GOD'S SALVATION: The ONLY Thing That we Can Bring to HIS TABLE.

[THOM]

It is Written:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some simple definitions of Words and Phrases found in Ephesians 2:8-9, helps us to understand what it is, and what it is not, that we bring to the Table of GOD's Salvation.

"Grace": GOD's unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor towards any and everyone.

"Faith": Believing GOD.

". . .that not of yourselves...": You and I bring absolutely nothing to the table that GOD has not FIRST given to us to bring...

. . .except [individually] ourselves. . .and our [individual] sins.

And please don't miss the fact that you and I couldn't even bring the "faith" were it not for GOD; GOD gives us that "faith", as it is written, "Faith comes by hearing THE WORD of GOD (Romans 10:17)".

"THE GIFT of GOD": SALVATION, also, Grace, Faith, all via THE WORD of GOD [IN and THROUGH THE PERSON of JESUS CHRIST]. Regarding the word, "gift", if you or I bought it, earned it, deserved it, etc., then IT IS NOT a "gift". Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received.

"works": Deeds ("Good" or "Bad"); Do's and/or Do Not's. . .like, maybe, "The law of Moses".

". . .lest any man should boast.": There is absolutely nothing that we can brag about, being and/or doing, in order for GOD to lead us to HIS GIFT of Salvation. However, there is ONE THING that Scripture gives us permission to brag about, "Thus saith THE LORD, 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows ME, that I AM THE LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,' saith THE LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)"

Questions and Comments are very welcomed.

[fuzzi]

I cannot glory in my self, my deeds, my abilities, my flesh, because in it dwelleth no good thing (Romans 7:18).

But I can glory in Christ, and what He has done for me.

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:14,15)

[Watchmen]

What should we bring to the table of salvation?

Everything were have and everything we are. Then we should lay it down at Christ feet, pick up our cross and start following Him.

[Gulah Papyrus]

It is Written:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some simple definitions of Words and Phrases found in Ephesians 2:8-9, helps us to understand what it is, and what it is not, that we bring to the Table of GOD's Salvation.

"Grace": GOD's unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor towards any and everyone.

"Faith": Believing GOD.

". . .that not of yourselves...": You and I bring absolutely nothing to the table that GOD has not FIRST given to us to bring...

. . .except [individually] ourselves. . .and our [individual] sins.

And please don't miss the fact that you and I couldn't even bring the "faith" were it not for GOD; GOD gives us that "faith", as it is written, "Faith comes by hearing THE WORD of GOD (Romans 10:17)".

"THE GIFT of GOD": SALVATION, also, Grace, Faith, all via THE WORD of GOD [IN and THROUGH THE PERSON of JESUS CHRIST]. Regarding the word, "gift", if you or I bought it, earned it, deserved it, etc., then IT IS NOT a "gift". Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received.

"works": Deeds ("Good" or "Bad"); Do's and/or Do Not's. . .like, maybe, "The law of Moses".

". . .lest any man should boast.": There is absolutely nothing that we can brag about, being and/or doing, in order for GOD to lead us to HIS GIFT of Salvation. However, there is ONE THING that Scripture gives us permission to brag about, "Thus saith THE LORD, 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows ME, that I AM THE LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,' saith THE LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)"

Questions and Comments are very welcomed.

Just letting you know that the CAPS and the Bold Cursive and color and the underlined text, and different SIZES does NOTHING to help your point but just make your "posts" harder to read....and I am more likely to just skip over it. Just thought I'd share.

[RogerW]

It is Written:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some simple definitions of Words and Phrases found in Ephesians 2:8-9, helps us to understand what it is, and what it is not, that we bring to the Table of GOD's Salvation.

"Grace": GOD's unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor towards any and everyone.

"Faith": Believing GOD.

". . .that not of yourselves...": You and I bring absolutely nothing to the table that GOD has not FIRST given to us to bring...

. . .except [individually] ourselves. . .and our [individual] sins.

And please don't miss the fact that you and I couldn't even bring the "faith" were it not for GOD; GOD gives us that "faith", as it is written, "Faith comes by hearing THE WORD of GOD (Romans 10:17)".

"THE GIFT of GOD": SALVATION, also, Grace, Faith, all via THE WORD of GOD [IN and THROUGH THE PERSON of JESUS CHRIST]. Regarding the word, "gift", if you or I bought it, earned it, deserved it, etc., then IT IS NOT a "gift". Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received.

"works": Deeds ("Good" or "Bad"); Do's and/or Do Not's. . .like, maybe, "The law of Moses".

". . .lest any man should boast.": There is absolutely nothing that we can brag about, being and/or doing, in order for GOD to lead us to HIS GIFT of Salvation. However, there is ONE THING that Scripture gives us permission to brag about, "Thus saith THE LORD, 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows ME, that I AM THE LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,' saith THE LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)"

Questions and Comments are very welcomed.

Greetings Thom,

I concur with almost everything you have stated. There is only one point to this statement "Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received." To receive salvation means that we are given eternal life. I cannot find a single verse of Scripture that tells me eternal life must be received. I find many verses telling me that Christ will give eternal/everlasting life unconditionally to those who believe. When we make salvation a gift that must be received, it suggests that we can also refuse to receive it. Truth is that unless a man is first regenerated by the power of the Word and Holy Spirit he/she will always refuse the gospel call.

I don't believe that God's grace is resistible, therefore salvation is a gift given not offered. It may be a fine point, but I believe a necessary point nonetheless...the gospel call is offered to every man, and through the call all men are commanded to repent and believe. But only those given the free gift of saving faith (regeneration) will believe. Not by their own will, but by the will of God. None who have been regenerated will refuse to repent and believe because God has changed their hearts and made them willing.

I would state salvation as something that God deposits in His elect, much like someone else depositing money in our account.

Many Blessings,
RW

[crossnote]

Greetings Thom,

I concur with almost everything you have stated. There is only one point to this statement "Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received." To receive salvation means that we are given eternal life. I cannot find a single verse of Scripture that tells me eternal life must be received. RW

What if we try this one on for size keeping in mind that Eternal Life is found in Christ Jesus.
-
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
(Joh 1:12)

[Firstfruits]

It is Written:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some simple definitions of Words and Phrases found in Ephesians 2:8-9, helps us to understand what it is, and what it is not, that we bring to the Table of GOD's Salvation.

"Grace": GOD's unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor towards any and everyone.

"Faith": Believing GOD.

". . .that not of yourselves...": You and I bring absolutely nothing to the table that GOD has not FIRST given to us to bring...

. . .except [individually] ourselves. . .and our [individual] sins.

And please don't miss the fact that you and I couldn't even bring the "faith" were it not for GOD; GOD gives us that "faith", as it is written, "Faith comes by hearing THE WORD of GOD (Romans 10:17)".

"THE GIFT of GOD": SALVATION, also, Grace, Faith, all via THE WORD of GOD [IN and THROUGH THE PERSON of JESUS CHRIST]. Regarding the word, "gift", if you or I bought it, earned it, deserved it, etc., then IT IS NOT a "gift". Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received.

"works": Deeds ("Good" or "Bad"); Do's and/or Do Not's. . .like, maybe, "The law of Moses".

". . .lest any man should boast.": There is absolutely nothing that we can brag about, being and/or doing, in order for GOD to lead us to HIS GIFT of Salvation. However, there is ONE THING that Scripture gives us permission to brag about, "Thus saith THE LORD, 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows ME, that I AM THE LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,' saith THE LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)"

Questions and Comments are very welcomed.

Amen and God bless you!!!

Firstfruits

[THOM]

Greetings Thom,

I concur with almost everything you have stated. There is only one point to this statement "Further, it is only a "gift", if it is received." To receive salvation means that we are given eternal life. I cannot find a single verse of Scripture that tells me eternal life must be received. I find many verses telling me that Christ will give eternal/everlasting life unconditionally to those who believe. When we make salvation a gift that must be received, it suggests that we can also refuse to receive it. Truth is that unless a man is first regenerated by the power of the Word and Holy Spirit he/she will always refuse the gospel call.

I don't believe that God's grace is resistible, therefore salvation is a gift given not offered. It may be a fine point, but I believe a necessary point nonetheless...the gospel call is offered to every man, and through the call all men are commanded to repent and believe. But only those given the free gift of saving faith (regeneration) will believe. Not by their own will, but by the will of God. None who have been regenerated will refuse to repent and believe because God has changed their hearts and made them willing.

I would state salvation as something that God deposits in His elect, much like someone else depositing money in our account.

Many Blessings,
RW

Hello RW; Your point is well taken and understood.

"Eternal life", is the byproduct of "Salvation"; "Salvation" is "THE GIFT of GOD", that must be "received". "Salvation" cannot be skipped, and "Eternal life" received. The former must precede the latter.

GOD'S SALVATION is Past, Present, and Future:
Past (we were saved), from the penalty of Sin, which is Death (Romans 6:23);
Present (we are [being] saved), from the power of Sin, which is Slavery (John 8:34);
Future (we will be saved), from the presence of Sin, which is Influence (Romans 5:12).

[theBelovedDisciple]

Everything I have today and the reason I actually exist today is because of Him... It Truly is a Gift.. I did not deserve or warrant His Grace and Mercy.. and by all means should of been a 'statistic' in my early life.. which included suicide and car accidents and near drownings... I can't boast and will not boast that it was by my hand and my own power that I came to Him.. or that it is because of me that I exist today... and when I come before Him to recieve any award He may grant me... I will lay those down at His Feet because He paid the price and did it all by being nailed to that Bloody Tree.. because He loved me and those He came for...

The Issues of Salvation belong to God and Him alone... and they flow thru that Bloody Tree.. where He stated... It is Finished

and those who Truly Love Him and are His...

love Him.. because He first Loved them and gave His Life a Ransom for them....

His Gift... towards those He loves..

Today I truly Know that It was by Grace that I was saved in 1994... I have nothing to boast about because I should not be... but because of Him.. I shall and will Live Forever...

[RogerW]

What if we try this one on for size keeping in mind that Eternal Life is found in Christ Jesus.
-
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
(Joh 1:12)

Greetings Crossnote,

How will they receive Him? Being born of God through regeneration. All of God, none of man. Salvation is of the Lord!

Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Many Blessings,
RW

[RogerW]

Hello RW; Your point is well taken and understood.

"Eternal life", is the byproduct of "Salvation"; "Salvation" is "THE GIFT of GOD", that must be "received". "Salvation" cannot be skipped, and "Eternal life" received. The former must precede the latter.

GOD'S SALVATION is Past, Present, and Future:
Past (we were saved), from the penalty of Sin, which is Death (Romans 6:23);
Present (we are [being] saved), from the power of Sin, which is Slavery (John 8:34);
Future (we will be saved), from the presence of Sin, which is Influence (Romans 5:12).

Greetings Thom,

Would you agree that God's grace is irresistible?

Many Blessings,
RW

[Dani H]

The only thing I brought to the table was me, in my sin.

The only reason I came to the table was by His grace, and Him leading me to it. Because I didn't even know there was a table.

God then removed my sin and placed me in Christ.

I always say He got the short end of the stick in the deal, but I'm glad He did what He did.

[THOM]

Greetings Thom,

Would you agree that God's grace is irresistible?

Many Blessings,
RW

Greetings to you Roger,

Regarding your question, NO, I cannot agree that "God's grace is irresistible". Far too many people see to resist it for whatever reason(s), as it is Written, "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist THE HOLY GHOST: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51ff)". "THE HOLY GHOST" is GOD'S Grace PERSONIFIED Spiritually, and if a person can "resist THE HOLY GHOST", they won't have a major problem resisting "God's grace". And this has been going on, at least, as far back as Genesis 6:3, "MY SPIRIT shall not always strive with man..."; There shouldn't have been a "strive", were "God's grace. . .irresistible". Don't you agree?

Bless you my Brother,

The only thing I brought to the table was me, in my sin.

The only reason I came to the table was by His grace, and Him leading me to it. Because I didn't even know there was a table.

God then removed my sin and placed me in Christ.

I always say He got the short end of the stick in the deal, but I'm glad He did what He did.

Your very humble Spirit is very endearing; and I'd say HE got someone that I'm very proud to have as a Sibling.

[crossnote]

Greetings Crossnote,

How will they receive Him? Being born of God through regeneration. All of God, none of man. Salvation is of the Lord!

Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Many Blessings,
RW

True, true, monergism and all that but stilll...receive Him we must.

[fuzzi]

Regarding your question, NO, I cannot agree that "God's grace is irresistible". Far too many people see to resist it for whatever reason(s), as it is Written, "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist THE HOLY GHOST: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51ff)". "THE HOLY GHOST" is GOD'S Grace PERSONIFIED Spiritually, and if a person can "resist THE HOLY GHOST", they won't have a major problem resisting "God's grace". And this has been going on, at least, as far back as Genesis 6:3, "MY SPIRIT shall not always strive with man..."; There shouldn't have been a "strive", were "God's grace. . .irresistible". Don't you agree?

As far as examples of resisting God, consider Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"