Re: Grace

I sure hope we are saved by the free grace of Christ, irrespective of works.If not, I think Heaven will be sparsely populated. I don't think I've met anyone who'd be there if the totality of their life were put to the test, even after being "saved".

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Even people I know here on cz (not you Refreshed, I do believe you are holier than most)--and not Vektek, or any of these folks, but haven't you seen the most legalistic be the worst as far as their kindness, forgiveness, etc. It is understanding the Law and how all of us so fall incredibly short of ever even coming close that humbles us to forgive the worst sins in each other.

I know though, you were NOT being legalistic in that way at all, but, really doesn't it come down to that?

I have much less training I think than you guys in biblical things. A living Bible wiyh no looking up of latin, Greek and stuff is my main training. Now that one is marked up and I get it. I know I have much more to learn. But, I have to say in what I have read that unmerited favor, free grace seems to be what I am reading.

I believe He will create a desire in you for him self. But the same fallen world will also create a desire for it. We will probably make as many wrong choices in our works as we do righteous ones, but the point is, He first chose us, and will not let us go.

But, discipline, I don't think yall talked about. I believe that those he loves, he disciplines, and not just gently. Life can be very difficult as a lover of God.So unmerited favor and grace, yes, but not a walk in the park, so it must be considered. Satan will court you and make that life seem really satisfying.

I don't think that we can read other human hearts, so that is one thing that makes it so treacherous here among many others. But, I think God must want a really big family, because though I see so much hardship, I see so much grace too. And like the love and smiles from the little starving children with just days or weeks to live. No bitterness. How precious is that.

Of course (to me) anyone with half a brain would pick the worst life here, for eternity with God. But, unbelieveably there are some who know full well the consequences, and choose against Him. Free will...