I have not kept up with this thread so please forgive if it was not the main subject, but username (His follower) I could not said it better on grace and faith.

We are saved by grace through faith; grace does not work alone.

Trish

Originally Posted by HisFollower

I see the key ingredient missing from this discourse, as it is usually missing from those that teach on grace, that is, Faith! We are saved by grace THROUGH FAITH: grace does not work alone, but is saving only through faith, which is our sincerity toward God; and this only God knows, who is sincere, and who is only pretending; and this is apart from unbelieving mankind. Our marriage to Christ shall be for those that have been faithful, just as a marriage is suppose to be; The husbandman(groom) is faithful, and so also is the bride to be faithful, otherwise there will be no marriage for those that were not. And this mercy for our undeserving chance, which is given us through the sacrifice of Christ; this mercy rejoices against judgment. God looks for sincerity, just as He did with Abraham, that is, who is truly sincere, and who is not. And as for our attitude, we should not at any time suppose ourselves to be something, but we ought to know that we are unworthy to unloosen His shoe latches; and unworthy that He should enter under our roof; and such like manner of persons ought we to be before the Lord. We all agree that grace is undeserving; well then, let us behave as undeserving then, and be clothed with humility.

HisFollower: I want to begin by saying that I am in agreement with much of what you have stated. With two exceptions.

First, faith has NOT been eliminated from this discussion. See posts #36 and 40. Apparently you didn’t read through this entire “thread” before responding. Interesting approach.

Second, faith is NOT eliminated from most teachings on grace - even biblically incorrect views on grace. In most all discussions on grace I have ever been exposed to, FAITH is an already understood factor - whether the approach is liberal or conservative - as this is so clear from the Scriptures.

For the record, what is true is that biblical FAITH cannot be separated from GRACE. Because it is the GRACE of God that gives us the gift of FAITH. In other words, even the FAITH we have to believe comes as a result of the GRACE of God. They are inseparable. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”

Notice the word “that” - in some translations it is translated “this” - irrespective the Greek pronoun is NEUTER, while “grace” and “faith” are both FEMININE. Accordingly, this shows that salvation comes as a combined gift of GRACE and FAITH - which is not of ourselves, but is a GIFT from God.

Even Abraham himself would have never believed by "faith," if by "grace" God had not revealed Himself to him first.

Hopefully, any confusion can now be put to rest. BLESSINGS. Doc

Originally Posted by Joe Johnston

Doc,

I give you the last word my brother.
Praise be to God for His saving grace.
Joe

Once again, Brother Joe, I do appreciate you and the opportunity to have had this discussion. I pray that God continues to richly bless you and your family. And yes, all praise, honor, and glory be to God! Psalm 115:1 says, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth." (I know it's Old Testament)

Maybe we can talk again sometime. BLESSINGS. Doc