Grace Only?
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http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Scriptures Speak
Grace Only?
by Jimmy Jividen
Man needs grace. He finds that he is a sinner -
one who has rebelled against God's will. He is
guilty and lost and can do nothing to save
himself. His judgment is damnation without hope.
Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It cannot be
earned by good works or bought with money. God
unconditionally gave it to man without cost. That
is what makes it grace. Paul described it thus:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God"
(Ephesians 2:8).
Grace is free to man, but it cost God His Son. God
loved man even though he was unworthy and sinful.
To show that love, he graciously sent Jesus into
the world to live as man and die for man. Grace
cost Jesus his life. He graciously died on the
cross to save man from the punishment that his
sins deserved. So, although grace is free, it was
very expensive for God.
God's grace has been extended to all men. Does
this mean that all men will be saved? Not at all.
God's grace is sufficient for all men everywhere -
but not all men will receive His grace. A gift of
water to a man dying of thirst will not be of any
benefit unless he drinks it. Even so, the gift of
God's grace will not benefit man unless he
receives it. Man is not saved by grace alone,
because God does not force His grace upon anyone.
A man can respond to God's grace in two ways. He
can receive it in faith and submission, or he can
reject it by rebellion and neglect. Grace can be
offered to a person, but without benefit because
it was received "in vain" (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Why would anyone refuse to receive the grace of
God? It is free to all who receive it. However, it
must never be used as an excuse to continue in sin
(Romans 6:1,2).
Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 6,
page 32
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