smurphy Loc: Co

How so? That is the challenge. Agree or not, show how those words are against the Bible and Christ's way of life.

Rufus Loc: Deep South

My thinking is this. We are saved by God's grace. It is a free gift for simply believing in Him. There are no works we can do to be saved. His Holy Spirit invites us to accept Him. The Holy Spirit convicts us to the realization that we are sinners and in desperate need of a savior. At this point we either accept Him or reject Him. It is His love and grace that provides for and allows this. This term is also used quite frequently in Alcoholics Anonymous in reference to not drinking. People claim they are currently sober by God's grace. I agree. We are all sinners. Even after we are saved we still struggle with sin. However, as we grow God helps us to overcome sin in our lives. It is not easy and it may take time, but He helps us. But it is a dependence on God that helps us with our struggles. Many times he provides a way of escape. Sometimes he may miraculously heal someone immediately. This is a brief explanation of what can begin to happen by God's grace. If you are not saved you are at a huge disadvantage and may not be able to understand this. But we as believers have the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us. He opens our spiritual eyes. He changes the way we perceive things. He teaches us. He gives us wisdom. Those who are not saved cannot really even comment on your post because they do not have a reference point. They speak without experience or knowledge. Quite sad really.

smurphy Loc: Co

"It is a free gift for simply believing in Him."
If it cost us to believe in him, given what that faith in him demands, it is not free. There is far more and far less to this question.

Rufus Loc: Deep South

:thumbup: