Unmerited favor...
I have often wondered. Who thought that one up?
Its commonly used that way, but no where I have found is grace said to be unmerited favor.
Its actually power God gives the helpless so we can be made to warrant his favor.
Paul made a clear declaration concerning grace.
Paul said grace is power from God to enable us when we are helpless to do what is needed, or to become what God desires of us.
Its also power that God gives to resist the devil.... (Paul's thorn)
And He has said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is perfected in weakness”.
Therefore most-gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses in order that the power of Christ
may dwell upon me." 2 Cor 12:9
Just like tithing is unquestioned in many churches? 'Unmerited favor' sounds so good to hear for a young believer.
And, unless challenged? It just sticks.
And He has said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is perfected in weakness”.
Therefore most-gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses in order that the power of Christ
may dwell upon me." 2 Cor 12:9
As Paul said..
God's grace is the power God gives to those whom in their own strength can not be doing what is right.
By grace we become empowered and enabled in doing what's right in God's eyes by means of grace and sound doctrine combined.
Ironically... Grace is to having God's enabling power to make us function in a manner that it does warrant His favor!
He must cause us to be made able by his power to be what He approves of!
We do so by growing and abiding in sound doctrine as to have the Spirit unhindered in being one with us.
But, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah.
Glory belongs to him both now and on that eternal day! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
False doctrine only gets a believer to do what he thinks is right in the power of the energy of his flesh. Religious men can not please God for that reason.
For example: Tithing is for the religious. No grace involved = law.
In contrast. Paul said we should give as each one has determined in his heart to give. 2 Corinthians 9:7
grace and peace ....................