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Some of what I read in Proverbs makes me wonder. One example: 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 8) I wonder why God's love does not compare...

Good to hear from you again, my friend! :) Yes, I can see how it might be grace is passing over--or perhaps forgiving the consequences of one's sin--if all we had to go on was Ephesians 2. But when I read this passage, I'm not so sure that is all grace is: 9 For I am the least of the apostles...

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10) I...

Yes, Health, don't forget this one: 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3) But though...

Is virility the opposite of vigor? Are they not synonyms? See why the words "grace and power" are insufficient to say with certainty and confidence that grace is powerless? We need a more clear passage to interpret Acts 6:8, I think. I have one in mind that I hope you will consider. :)...

I think I understand, and I agree that I should keep a childlike trust in God my Father. Yet, I believe he does not desire that I should remain immature in my wisdom. For the writer of Hebrews tells me: 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no...

Thanks, Rex for those insights, especially the one verse you mentioned: Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8) But I wonder if Luke is really making the point that grace and power are not the same. For this passage...

Yes, the Holy Spirit does reveal truth, but please don't underestimate his willingness to do the revealing through you! :) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with...

Yes, you might be right. Still, is it possible that the Holy Spirit--in some mysterious way perhaps beyond comprehension--actually is grace? If grace is the favor of God, then grace is the love of God, I think. And John tells us: ... God is love. (1 John 4:8) Could it be that grace is not...

True, and many Protestants who agree with your statement disagree with the idea that grace is the power of God to empower us to obey. "God does give us power to obey," one might say, "but in no way does this obedience save us from hell." You see, to them there is not only a distinction...

Thank you for that thoughtful response, but have you answered my question? Is grace favor or power? But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ...

I resemble that remark! :p Yes, I'm afraid I'm showing my ignorance. But I have come to learn, rather than debate. One thing I have learned is asking questions--even simple ones--is the best way to get to know why others more educated than myself believe. "I have, it seems a tedious way of...

ChristRose: Yes, please accept my apologies for getting off topic. :) Getting back to the topic, are you of the opinion that grace is the undeserved favor of God but not the undeserved power of God? Yes, but I think the reasonable argument of some is that the power of God to enable us to...

2 Timothy 2:24-26 New International Version (NIV) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and...

I apologize. It appears I misunderstood you. When you said, No, in this case I don't agree at all. You're a newcomer here and apparently don't realize yet the wickedness of his doctrine. I thought you meant that you don't agree some scripture is ambiguous. Seems your statement was ambiguous...

Yes, I will. Indeed, I always endeavor to not make a judgment about the correct meaning of scripture until I have sufficient facts. And I understand you zeal, for what one believes about grace might very well determine whether one receives such grace and escapes eternal judgment! But when...

Yes, I understand. So how do I figure out who is correct--you or Rex? Welcome to the conversation, Hammer! So why is it true that grace is unmerited favor but not unmerited power? I hope to get a break from the too frequent mud slinging so we might each wipe the dirt from our eyes and see why...

Yes, I think I'm beginning to see. The Lord within me is Christ's power that enables me to become one who obeys. This power that works in me is not the grace that saves. For grace is undeserved favor, not power. Am I better understanding you?

"The time has come," [Jesus] said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15) So then, it seems, Paul's words in Ephesians 2 are not quite a complete list of the conditions to be saved. For he mentions only grace and faith, but leaves out desire and repentance...

Perhaps you are right that we are not judged for our lack of faith, but I wonder. One reason why I wonder is this passage: For it is by grace [that is, God's power] you are saved, through faith. And this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one might boast. For...