What Is Grace?

[ChristB4us]

What is Grace?

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

This is why discipleship, as in running that race, is separate from salvation because we have to be saved by grace so we can run that race as His disciples as we look to Jesus Christ, the author & finisher of our faith, to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily in walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son. We are reconciled to God by faith in Jesus Christ and we are to look to Him to live that reconciled relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ.

 

[donadams]

What is Grace?

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

This is why discipleship, as in running that race, is separate from salvation because we have to be saved by grace so we can run that race as His disciples as we look to Jesus Christ, the author & finisher of our faith, to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily in walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son. We are reconciled to God by faith in Jesus Christ and we are to look to Him to live that reconciled relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ.

Grace is God’s life in us!
Jn 1:16-17 Christ is the source of all grace
All grace comes to us thru Mary and we are born again by her Lk 1:28 heb 4:16
Jn 10:10 life (grace) and life more abundantly
Jn 20:21-23 breathed life
Eph 2:1 quickend brought to life
2 pet 1:4 divine life
Thanks

 

[Eleanor]

What is Grace?

Unmerited favor.

 

[Ritajanice]

Online source.

What is grace according to KJV?


Grace is God's kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favour and spiritual blessing. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

 

[prism]

Besides aunt Grace, grace is the way in which God deals with hell deserving sinners in reconciling them to Himself.

 

[Rufus]

Unmerited favor.

And undeserved and unrequited favor. I personally cannot fully comprehend God's grace. His grace is so much greater than I am.

 

[prism]

His grace is so much greater than I am.

Let's hope so.

 

[Rufus]

Let's hope so.

For sure! Who am I? I'm less than a speck of dust in this universe...BUT God being rich in mercy and grace and love noticed me. I was lost but he found me. I love him now but only because he first loved me.

 

[prism]

For sure! Who am I? I'm less than a speck of dust in this universe...BUT God being rich in mercy and grace and love noticed me. I was lost but he found me. I love him now but only because he first loved me.

Well maybe. In your self debasement, you mentioned yourself 7 times, but God only twice.

 

[Rufus]

Well maybe. In your self debasement, you mentioned yourself 7 times, but God only twice.

Fear not! God is greater than our hearts. With him, there is no "maybe".

 

[Soyeong]

What is Grace?

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

This is why discipleship, as in running that race, is separate from salvation because we have to be saved by grace so we can run that race as His disciples as we look to Jesus Christ, the author & finisher of our faith, to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily in walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son. We are reconciled to God by faith in Jesus Christ and we are to look to Him to live that reconciled relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ.

Grace is a gift and gifts can't be earned, so grace is incompatible with works insofar as those works are done to earn a wage (Romans 11:5-6), however, there can be any number of other reasons for doing works that are compatible with grace, which is why there are many verses that connect grace with works.

For example, in Ephesians 2:8-10, we are new creations in Christ to do good works, so while it denies that we can earn our salvation as the result of our works lest anyone should boast, doing good works is nevertheless intrinsically part of our salvation from not doing good works. In Psalms 119:29-30, he wanted to put false ways far from him, for God to be gracious to him by teaching him to obey His law, and he chose the way of faith by setting it before him, so this has always been the one and only way of salvation by grace through faith. In Exodus 33:13, Moses wanted God to be gracious to him by teaching him to walk in His way that he might know Him and Israel too, and in John 17:3, knowing God and Jesus is eternal life. In Genesis 15:6, Noah found grace in the eyes of God, he was a righteous man, and he walked with God, so God was gracious to him by teaching him to walk in His way and he was righteous because he obeyed through faith. In Romans 1:5, we have received grace in order to bring about the obedience of faith. In Titus 2:11-14, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to do what is godly, righteous, and good, and to renounce doing what is ungodly, so God graciously teaching us to experience those works is itself the content of His gift of saving us from having the experience of not doing those works.

The content of a gift can itself be the experience of doing something, such as giving someone the opportunity to experience driving a Ferrari for an hour, where the gift requires them to do the work of driving it in order to have that experience, but where doing that work contributes nothing towards earning the opportunity to drive it as a wage. Likewise, the content of God's gift of salvation is the experience of knowing Him and Jesus (John 17:3) and the gift of God's law is His instructions for how to have that experience (Exodus 33:13, Matthew 7:23).

 

[ChristB4us]

Grace is a gift and gifts can't be earned, so grace is incompatible with works insofar as those works are done to earn a wage (Romans 11:5-6), however, there can be any number of other reasons for doing works that are compatible with grace, which is why there are many verses that connect grace with works.

Those religious saints that engage in religious works to earn salvation by or keep their salvation by, are works of iniquity that denies Him.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ( reprobate = disqualified to attend the Marriage Supper in Heaven therefore not a loss of salvation )

A former believer that would verbally deny Him, He will deny him at the pre great tribulation rapture event unless he or she repents by His grace & by His help, before the Bridegroom comes, BUT those left behind saints in works that deny him and not just former believers, are still saved, but are disqualified to attend the Marriage Supper in Heaven & thus excommunicated to be resurrected after the great tribulation as vessels unto dishonor in His House for not looking to Him for help to discern the lies, and thus by Him, to depart from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

So by His grace & by His help, we endure all things for the elect's sake, even former believers, that they may obtain that eternal glory of being that vessel unto honor in His House by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily in walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son for the high prize of our calling to receive that crown which is His crowning achievements in us when we trust him for all things as our Good Shepherd & friend in helping us to abide in him and His words to bear fruits as His disciples.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

@Rufus & @prism

 

[Soyeong]

Those religious saints that engage in religious works to earn salvation by or keep their salvation by, are works of iniquity that denies Him.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ( reprobate = disqualified to attend the Marriage Supper in Heaven therefore not a loss of salvation )

A former believer that would verbally deny Him, He will deny him at the pre great tribulation rapture event unless he or she repents by His grace & by His help, before the Bridegroom comes, BUT those left behind saints in works that deny him and not just former believers, are still saved, but are disqualified to attend the Marriage Supper in Heaven & thus excommunicated to be resurrected after the great tribulation as vessels unto dishonor in His House for not looking to Him for help to discern the lies, and thus by Him, to depart from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

So by His grace & by His help, we endure all things for the elect's sake, even former believers, that they may obtain that eternal glory of being that vessel unto honor in His House by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily in walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son for the high prize of our calling to receive that crown which is His crowning achievements in us when we trust him for all things as our Good Shepherd & friend in helping us to abide in him and His words to bear fruits as His disciples.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

@Rufus & @prism

In Psalms 119:142, God's law is truth, so the verses that you cited in regard to following truth or agains those who turn away from truth should be understood in light of that. In Titus 2:11-13, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to do what is godly, righteous, and good, and to renounce doing what is ungodly, so how can someone who turns away from this truth still be considered to be saved from not turning away from it?

 

[ChristB4us]

In Psalms 119:142, God's law is truth, so the verses that you cited in regard to following truth or agains those who turn away from truth should be understood in light of that.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1 Corinthians 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Be careful that you do not exalt yourself as keeping God's law as that is the truth when Jesus is the truth.

Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Your righteousness is the righteousness of faith in Him for what He has done for us which stands apart from the law.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

So to your next comment, we follow Him not to obtain salvation since we are saved, but we follow Him as His disciples t bear fruit walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son looking to Jesus to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily to qualify for the Marriage Supper at the pre great tribulation rapture event.

In Titus 2:11-13, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to do what is godly, righteous, and good, and to renounce doing what is ungodly, so how can someone who turns away from this truth still be considered to be saved from not turning away from it?

Those saved believers that take heed of His words in trusting Him as their Good Shepherd & Friend to help them to follow Him are His disciples for why they are bearing fruit. Their hope is in Christ; not in themselves in doing & keeping the law.

John 6: 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

When it comes to doing His commandments like loving our enemies and to forgive them for they know not what they do as set by the example of Jesus Christ on the cross, I do not look to myself to do it as if under the law like under the Old Covenant, but to Jesus Christ to help me to do this. That is the difference between the Old Covenant & the New Covenant is that by believing in Him & that God has raised Him from the dead, we are saved and therefore we can apply that same childlike faith in Him in being our Good Shepherd & Friend to help us to follow Him daily.

Soi when I see myself following Him, I trust Him to remind me to give the father thanks in Jesus's name too.

1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:... 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

[Eleanor]

Grace is a gift and gifts can't be earned,

Grace is unmerited favor, which is not earned.

You really get a lot of it wrong.

 

[Soyeong]

Grace is unmerited favor, which is not earned.

You really get a lot of it wrong.

A gift is unmerited favor, which is not earned, so you are not saying something different than what I said.

 

[Eleanor]

A gift is unmerited favor, which is not earned, so you are not saying something different than what I said.

Oops! . . .my apologies, I read yours incorrectly.

So glad to see I was wrong.

 

[Soyeong]

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1 Corinthians 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Be careful that you do not exalt yourself as keeping God's law as that is the truth when Jesus is the truth.

I've said nothing to exalt myself, but rather those verses should also be understood in light of Psalms 119:142. God's law is God's way (Psalms 119:1-3), the truth (Psalms 119:142), and the life (Deuteronomy 32:46-47), and the way to see and know the Father (Exodus 33:13), and Jesus is God's word made flesh, so he is the embodiment of the way, the truth, and the life, and the way to see and know the Father (John 14:6-7).

Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Your righteousness is the righteousness of faith in Him for what He has done for us which stands apart from the law.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

While the only way to become righteous is through faith apart from being required to have first done righteous works, becoming righteous through faith means becoming someone who is a doer of righteous works in obedience to God's law through faith, so it is contradictory to become righteous apart from becoming a doer of righteous works, which is why the faith by which we are declared righteous not not abolish our need to be a doer of righteous works in obedience to God's law, but rather our faith upholds it (Romans 3:28-31).

So to your next comment, we follow Him not to obtain salvation since we are saved, but we follow Him as His disciples t bear fruit walking in the light in fellowship with the Father & the Son looking to Jesus to help us lay aside every weight & sin daily to qualify for the Marriage Supper at the pre great tribulation rapture event.

Those saved believers that take heed of His words in trusting Him as their Good Shepherd & Friend to help them to follow Him are His disciples for why they are bearing fruit. Their hope is in Christ; not in themselves in doing & keeping the law.

John 6: 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

When it comes to doing His commandments like loving our enemies and to forgive them for they know not what they do as set by the example of Jesus Christ on the cross, I do not look to myself to do it as if under the law like under the Old Covenant, but to Jesus Christ to help me to do this. That is the difference between the Old Covenant & the New Covenant is that by believing in Him & that God has raised Him from the dead, we are saved and therefore we can apply that same childlike faith in Him in being our Good Shepherd & Friend to help us to follow Him daily.

In Titus 2:11-13, it does not say that we will do those works as the fruit of having first been saved, but rather it describes the content of God's gift of salvation as being trained by grace to do those works. Embodying God's word is the way to put our hope in and believe in the one who is the embodiment of God's word, not an alternative to it. God is trustworthy, therefore His law is also trustworthy (Psalms 19:7), so the way to trust God is by obediently trusting in what He has instructed while it is contradictory to think that we are trusting in ourselves by trusting in what God has instructed. That is the same in both the OT and the NT.

Soi when I see myself following Him, I trust Him to remind me to give the father thanks in Jesus's name too.

1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

In 1 John 3:4-7, sin is the transgression of God's law and those who continue to practice sin have never see nor heard him, not sure why you are skipping over this. In 1 John 3:9-10, those who do not practice righteousness in obedience to God's law are not children of God.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:... 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

If God saved the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt in order to put them under bondage to His law, then it would be for bondage that God sets us free, however, Galatians 5:1 says that it is for freedom that God sets us free, therefore Galatians 5:1 is not referring to God's law, but rather God's law is of liberty (Psalms 119:45).

 

[ChristB4us]

I've said nothing to exalt myself, but rather those verses should also be understood in light of Psalms 119:142. God's law is God's way (Psalms 119:1-3), the truth (Psalms 119:142), and the life (Deuteronomy 32:46-47), and the way to see and know the Father (Exodus 33:13), and Jesus is God's word made flesh, so he is the embodiment of the way, the truth, and the life, and the way to see and know the Father (John 14:6-7).

Again God's law is not God's way to come to God the Father by but Jesus is.

Jesus did not come to place the emphasis on us to save ourselves nor to make ourselves good by our efforts and will power in following Him but to trust God to do His New Covenant. That is why little children are free to come to the Lord for all they can do is trust him at His word that He will do this.

Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Trust is the basis for all relationships and so He is asking us to trust Him for the help & power in following Him daily.
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

While the only way to become righteous is through faith apart from being required to have first done righteous works, becoming righteous through faith means becoming someone who is a doer of righteous works in obedience to God's law through faith, so it is contradictory to become righteous apart from becoming a doer of righteous works, which is why the faith by which we are declared righteous not not abolish our need to be a doer of righteous works in obedience to God's law, but rather our faith upholds it (Romans 3:28-31).

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

In Titus 2:11-13, it does not say that we will do those works as the fruit of having first been saved, but rather it describes the content of God's gift of salvation as being trained by grace to do those works. Embodying God's word is the way to put our hope in and believe in the one who is the embodiment of God's word, not an alternative to it. God is trustworthy, therefore His law is also trustworthy (Psalms 19:7), so the way to trust God is by obediently trusting in what He has instructed while it is contradictory to think that we are trusting in ourselves by trusting in what God has instructed. That is the same in both the OT and the NT.

It testifies that doing works is for our profit and for the profit of others; but not for obtaining salvation because we are already saved.

In 1 John 3:4-7, sin is the transgression of God's law and those who continue to practice sin have never see nor heard him, not sure why you are skipping over this. In 1 John 3:9-10, those who do not practice righteousness in obedience to God's law are not children of God.

The apostle John was addressing believers that believed sin was no longer sin to them and so were walking in darkness for why John written 1 John 1:3-10.

So when you came to 1 John 3:3-10, it is John signifying who is abiding in Him from those that are not so Christians that are made aware, will not follow after them by their wayward sinful example.

If God saved the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt in order to put them under bondage to His law, then it would be for bondage that God sets us free, however, Galatians 5:1 says that it is for freedom that God sets us free, therefore Galatians 5:1 is not referring to God's law, but rather God's law is of liberty (Psalms 119:45).

Explain this event in Acts.

Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

 

[Soyeong]

Again God's law is not God's way to come to God the Father by but Jesus is.

According to Exodus 33:13, Moses wanted God to be gracious to him by teaching him to walk in His way that he and Israel might know Him, so you are denying the truth of that verse. Jesus is the embodiment of God's word, so he is not a different way to the Father than by embodying God's word. God's word made flesh, so he is not a different way to the Father than God's word.

Jesus did not come to place the emphasis on us to save ourselves nor to make ourselves good by our efforts and will power in following Him but to trust God to do His New Covenant. That is why little children are free to come to the Lord for all they can do is trust him at His word that He will do this.
Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Trust is the basis for all relationships and so He is asking us to trust Him for the help & power in following Him daily.
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

God's law was never given as instructions for how to save ourselves or to make ourselves good by our efforts and will power, but rather obedience to God's law is the way to trust God under the New Covenant. Saving ourselves does not involve relying on anyone else, so it is contradictory for someone to think that we can save ourselves by relying on God's instructions. God is trustworthy, therefore His instructions are also trustworthy (Psalms 19:7), so it is also contradictory for someone to think that we should trust God, but not trust in His instructions. In Proverbs 3:5-7, we have a choice between leaning on our own understanding of right and wrong by doing what is right in our own eyes or trusting in God with all of our heart to correctly divide between right and wrong through obeying His instructions in all of our ways and He will make our way straight.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

I didn't say anything contrary to those verses, so that does not interact with what I said.

It testifies that doing works is for our profit and for the profit of others; but not for obtaining salvation because we are already saved.

In Titus 2:11-13, it doesn't say that we will do those works because we have already been saved, but rather it describes the content of God's gift of salvation as being trained by grace to do those works.

Explain this event in Acts.

Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

In Deuteronomy 30:11-14, it says that God's law is not too difficult to obey, so if Acts 15:10 and been referring to God's law as being a heavy burden that no one could bear, then they would have been in direct disagreement with God. Furthermore, the Psalms express an extremely positive view of God's law, such as with David repeatedly saying that he loved God's law and delighted in obeying it, so if we consider the Psalms to be Scripture and to therefore express a correct view of God's law, then we will share it as Paul did (Romans 7:22), while anything less than the view that we ought to delight in obeying it is incompatible with the view that the Psalms are Scripture, and the NT authors should not be interpreted as holding expressing views that are contrary to what they considered to be Scripture. For example, in Psalms 1:1-2, blessed are those who delight in the Law of the Lord and who meditate on it day and night, so we can't believe in the truth of these words as Scripture while not allowing them to shape our view of God's law.

In Acts 15:10-11, it makes it clear that the heavy burden that no one could bear was not God's law, but a means of salvation that was an alternative to salvation by grace, namely salvation by circumcision that was proposed by the men from Judea in Acts 15:1. The purpose for which God commanded circumcision was not in order to become saved, so the Jerusalem Council upheld God's law by correctly ruling against requiring circumcision for an incorrect purpose. The Jerusalem Council were servants of God, so they should not be interpreted as speaking against obeying His instructions.