well that's the thing isn't it
this is what you actually wrote and what I responded to.
you are suggesting works.
THE GOOD WORK OF OBEYING GOD'S COMMANDS
GRACE IS NOT WORKS
notice I do not have to make use of the largest font available to try and yell louder
you grow grace by using it?
that may explain why you are stuck on works
I have no interest in arguing with works based salvation, while the one professing it tells me I don't know what grace is.
what I notice, is that those who argue works, basically destroy the threads of others
if you employ works, you create some kind of mashup that does not equal grace and I am past bored with the tactics used by people who do that
so please do not hold your breath waiting for me to respond again regarding your beliefs
That's ok you don't have to respond. This is for the edification of those who will read it.
Using CAPS is known as "yelling through text", not increasing the font size (which is used for emphasis). So actually you are yelling in your reply...just saying.
I use increased font for emphasis when it appears people have overlooked something noteworthy from skimming the text. And the main tactic I use is simply to copy and paste scripture to let its words remove all doubt. Now whether some rather cling to traditional doctrines or beliefs vs. the truth outline in scripture, that's between them and God.
so how do we grow in grace?
I have not seen that discussion here
perhaps someone thinks I am suggesting works for growth, but that is not true
growing in grace suggest relationship with Jesus
I don't know why you posted those scriptures? I don't know if you are contradicting or what
sorry
In reading this there was an assumption made on my part, particularly that the one asking the question was past the understanding that grace has
already been given to believers by God; that this gift was given through faith in Christ on the cross...thus the reply
Growing in grace is like man going to the gym for the first time in his life...to Work...Workout...work...
No, Grace isn't works. Grace is grace...
...and works is works.
Grace is a gift from God...
...and we grow Grace by
using grace to do
good works
...and "good works" are obeying God's commands.
"obeying" God's commands = not sinning
Sinning = "disobeying" God's commands
I'm not sure what your definition of Grace is but here are the following passages on Grace (reposted to this thread).
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Grace is a utility for God's witnesses.
"And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)
Grace can be grown.
“… but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Grace is a strength.
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1)
Grace is a resource for doing good works.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Gifts of God come from God's grace.
“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:4-8)
Grace is Christ's gift.
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7)
Grace is to be actively used through gifts.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith …” (Romans 12:6)
This is why Grace can be received in vain (i.e. not used).
As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
Grace is many-fold.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Grace is God's strength.
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:8-10)
Grace teaches us to avoid sin and live Righteously
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:11-12)
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The
last chapter of the
last book of ALL scripture talks about
works, yet folks keep talking about salvation which is found in books 45-50, when there are still 16 additional books after that to get through to the end. There's a whoooole lot of bible left after those books. So if the bible is our spiritual textbook to train in righteousness, who's really stuck at a certain point in the training? And who's reaching the end?
Revelation 22:12 (< last chapter of last book)
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
We're accused of destroying threads but the reality is we simply care enough about folks here to help them reach the end of the matter.