Need Definition

Seashore · 11-03-2009, 01:03 PM

In the expression, "An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace," what is "grace"?

Stargazer1965 · 11-03-2009, 01:25 PM

According to WIKI:

In Christianity, grace is "unmerited favor" from God. Divine grace is a description of the character of God, which is displayed by God's gifts to humanity. Grace describes the means by which humans are granted salvation[1] (and to some, saved from original sin). Grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity, as well as one of the most contentious issues in Christian sectarianism. The principle of grace is considered as fundamental to Christianity as justice is to Law. The terms “salvation” and “grace” therefore become "virtually synonymous."[1] Yet, grace has never been made part of any Christian creed except for the Westminster Confession.[2]

Theologian J. I. Packer describes grace this way:

What is grace? In the New Testament grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves. Grace means God sending His only Son to descend into hell on the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven. ‘(God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’[2 Cor. 5:21]

– J.I. Packer[3]

Grace is often distinguished from mercy in that mercy is seen as not receiving punishment that one deserves to receive, whereas grace is the receipt of a positive benefit that one does not deserve to receive. Grace is also distinguished from knowledge of the Bible. In John Bunyon's classic allegory Pilgrim's Progress, the character named "Talkative" says that great knowledge of biblical mysteries is evidence of the work of grace in the soul. "Faithful" admonishes "Talkative" by saying, "...knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteries of the Gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul. Yea, if a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing, and so, consequently, be no child of God."[4]

Seashore · 11-03-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer1965

Yet, grace has never been made part of any Christian creed except for the Westminster Confession.

Is the Westminster Confession related to the Episcopal Church? The person I got the expression from was raised in the Episcopal Church.

I don't know what made me think about this expression today! But I've always liked the sound of it.

However, I would like the word "grace" in the expression to mean "love" unassociated with "sin"!

Stargazer1965 · 11-03-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seashore

Is the Westminster Confession related to the Episcopal Church? The person I got the expression from was raised in the Episcopal Church.

I don't know what made me think about this expression today! But I've always liked the sound of it.

However, I would like the word "grace" in the expression to mean "love" unassociated with "sin"!

Seashore...I am absolutely the wrong person to ask about religious matters...I was trying to help you with someone else's definition.

I was raised catholic so grace meant the words you said over food before you ate...

Grace meant you got through the day without a nun beating you with a wooden rod....

Peace Sister

Seashore · 11-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer1965

Seashore...I am absolutely the wrong person to ask about religious matters...I was trying to help you with someone else's definition.

And you did help. Thanks!

mudra · 11-03-2009, 02:37 PM

Forgive me Seashore if my answer does'nt fit your question .

However the line you posted inspired me .
For me it evokes enlightment ..the total expression of the divine self through the physical plane .
The incarnation and manifestation of Love itself.
It made me think of Amma..for example .

Love Always
mudra

Seashore · 11-03-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudra

Forgive me Seashore if my answer does'nt fit your question .
However the line you posted inspired me .
For me it evokes enlightment ..the total expression of the divine self through the physical plane .

Love Always
mudra

I like that definition!

It evidently is not what the author of the expression intended. But I like the expression, with your definition, much better.

mudra · 11-03-2009, 03:33 PM

You are welcome Seashore ..thank you for having inspired me

Love Always
mudra

11-03-2009, 01:03 PM	#1
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Need Definition In the expression, "An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace," what is "grace"?

11-03-2009, 01:25 PM	#2
Stargazer1965 Hall Monitor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 733	Re: Need Definition According to WIKI: In Christianity, grace is "unmerited favor" from God. Divine grace is a description of the character of God, which is displayed by God's gifts to humanity. Grace describes the means by which humans are granted salvation[1] (and to some, saved from original sin). Grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity, as well as one of the most contentious issues in Christian sectarianism. The principle of grace is considered as fundamental to Christianity as justice is to Law. The terms “salvation” and “grace” therefore become "virtually synonymous."[1] Yet, grace has never been made part of any Christian creed except for the Westminster Confession.[2] Theologian J. I. Packer describes grace this way: What is grace? In the New Testament grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves. Grace means God sending His only Son to descend into hell on the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven. ‘(God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’[2 Cor. 5:21] – J.I. Packer[3] Grace is often distinguished from mercy in that mercy is seen as not receiving punishment that one deserves to receive, whereas grace is the receipt of a positive benefit that one does not deserve to receive. Grace is also distinguished from knowledge of the Bible. In John Bunyon's classic allegory Pilgrim's Progress, the character named "Talkative" says that great knowledge of biblical mysteries is evidence of the work of grace in the soul. "Faithful" admonishes "Talkative" by saying, "...knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteries of the Gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul. Yea, if a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing, and so, consequently, be no child of God."[4]

11-03-2009, 02:37 PM	#6
mudra Avalon Spiritual Mother Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: belgium Posts: 4,919	Re: Need Definition Forgive me Seashore if my answer does'nt fit your question . However the line you posted inspired me . For me it evokes enlightment ..the total expression of the divine self through the physical plane . The incarnation and manifestation of Love itself. It made me think of Amma..for example . Love Always mudra Last edited by mudra; 11-03-2009 at 02:50 PM.

11-03-2009, 03:33 PM	#8
mudra Avalon Spiritual Mother Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: belgium Posts: 4,919	Re: Need Definition You are welcome Seashore ..thank you for having inspired me Love Always mudra