Peter 4:9-10. And we have scriptures to help us with this, including >

"submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21)

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

"He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness." (Hebrews 5:2)

I would say people have done things the wrong way with me, but others have been very helpful. Good example has helped me a lot.

"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:3)

We need to be able to tell the difference between who does things right and who we do not go along with >

"Test all things; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Paul says this > 1 Corinthians 11:19 < so, if someone does things the wrong way with me, I can use this to help me to know who not to trust, and the wrong people can help to make the right ones looks good

 

[HeLeadethMe]

Galatians 6:1 Titus 2:15 2 Timothy 4:2 James 5:20 1 Corinthians 5:12 2 Timothy 3:16

These scriptures speak about correcting a brother/sister. Paul wrote letters of correction...using scripture to test all things. The same spirit that rose Jesus Christ from the grave is supposed to come to live within us, writing HIS law upon our heart and thereby giving us the GRACE to do it. Those who have grown up into Christ (as scripture says we should) have HIS spirit (just as Paul) and love his/her brother enough to show them what the LORD requires of each and every one of us...then point in that direction. If one is not following that path of Jesus Christ, it is our duty to point that out and encourage them to continue on in FAITH. It is not the person judging another, but the SPIRIT alive within. Comparing spirit to spirit and encouraging onward and upward in HIS way.

Grace, Paul summed up so well in 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

Grace is the power God gives to us to become all that HE calls us to be - Holy. Overcomers. The power of Christ can only rest upon us when we realize how weak the flesh is to do anything. With man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible. HIS grace HE gives so freely when we have faith that HE is God, truly.

 

[HeLeadethMe]

Galatians 6:1 Titus 2:15 2 Timothy 4:2 James 5:20 1 Corinthians 5:12 2 Timothy 3:16

These scriptures speak about correcting a brother/sister. Paul wrote letters of correction...using scripture to test all things. The same spirit that rose Jesus Christ from the grave is supposed to come to live within us, writing HIS law upon our heart and thereby giving us the GRACE to do it. Those who have grown up into Christ (as scripture says we should) have HIS spirit (just as Paul) and love his/her brother enough to show them what the LORD requires of each and every one of us...then point in that direction. If one is not following that path of Jesus Christ, it is our duty to point that out and encourage them to continue on in FAITH. It is not the person judging another, but the SPIRIT alive within. Comparing spirit to spirit and encouraging onward and upward in HIS way.

Grace, Paul summed up so well in 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

Grace is the power God gives to us to become all that HE calls us to be - Holy. Overcomers. The power of Christ can only rest upon us when we realize how weak the flesh is to do anything. With man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible. HIS grace HE gives so freely when we have faith that HE is God, truly.

Amen, PeaceLoveJoy..........Paul wrote if we see a brother/sister in a sin to pull them out. Why, because if we sin it's actually a fall from grace and must be repented of and turned away from.

Jesus said, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak......elsewhere says the flesh profits nothing and to put no confidence in the flesh. Paul also wrote concerning the struggle regarding the flesh doing what it wants even when with the mind we don't want to.........hence the need to walk in the Spirit thereby not fulfilling the wants of the flesh. Oh we just can't do without the Holy Spirit........God's grace which teaches us not to sin (informs and transforms our conscience) and empowers us to obey.

 

[com7fy8]

Paul wrote if we see a brother/sister in a sin to pull them out.

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

So, yes God's grace makes us able to "restore" a person who is overtaken in "any" sin problem! God is committed to making this work. Even though we are not perfect, and even though we of ourselves would do discipline and restoration in a wrong way, God's grace in us makes us able to even "restore" someone to living in God's own love. We, of course, then, need to depend on how God in us has us doing this, and how God Himself produces His result which is better than how we in our own egos could try to get someone to change.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Amen, PeaceLoveJoy..........Paul wrote if we see a brother/sister in a sin to pull them out. Why, because if we sin it's actually a fall from grace and must be repented of and turned away from.

Jesus said, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak......elsewhere says the flesh profits nothing and to put no confidence in the flesh. Paul also wrote concerning the struggle regarding the flesh doing what it wants even when with the mind we don't want to.........hence the need to walk in the Spirit thereby not fulfilling the wants of the flesh. Oh we just can't do without the Holy Spirit........God's grace which teaches us not to sin (informs and transforms our conscience) and empowers us to obey.

Oh yes, HeLeadethMe! If we sin, we have fallen from GRACE. God offers us grace to overcome the flesh and its desires. We either obey spirit, or give in to the flesh and the flesh is contrary to the Spirit. HE offers the grace to overcome, freely...but we can ignore it. That is the power of the flesh. As Romans 5:21 tells us, HIS grace will cause RIGHTEOUSNESS to reign in our lives. HIS Righteousness...as there is nothing good in me/us but HIM. Anything that is not good is not of HIM. HE promises us the power/grace to overcome and walk as Jesus did.

If we compare our walk to what scripture says (not doctrines of man) we can see if we are truly walking by HIS spirit or in the flesh. By HIS grace, Righteousness reigns which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ...the KING. All glory to God!

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Grace is freely offered, BUT not automatically given...it is not a covering for sin (as I have heard many preach and teach), but the promise of God to those who have genuine FAITH to thereby be able to walk as HE calls us to walk - Holy and Righteous by HIS spirit. We can forfeit grace!

Romans 5:2 through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace (charin | χάριν | acc sg fem) in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of sharing the glory of God.

Hebrews 12:15 Take care that no one forfeits the grace (charitos | χάριτος | gen sg fem) of God; and that no root of bitterness grows up and causes trouble and by it many are defiled.

I did a word study on 'grace' a few years ago. I share some scriptures that show the same Greek word and ways it has been translated into English in scripture (in context). It may help bring more clarity on what grace means according to scripture.

2 Timothy 1:3 I continually thank (charin | χάριν | acc sg fem) God, whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clean conscience, as unceasingly I remember you in my prayers night and day,

Luke 6:32 And if you love those who love you, what credit (charis | χάρις | nom sg fem) is it to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who love you, what credit (charis | χάρις | nom sg fem) is that to you? Even sinners do the same.

Luke 17:9 Does he express thanks (charin | χάριν | acc sg fem) to the servant because he did the things that were commanded?

John 1:16 For from his fulness we have all received one gracious (charin | χάριν | acc sg fem) gift after another (charitos | χάριτος | gen sg fem).

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of grace (charitos | χάριτος | gen sg fem) and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 20:24 But I make my life of no account as of any value to me, that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace (charitos | χάριτος | gen sg fem) of God.

Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace (charitos | χάριτος | gen sg fem), which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I agree, but all the five books of Moses and the whole OT are both inclusive of the Law given at Sinai. In any case, there exists a set of laws are in accordance with God's grace.

Grace and the law are in direct opposition to each other. Always have been and always will be.

I'm surprised to hear you say they are in accordance with grace. No they are not. Not at all.

The idea that one can have both is an illusion. God's Word says that to be in the law after the person has been given grace, makes Christ sacrifice null and void to that person.

God tells us directly in His Word that grace is the new and better covenant. It is made on better promises (Christ, God Himself).

 

[Bluerose31]

So it was recently brought to my attention (by my own wandering thoughts, thanks brain) that if I was asked to clearly define what exactly God's grace is and how it works and where one can find it and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever, I wouldn't know how exactly to define it for them (and I'm a little fuzzy on a correct definition for myself). I'd be interested if you guys could help me find a good answer not just for me but if it comes up in a conversation with someone who has questions...

I think Gods grace is that he covers the sins of people with the blood of Jesus and that God is always kind to us even when we don't deserve it.

 

[Traveling teacher]

Titus 2
11 For the grace of God has appeared to all men instructing us to deny ungodliness and to live sensibly, righteously and godlyin the present age,

Grace is Gods forgiveness of sins through the death and resurection of His son Jesus Christ...
something none of us deserve...and if received we will Love and obey Him by rejecting the sins of this world

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Titus 2
11 For the grace of God has appeared to all men instructing us to deny ungodliness and to live sensibly, righteously and godlyin the present age,

Grace is Gods forgiveness of sins through the death and resurection of His son Jesus Christ...
something none of us deserve...and if received we will Love and obey Him by rejecting the sins of this world

AMEN! "If received we will Love and obey Him by rejecting the sins of this world." HIS grace will cause us to walk in the way we should go in holiness and righteousness by the power of HIS spirit, not the weakness of the flesh.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

So it was recently brought to my attention (by my own wandering thoughts, thanks brain) that if I was asked to clearly define what exactly God's grace is and how it works and where one can find it and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever, I wouldn't know how exactly to define it for them (and I'm a little fuzzy on a correct definition for myself). I'd be interested if you guys could help me find a good answer not just for me but if it comes up in a conversation with someone who has questions...

OK. Here are some grace thoughts to chew on.

Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve from God,
grace is getting far, far more than we deserve from God.
It is a free gift, but we will only reach out to receive it when we can admit that we truly need it.

What we know is this: it is in God’s essential nature to be gracious; it expresses His divine love and mercy through the lens of His all-knowing wisdom.

Theologian Richard Mϋller offers this definition: "Grace is the divine favor bestowed on fallen creatures for the sake of drawing them back into communion with God. The natural order—and, at the very center of it, the human soul—is the precondition, place of operation, and primary object of God's grace.”

As I like to say: the human soul is so complex that only the wisdom of God can understand it, so broken that only the grace of God can fix it, and so deep that only the Spirit of God can fill it.

Professor Mark McMinn adds a confession: “My understanding of grace has been limited by my tendency to underestimate the magnitude of sin and brokenness of our world… Understanding grace cannot be done without understanding sin.” In other words, the magnitude of God’s grace may be best measured by how far He has to reach down to save us. The parable of the Prodigal Son is an example supplied by Jesus that reveals the Father’s heart of grace (Luke 15:11-32). If we are willing to return to Him, it does not matter how far we have strayed.

So there is now no condemnation
awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus.
For the power of the life-giving Spirit,
now yours through Christ,
has freed you from the vicious circle of sin and death.
-- Romans 8:1-2 (LB)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God’s workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
-- Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

 

[toLiJC]

So it was recently brought to my attention (by my own wandering thoughts, thanks brain) that if I was asked to clearly define what exactly God's grace is and how it works and where one can find it and how it shows up in life for the believer to a nonbeliever, I wouldn't know how exactly to define it for them (and I'm a little fuzzy on a correct definition for myself). I'd be interested if you guys could help me find a good answer not just for me but if it comes up in a conversation with someone who has questions...

the grace of God is the positive power coming from the true One that prompts us to seek and makes us have contentment in finding overall resolution to the problems (closely related to deterioration of the quality of life) - it is the power of salvation in His Son, accompanied by His great heavenly glory and manifesting through His(the Holy) Spirit...

Blessings