What is God's gift in this verse?
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The neuter pronoun "this" may refer to the one of three things: the "grace", the verb "saved" the noun "faith". Some think it refers to "faith" or "grace" because it is the closest in context, but a Greek grammar problem makes this not very possible. The fact that the feminine nouns "faith" or "grace" do not match the neuter pronoun "this". Pronouns in Greek should agree with the the nouns they modify. Therefore "this" cannot refer to "faith" or grace" exclusively. Some want "this" to refer back to the verb "saved" but again the antecedent would be a masculine participle. Since the word "this" is neuter we have to conclude that "this" refers back to the whole process of salvation that Paul just described. The process of being saved by grace through faith is ALL a gift from God. THIS whole package deal is not our own doing so as to eliminate human pride and boasting. Therefore grace is a gift from God, being saved is a gift from God, and faith is a gift from God. All of these parts fall under the neuter pronoun "this".
SlaveofChrist
Puritan Board Freshman
SlaveofChrist
Puritan Board Freshman
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“8 For by Grace (the Goodness of God) are you Saved through Faith (Faith in Christ, with the Cross ever as its Object); and that not of yourselves (none of this is of us, but all is of Him): it is the Gift of God (anytime the word “Gift” is used, God is speaking of His Son and His Substitutionary Work on the Cross, which makes all of this possible):
9 Not of works (man cannot merit Salvation, irrespective what he does), lest any man should boast (boast in his own ability and strength; we are allowed to boast only in the Cross [Gal. 6:14]).” Eph. 2
JSM
9 Not of works (man cannot merit Salvation, irrespective what he does), lest any man should boast (boast in his own ability and strength; we are allowed to boast only in the Cross [Gal. 6:14]).” Eph. 2
JSM
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As I have peached, and preached, what most have rejected:
God has chosen to operate His work from the basis of faith. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2) is God's prescribed order of victory for the Believer over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
The Holy Spirit doesn't require much of us, but He does require one thing, and without reservation. Our Faith must be exclusively be in Christ and His Finished Work at Calvary Cross where the victory was won (the Blood of Jesus). No other way pleases God the Father, and no other way do we receive Grace (blessings).
We live by what Jesus Christ did by Grace through Faith Who loved us and gave Himself for us at the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won (Rom. 6:3-5, Philippians 1:21);
We live by:
His Obedience (Philippians 2:8, John 10:18),
His Faith (Gal. 2:20-21), and
His Love (Faith works by Love -Gal. 5:6).
It is not our obedience, not our faith, and not our love, that we live by. Rom. 8:2, Gal. 2:18
In other words, place and maintain your Faith exclusively in Christ and His Finished Work at Calvary Cross (The Blood of Jesus) where the victory was won and receive all the benefits of this resurrection life (the help of the Holy Spirit). Romans 8:2
God has chosen to operate His work from the basis of faith. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2) is God's prescribed order of victory for the Believer over sin, the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
The Holy Spirit doesn't require much of us, but He does require one thing, and without reservation. Our Faith must be exclusively be in Christ and His Finished Work at Calvary Cross where the victory was won (the Blood of Jesus). No other way pleases God the Father, and no other way do we receive Grace (blessings).
We live by what Jesus Christ did by Grace through Faith Who loved us and gave Himself for us at the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won (Rom. 6:3-5, Philippians 1:21);
We live by:
His Obedience (Philippians 2:8, John 10:18),
His Faith (Gal. 2:20-21), and
His Love (Faith works by Love -Gal. 5:6).
It is not our obedience, not our faith, and not our love, that we live by. Rom. 8:2, Gal. 2:18
In other words, place and maintain your Faith exclusively in Christ and His Finished Work at Calvary Cross (The Blood of Jesus) where the victory was won and receive all the benefits of this resurrection life (the help of the Holy Spirit). Romans 8:2
We have entered a time when level one problems will not be able to be solve with level one thinking. God will continue to make the wisdom of the world look foolish (1 Cor. 3:18). The woman with the issue of blood who was dying teaches us, that only the Lamb of God can give us victory (Luke 8:43-48). The scripture (the Holy Spirit) teaches us she went from being called a (certain) woman to Daughter (this speaks of relationship, pertaining to both Salvation and healing). It was by Grace through Faith (Faith is the only requirement)!
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Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The main subject is you are saved, and this is not of yourselves, it is God's gift.
Salvation is what the topic is about, although it is the gift of grace, and no person comes to the Son unless the Father draws them that gives them salvation.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The main subject is you are saved, and this is not of yourselves, it is God's gift.
Salvation is what the topic is about, although it is the gift of grace, and no person comes to the Son unless the Father draws them that gives them salvation.
While some have gone to great lengths to argue the grammar, theological points are rarely found there. The grammar could be constructed as argued, but it doesn't necessitate that reading. The syntax and overall structure of the passage lend the more natural reading to refer to faith. And that comports with the rest of Scripture that presents faith not as the act of believing, but the reassurance received through walking with God and discovering that He is faithful.
Ephesians 2:8 (AMPC) - For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God.
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I believe it to be faith, specifically the faith of Christ. The faith of Christ is God’s righteousness given to the believer. It is a gift.
Romans 3
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Your own signature verses say it quite well.
Unless called, we won't believe. Once called, we must believe and confess Christ to complete our salvation. So, we have a choice to make once God decides to call us. We can boast in that if we want, but my experience will preclude any boasting. It is more like Jesus dragging me to salvation.
How all this predestination and choice works together is quite mystifying but it is all very real. I don't try to overthink it. Christ says some things we accept like little children:
Matt. 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Unless called, we won't believe. Once called, we must believe and confess Christ to complete our salvation. So, we have a choice to make once God decides to call us. We can boast in that if we want, but my experience will preclude any boasting. It is more like Jesus dragging me to salvation.
How all this predestination and choice works together is quite mystifying but it is all very real. I don't try to overthink it. Christ says some things we accept like little children:
Matt. 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
ETERNAL LIFE = SALVATION
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
THE HOLY SPIRIT = SALVATION
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
THE WATER OF LIFE = SALVATION
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
If God were to give SAVING FAITH as a gift, He would give it to each and every human being, since God is not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. Therefore saving faith is generated through the preaching of the Gospel. Read and study Romans 10. And many will not obey the Gospel.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
THE HOLY SPIRIT = SALVATION
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
THE WATER OF LIFE = SALVATION
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
If God were to give SAVING FAITH as a gift, He would give it to each and every human being, since God is not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. Therefore saving faith is generated through the preaching of the Gospel. Read and study Romans 10. And many will not obey the Gospel.
by FAITH the 'walls of Jericho fell-down -
HEB. 11:20.
By Faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
29.
By Faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
JAMES 2:22.
See you how Faith worked together with his works, and by works was Faith made perfect?
24.
You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by Faith only.
Amen...
HEB. 11:20.
By Faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
29.
By Faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
JAMES 2:22.
See you how Faith worked together with his works, and by works was Faith made perfect?
24.
You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by Faith only.
Amen...
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