ECT Without benevolence, we cannot inherit eternal life.

[musterion]

Yes, and grace is always conditional on the ruler that grants grace being pleased with the person He is granting grace to.

Explain this for us: How do the lost please God enough to earn His grace?

Teach us. Please?

 

[Tambora]

Yes, and grace is always conditional on the ruler that grants grace being pleased with the person He is granting grace to.

There is no such thing as "unconditional grace", no matter how much that phrase has polluted Christianity.

GOD elected the nation of Israel before any of them did anything at all.
So, no, it was not based on GOD being 'pleased' with the person.

Genesis 25:23 KJV
(23) And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.


That is unconditional grace.

 

[Tambora]

Explain this for us: How do the lost please God enough to earn His grace?

Teach us. Please?

:up:
No kidding.
If it is earned, then it is not grace.

Romans 4:4 KJV
(4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.


Romans 11:6 KJV
(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 is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

[musterion]

"Grace Is Not Earned"

"Grace Is Not Earned"

Have you ever noticed that God does not hold the great men of Scripture up to us because of their personal goodness? Almost invariably their records are marred by failure and sin, but God bids us look at their faith, to see what their faith did for them. Even those who lived consistently good lives are not held up to us for their personal worth, because God knows their imperfections. Thus Rom. 4:2,3 says:

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory– but not before God. For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”


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And Verse 6 goes on to say about David:

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.”


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This is because man cannot live a life good enough to make him acceptable to God, for with God only perfection is good enough. One sin spoiled the earth; God will not allow one sin to spoil heaven too. This is why in grace He gave Christ to die for our sins and to pay the just penalty for us. Because of the all-sufficient payment of Christ in our behalf, God can now be “just, and the Justifier” of those who place their faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26).