Understanding Different Views on Grace in Christian Theology
Various perspectives on grace are explored, from the Catholic concept of divine life infused by God to John Wesley's three-part process and Calvinist beliefs in irresistible grace for the predestined. The universalist viewpoint emphasizes acceptance and belonging for all, while debunking false notions about earning grace.
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Gods Grace and You Scripture Reading: Psalm 107:1-9
the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds, graciousness, loving-kindness, goodwill generally... stress on its freeness and universality, its spontaneous character (Vine) GRACE 2
as in the case of Gods redemptive mercy, and the pleasure or joy He designs for the recipient (Ibid.) God s grace: Gift, favor, goodwill, lovingkindness that is given without merit, undeserved GRACE 3
Catholic the Grace is a sharing in the divine life. It is the infused presence of God, a presence that is supernatural, not merely natural. Human persons are not born in a state of grace. FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE 4
Catholic And there is nothing we can do ourselves to earn grace. Rather, divine grace is favor, and it is freely bestowed. It is true that we can reject grace. FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE ( What Does Divine Grace Do For Us?, Deacon Douglas McManaman, Catholic Education Resource Center) 5
John Wesley Grace is a process of three- parts: Wesley taught grace as three well defined formats, prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace. God s grace is a unity, but for understanding, John Wesley wisely defined it in three aspects. ( Grace as Viewed by John Wesley, Alvin Petty, History and Spirituality blog) FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE 6
Calvinist Grace is irresistible and is given only to those unconditionally elected (chosen, predestined) by God from eternity past. Its reception and its retention are not conditional. -The Westminster Confession of Faith, X, 1, 2, 3; -The Book of Confessions, 6.064-066 FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE 7
Universalist Grace is the place/space where everyone belongs (is accepted) Is it not present when we sense that there is a space or a place where we are accepted and belong? Grace is feeling accepted just as you are FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE Rev. Charles J. Stephens What is Grace to a Unitarian Universalist? 8
Bible By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. (1 Peter 5:12) FALSE VIEWS OF GRACE 9
Grace Came to the World in Jesus Christ John 1:14-17; Titus 2:11 10
Gods Grace in Jesus Christ Revealed and proclaimed in His word, John 1:14, 17; Acts 14:3; 20:24 Offered from heaven to the world in the gospel, Colossians 1:5-6 Grace preached in gospel, Galatians 1:6-7 11
Gods Grace in Jesus Christ Offers salvation to all, Titus 2:11 Believers have a right to become children of God, John 1:12 Faith is the condition upon which sinners receive God grace, Ephesians 2:8 12
Sinners Relation to Grace Offered to all, Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-4 Lost sinners saved by grace, John 1:16- 17; 14:6; Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9 All deserve death, Romans 3:23; 6:23 Justified freely, Romans 3:24; Acts 15:11 13
Sinners Relation to Grace Faith is the condition, Ephesians 2:8-9 Of the faith of Abraham, Romans 4:16; Hebrews 11:17; James 2:21-24 Access grace by obedient faith (gospel produces faith, Rom. 1:16-17), Romans 5:2 14
Christians Relation to Grace Stand in grace, Romans 5:2 Our abiding place (1 Cor. 15:1), 1 Peter 5:12 Living by faith seizes the power of grace, Galatians 2:20-21 15
Christians Relation to Grace Continue in grace, Acts 13:43 (11:23) Effect of grace: Choosing to no longer serve sin, Romans 6:1-2, 6, 11, 14 Grace that condones sin is corrupt, Jude 4 16
Christians Relation to Grace Grow in grace, 2 Peter 3:18 (1 Cor. 15:10) God s grace supplies what we need to grow (Acts 20:32) God favors us so we can favor others, Colossians 4:6 17
Christians Relation to Grace Strengthened in grace, 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Grace supplies us for good works, 2 Corinthians 9:7-10 Grace supplies us with strength to endure trials, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 18
Gods Grace and You God loves us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 God is gathering a remnant according to the election of grace, Romans 11:5 19
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3) 20
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8) 21