What is grace?

[micah7:9]

D.L.Moody pointed out in one of his sermons that Gen.6:8 was the first time grace is found in the Bible.
Gen_6:8  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 
Did Noah himself, "find" grace or was there grace already in the the eyes of the Lord and Noah saw it, and Noah was the first to receive the gift?
Eph_2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph_2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

I believe, understand, and accept that "saved" is something that is happening to me now, I am not yet Saved= to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

What is grace? I don't mean the definition of grace. WHAT is grace?

I believe and understand that "grace" is the gift that God gave, and for me is like a tool, the Lord uses to cause man to repent[ to change my mind or thinking]. 
So for me(imo) I am "being" saved by grace.

We read that the discription of Cain's lineage ceases in Gen. Ch. 4. And since I believe that all men will be saved, and that man is saved by grace and that gift was
given, for the first time to Noah, and that gift of grace was not given to the Cain lineage. Will that lineage of Cain be saved by grace?
I believe it must. So I am just wondering how will that lineage of Cain, at some time, "see or find" grace as the lineage of Noah did?
I hope I have made my thoughts clear. (2Tim.3:16) :HeartThrob: :dsunny:

[ded2daworld]

The Jehovah witness bible, interestingly enough, does not contain the word "grace" - anywhere.

They do substitute what to me seems like a very accurate depiction of the word - "Undeserved kindness"

Noah was the recipient of undeserved kindness from the Lord. Perhaps Noah "found" or realized that the kindness God poured on him was undeserved. Just one possible scenario. :2c:

[micah7:9]

The Jehovah witness bible, interestingly enough, does not contain the word "grace" - anywhere.

They do substitute what to me seems like a very accurate depiction of the word - "Undeserved kindness"

Noah was the recipient of undeserved kindness from the Lord. Perhaps Noah "found" or realized that the kindness God poured on him was undeserved. Just one possible scenario. :2c:

"What is grace? I don't mean the definition of grace. WHAT is grace?"

[ded2daworld]

Asking "what is" implies a definition.
IMO, Grace is undeserved kindness.
God acting kindly toward us though we don't deserve it. grace is undeserved, therefore it cannot be earned in ANY way.
Grace is a giving of love, kindness, hospitality, peace and salvation.
Micah, I can't think of any other way and I know you already know that so I can't see what you're getting at. :dontknow:

[Dave Corum]

Greetings micah7:9 - What a wonderful verse you chose, thanks for making me look it up.
In many of my meetings with "Christians", I'll admit, I somewhat set them up by asking the question: "Are you saved"?
Without fail, they answer "Of course".
Now without appearing as a legalist, the "question" is really not complete - If someone where to ask me "Are you saved", I would answer: "From what"?.
You mentioned you are saved by grace, but would it be rude to ask "from what"? I don't know you, but would like to.
Have you read this article on Tentmakers: http://www.tentmaker.org/FAQ/why_preach_eby.html
I haven't yet, but I'm sure anxious to...don't know if it applies to my above ramble.

As to your original question - GREAT question! Never thought of it, and now I will.
ded2daworld appears to be on to something.

Thanks for making me think. :banana:

[jabcat]

IMO, grace is God choosing to be kind to us, meriting us favor by forgiveness, giving us spiritual new birth, and all that His mercies entail.

I believe grace goes hand-in-hand with the scriptural teachings that some are saved (given spiritual new birth, given faith to believe on Jesus to become a child of God, adopted into the family, beginning the spiritual journey into His likeness) in this lifetime (the ekklesia) - which is only by God's grace, nothing we can do to earn it (for it's by grace through faith are we saved, and that not of ourselves but is a free gift).  The rest then saved (spiritually reborn, delivered) later in the next age.  Then all will be saved in the sense of the redemption of our bodies (mortality swallowed by immortality) - and then we will always be with the Lord (I Thes. 4:17).

[jabcat]

I personally believe it's easy for us who are shown UR to then get confused/lose sight of some fundamentals of the Gospel.  For one, that there is still a need for each and every one to be spiritually reborn (saved) - i.e., God applying His mercy and grace to us by drawing us to Him when it's our time (some now [ekklesia/elect], the rest later) and then giving us the faith to believe upon Him as our Savior.  I still believe it's specific, direct, and we'll know it when God calls us and gives us the spiritual new birth;  that it's not by osmosis or only some group experience of "realizing what He did", or it's by being a good person or good works, etc.  People still need the Lord.   :2c:  Paul cried "be you reconciled to God!".

How can they believe and hear without a proclaimer?  Romans 10:14

[micah7:9]

These are quotes from the article from Dave Corum. My question about grace I(imo) asked is valid.
Eby, "The knowledge of God's gracious purpose..." How did we get this knowledge? I say from a gift, a gift with a purpose, a gift that was useful. I do not believe the Lord gives gifts that have no use.
Eby," The fact that we see and appreciate God's great and wonderful plan..." Just how did we come to "see" this great and wonderful plan, well I say from the gift.
Eby, "Our service must be because we love Him." Just how did our service become "because we love Him" I say from through the working gift.
Eby," He wants us; our heart and affection. And sinners need to discover the love of God in Christ, and be brought to truly love Him. " Well just how will sinners get this need? Bro. Eby says preaching and Paul says by preaching, and I must agree, yet how did this ability to preach come about, I say from the gift.
Eby," Furthermore, God will never save your loved ones, your neighbors, or any other person who has ever lived or who ever shall live apart from a MEANS, an INSTRUMENT THROUGH WHICH TO REACH THEM. And WE are that instrument!" And I can agree. Yes, we are that instrument, but we became that instrument because we received a gift.
Eby," The ministry of reconciliation springs from the spirit of reconciliation."
And I say that spirit of reconciliation came from the gift of GRACE. I could not think of that word "instrument" so I said "tool."
Ded2daworld said...
"Asking "what is" implies a definition.
IMO, Grace is undeserved kindness.
God acting kindly toward us though we don't deserve it. grace is undeserved, therefore it cannot be earned in ANY way.
Grace is a giving of love, kindness, hospitality, peace and salvation.
Micah, I can't think of any other way and I know you already know that so I can't see what you're getting at." 

GRACE is more than a definition, it is the instrument that the Lord uses to bring us back to Him. Uses to cause us to preach love and that all men will be saved. Grace was not a gift that would be set on some mantel, hid in a box in some closet, and we just walk around and say, I got a gift of undeserved kindness so I'm saved. GRACE works... that is the purpose of undeserved kindness. :HeartThrob: :dsunny: Gee, it's my opinion :thumbsup:

[misszoolander]

Ahh what a great topic :)

I remember, awhile ago deliberating about this; what is grace?
When people have grace...is it obvious?

Then I stumbled across Gerry Beauchemin's (author of Hope Beyond Hell) videos on youtube and I was struck by the amount of "grace" I could hear in his voice when he talked about the good news.

It's hard to describe, but I felt something in his tone, and I could see compassion and love he had for all the lost sheep in this world, and I thought to myself - I want what hes got! Never before have I been so moved by a Christian, never have I felt compassion and kindness just by listening to a few words, it was as if Gods spirit was touching mine through his words. I cried, wept for joy and from that day on have not looked back - that is the power of grace, it's like love, a force that can change any heart.

Even though Gerry never did anything specifically kind for me, I was touched by the grace I could feel when he talked about Jesus. I thank the Lord, for letting me feel that grace, even though it was behind a computer screen.

[Colleen]

I've actually been thinking about posting this question for a few days and had decided to today. When I came on here lo and behold! I plan on just sitting  back and learning. Thanks all

[mplsfitter539]

911 is the gematria for the Greek word charis, "grace."

Definition

    grace
        that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
    good will, loving-kindness, favour
        of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
    what is due to grace
        the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
        the token or proof of grace, benefit
            a gift of grace
            benefit, bounty
    thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

[micah7:9]

911 is the gematria for the Greek word charis, "grace."

Definition

    grace
        that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
    good will, loving-kindness, favour
        of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
    what is due to grace
        the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
        the token or proof of grace, benefit
            a gift of grace
            benefit, bounty
    thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Thank you but my query was...""What is grace? I don't mean the definition of grace. WHAT is grace?""

[Lazarus Short]

I was told that it is unmerited favor.

[reFORMer]

"Grace" is God at work for our benefit.

[Deena]

Could it be that grace is God, Himself, His very nature and character. Perhaps what Noah "found" was the real God who was manifesting Himself to the only one humble enough to receive Him. On another line of thought...for some reason I think Noah must have known that God would somehow "redeem" all the people that were about to drown. How else could He have endured the cries of those people. Just a thought.

[Dave Corum]

Wow Deena, what an eye opening post with respect to a loving God enduring the cries of all those drowning people...I used to deal with that too in the OT wherein God would command the ancient Israelites to go into an area and wipe em all out, including livestock etc...I really wrestled with this UNTIL I stumbled upon Pastor Mike Hoggard's video series on "Giants" Pt 1-3
http://mikehoggard.com/ Scroll down to Giants series.
IF life was so corrupted, if man and animals were so perverted via DNA creating abominations before the Lord, it would make some sense, in fact, alot of sense to destroy the hybrids and transhumans - Something that may have to be done again, but this time even plants via Monsanto's GMO...
One disclaimer: Pastor Hoggard dearly embraces the hellish hell doctrine, trinity, and a host of other biblical nonsense...While frustrating, I still subscribe to the adage: "Does it make any difference WHO says it as long as it is true"?

[Dave Corum]

I personally believe it's easy for us who are shown UR to then get confused/lose sight of some fundamentals of the Gospel.  For one, that there is still a need for each and every one to be spiritually reborn (saved) - i.e., God applying His mercy and grace to us by drawing us to Him when it's our time (some now [ekklesia/elect], the rest later) and then giving us the faith to believe upon Him as our Savior.  I still believe it's specific, direct, and we'll know it when God calls us and gives us the spiritual new birth;  that it's not by osmosis or only some group experience of "realizing what He did", or it's by being a good person or good works, etc.  People still need the Lord.   :2c:  Paul cried "be you reconciled to God!".

How can they believe and hear without a proclaimer?  Romans 10:14

Good morning jabcat: I do NOT mean to sound argumentitive, but I don't understand your equation "spiritually reborn" = "saved" Again, as I asked micah earlier, "saved from what"? Yes, I believe I understand the need to be spiritually reborn, but saved? Can you clarify or point via link to some article on this site that will help me?
Thanking you much.

[jabcat]

Hi.  Fair question, thanks.

I believe there is spiritual rebirth (our initial reconciliation to God which happens for many in this life, most in the next age); and then the redemption of the body ("mortality swallowed up by immortality");  at least 2 events of being "saved".  I believe the scriptures teach that until we are given the faith to believe on Jesus as Savior, we are lost.  We may have a head knowledge, but until we've been drawn and given faith to believe on Him as Savior, we are still spiritually separated from God.  He has reconciled Himself to us, but we still need to be reconciled to Him when He chooses, through the free gift of faith and grace - the blood applied to our individual heart and life. 

Paul called it being "without hope and without God", and "lost in our trespasses and sins".  Paul was lost until God met him on the road to Damascus and he experienced spiritual new birth.  Jesus said we must be spiritually reborn (born again).  Paul calls it "saved".

Acts 16:29-31:

"Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..."

Blessings.

[redhotmagma]

I think I get what Dave was getting at.  Saved from what?  In the ET mindset you get saved from hell.  But thats not really the point.  If there was no hell to be saved from in the first place, then what is saved?   

The answer Dave is death, futility, corruption.  That is what we are saved from.  We are healed of the disease of death. 

For me, when I read salvation or saved, I read healed.  Saved has such a meaning to me that I can't get out of my head.

[eaglesway]

IMO salvation is progressive, having a beginning point, a process, and an end/completion.

The beginning is a five fold(not dogmatic but) reality.  Faith in Jesus, Repentence towards God, Forgiveness of sin, hope of the ressurection, separation from the world.

All of these aspects are included in the Logos, or incorruptible seed that is implanted in our hearts when we believe. Within that seed is the Alpha through Omega of the kingdom of God.

The things we experience after that are for the purpose of 1)growing the seed in us an 2)spreding th seed until all creation has been set free into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Peter said, "Be saved from this perverse(twisted/wounded/broken) generation". We are "begotten into Christ", or "saved/delivered/healed" out of the generation of Adam, (with all its attendant wounds, weaknesses, wickedness and sorrow) into the generation of Jesus Christ the Son- a generation of children/sons/inheritors of the kingdpm of God(with all its attendant grace, bounty, restoration and joy), which is, simply(but gloriously :o), transformation into the image of Christ, participation in the divine nature, manifesting the fulness of God.

We,as firstfruits, forerunners, ambassadors to the whole creation through the dispensation of the fulness of times,Have the blessing of sharing a ministry salvation(deliverance/healing/restoration) will eventually envelope the whole creation.

So, the beginning is to "see the light of the knowledge of the gtlory of God in the face of Christ". This is our gospel(2 Cor3:16-2 Cor 4:5). The process is to grow through trial and experience into the likeness of Christ as clay upon the potters wheel, gradually reflecting more and more of the character of Jesus in the love of God. The end is to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Mature "sons", planting, watering, harvesting in our Father's field- the world.

For everyone He foreknew He also predestined t be conformed to the image of Christ.

The beginning is known by some as "saved", but "saved" does not have the same meaning for everyone. The process is known as "sanctification", but to many sanctification is more about law than grace, works than love, deeds than character. The end point is also known as "saved" to many, but also means a wide variety of things from going in the rapture or the bodily resurrection to "heaven" or just "not going to hell".

To me, the end point of salvation/restoration is, individually, "completely recovered in the new creation, full of the Spirit of Christ, resurected with Jesus" and will eventually, for all beings be realized as, "immersed in the love of God, in complete union and harmony in the All in All".

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be the glory forever.

These 5 elements of salvation I spoke of are all included in this one glorious verse of scripture.

Acts 3:19-21  Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:23
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

James 1:21
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. :2c:

[micah7:9]

Part of my original post What is Grace.
"We read that the discription of Cain's lineage ceases in Gen. Ch. 4. And since I believe that all men will be saved, and that man is saved by grace and that gift was given, for the first time to Noah, and that gift of grace was not given to the Cain lineage. Will that lineage of Cain be saved by grace?
I believe it must. So I am just wondering how will that lineage of Cain, at some time, "see or find" grace as the lineage of Noah did?"

I must assume that "what is grace," just evolved into salvation.

[eaglesway]

Yea, I think grace and salvation are nearly interchangeable words, the delivery point for that grace to each beig can be different in time or perhaps eve out of time, but, "by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves" is pretty clearly (to me) the means by which all, from Cain to Korah to Balaam to Joseph to Paul to "whoever shall call upn the name of the Lord shall be saved" from the beginning until "every knee has bowed and every tongue confesses...."

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
(Rev 5:8-14)

[jabcat]

Yea, I think grace and salvation are nearly interchangeable words, the delivery point for that grace to each beig can be different in time or perhaps eve out of time, but, "by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves" is pretty clearly (to me) the means by which all, from Cain to Korah to Balaam to Joseph to Paul to "whoever shall call upn the name of the Lord shall be saved" from the beginning until "every knee has bowed and every tongue confesses...."

Try separating them.     :2thumbs:

[VineBranch]

Yea, I think grace and salvation are nearly interchangeable words, the delivery point for that grace to each beig can be different in time or perhaps eve out of time, but, "by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves" is pretty clearly (to me) the means by which all, from Cain to Korah to Balaam to Joseph to Paul to "whoever shall call upn the name of the Lord shall be saved" from the beginning until "every knee has bowed and every tongue confesses...."

Try separating them.     :2thumbs:

Isn't it:  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God..." (Eph 2:8)

Grace seems to be the overarching system supporting faith.  IMO faith is a part of grace, or grace is the support for faith. If I am reading  this correctly, and I may not be, it seems to say grace saves by the use of faith:  grace sends salvation (through faith), it is not salvation itself.  Otherwise it could just simply read grace saves.  I don't see the two being one.

[Lazarus Short]

Me neither.  :Chinscratch: