Topical Encyclopedia Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity. It is through grace that believers receive salvation, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." While grace is a gift freely given, Scripture warns against its abuse, emphasizing the responsibility that accompanies this divine favor.The Apostle Paul addresses the potential for abusing grace in Romans 6:1-2 : "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" Here, Paul refutes the notion that grace provides a license to sin, underscoring that believers, having died to sin, are called to live in righteousness. Jude also warns against the distortion of grace in Jude 1:4 : "For certain men have crept in unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." This passage highlights the danger of using grace as an excuse for immoral behavior, which ultimately denies the lordship of Christ. The transformative power of grace is further emphasized in Titus 2:11-12 : "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Grace not only saves but also instructs believers to pursue holiness, rejecting the sinful desires of the world. In Galatians 5:13 , Paul reminds believers of their freedom in Christ, cautioning them not to misuse it: "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This verse calls Christians to exercise their freedom responsibly, using it to serve others rather than indulging in selfish desires. The New Testament consistently teaches that grace, while freely given, demands a response of obedience and transformation. In 1 Peter 2:16 , believers are urged to "Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." This exhortation reinforces the idea that grace should lead to a life of service and submission to God's will. In summary, the biblical teaching on grace is clear: it is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted or misused. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of the grace they have received, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God in their daily lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 3:8And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 6:1,15 Library What it is Not. Christian Baptism. Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace. The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin That it is no Fault of the Divine Goodness if we have not a Most ... The Means of Grace Divine Grace. Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden. Manner and Object of Teaching Luther's Catechism On the Sacraments in General Resources What is the meaning of “grace upon grace” in John 1:16? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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