INTO: In the previous message I sought to define what grace means. Here is the definition I gave: "The grace of God is that favorable disposition in God toward fallen man which is caused by something in them that pleases Him, and this favorable disposition causes Him to freely grant them what they desire."
In the definition I gave I include that man must please God to find grace with Him. That automatically will make someone say that I have added works to grace, but that is not so. To qualify for something does not necessarily mean works. We can get nothing from God by works, but man must qualify to receive salvation or to gain power to overcome sin. That includes both justification and sanctification. The grace of God is never unilateral. It is a two-way street. God has provided all man needs for salvation, that is clear. But man must qualify to be saved, and that is also clear.
To be saved one must be converted. Conversion includes two doctrines: repentance, and faith. If these qualifications are not met, there is no grace and there is no mercy. What these two matters boil down to is humility. No man is ever saved in pride. He must humble himself, and so Scripture says God gives grace to the humble.
There is talk among theologians about all kinds of grace. In the last message I said: "You see, there is talk of common grace, special grace, prevenient grace, and sacramental grace, unconditional grace, and I don't know how many more kinds of grace." I do not find such distinctions in Scripture.
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