The usage of the word in context dictates how it is to be viewed....note that one represents a "thing" while the other represents the action that has taken place.....
I.E. Salvation as a THING is found only in Christ.....but the result of trusting into that thing (salvation in Christ) is->>one has BEEN SAVED (PAST TENSE AND A COMPLETED ACTION with PRESENT CONTINUING RESULTS)
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Note dual usage above.....
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.
Also will mention that sanctification is dual usage...one is positional in Christ eternally at the moment of salvation, while the other aspect is based upon growth, maturity, is subject to successes and failures and deals with fellowship and maturity!
Thank you
The grace message has really liberated me Then I came across some parts of Bible, where it tells me I have to work out my own salvation (Phil 2:12-18) and that faith without works is dead(Jam 2:14-25), while on the other hand the author of 1John sounds very strict, although not entirely so(1John2:3-6)and Hebrews also tells me that I have to be diligent(Heb6:11) etc.
I also noticed that Jesus rejected false prophets who did not know him and referred to them as evil doers(Math7:15-23).
The churches emphasizing the law doctrine makes me feel like I have to work hard in order to earn God's love, while on the other hand the churches emphasizing the grace doctrine makes me feel like it is okay to indulge in sin. Well am not referring to all churches. That is the weaknesses I have noticed from those who are on the extreme ends of both doctrines.
I also realized that there is a spirit behind every form of extremism, am not referring to demons but rather to the aura that comes from extremism.
People who emphasize the law seem angry,self righteous, not accepting, controlling etc. Those who emphasize the grace message seems more tolerant of people indulging in sin. It's as though God likes sin, well that is the impression am getting.
I like the law preachers because they don't make me comfortable in my own sin. They are very good with showing taugh love and sometimes I do need that . They are also good in showing the strict side of God and also in preaching about the end time messages. I also noticed that some people got saved by their preachings of hell and not by preaching sweet messages.
I also like the grace preachers because they are understanding, tolerant, sweet, never condemning, loving, graceful etc. They show the sweet and loving side of God, which is what I always need. Well there is a lot I can say about the grace preachers.
I am not against both doctrines, I only dislike extremism, so by the grace of God I am striving to have a balanced view of the Bible, also understanding that it is impossible to have a balance view of it since am human and possess a finite mind.