Alayman introduced this topic in the Semipelagian thread and I don't want it to get lost. I believe the discussion is great! It is certainly worthy of discussion.
Men are saved by grace. . . and that salvation which has its origin in grace is not won from God, nor is it wrung from Him; “His is the gift.” Look at salvation in its origin—it is “by grace.” Look at it in its reception—it is “through faith.” Look at it in its manner of conferment—it is a “gift.” For faith, though an indispensable instrument does not merit salvation as a reward; and grace operating only through faith, does not suit itself to congruous worth, nor single it out as its sole recipient. Salvation, in its broadest sense, is God’s gift.—John Eadie
None. God loved the lightbulb from eternity past.How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: None, so sit down young man, if God wants the lightbulb changed He will change it Himself.
None. God loved the lightbulb from eternity past.
Which wattage?None. God loved the lightbulb from eternity past.
What's (watts) the frequency kenneth?Which wattage?
Watt did you say?What's (watts) the frequency kenneth?
They're not dim if that's the wattage they were designed for.I see that Scripture has a way of revealing the dim bulbs on this forum.
By His grace & by His help, I add...Alayman and I debated (or still are debating) Ephesians 2:8, which I contend is a good passage that teaches that saving faith is a gift from God (among many other things, obviously). That is not the only passage that teaches this... here are others:
- your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Co 2:5.
- For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him Php 1:29.
- His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Pe 1:3
- I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! Mk 9:24.
- fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, Heb 12:2.
That’s a good point I haven’t heard anyone mention yet, “it doesn’t take much faith.”I would also assert that it doesn't take much faith. "The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!" It's not the amount of faith you have, it's where that faith is placed.
What do you mean? Faith is generated from the word?Also, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. No amount of faith will save unless it comes from God's Word.
Yes they have faith in their faith.The natural man puts faith in stuff all the time. Atheists have tremendous faith but they are lost because that faith is in themselves, not God.
Would you explain this? I’m not following.Therfore, saving faith is always accompanied by grace. Without grace, saving faith has nothing to adhere to.
Absolutely. We've been waiting for you to do so.Hope it’s okay if I jump in and share my two cents.
Romans 10:17: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.What do you mean? Faith is generated from the word?
If do, I have to disagree.
Grace is more than God having mercy on a sinner. God told Paul in 2 Corinthians, "My grace is sufficient for you; My strength is made perfect in weakness."Would you explain this? I’m not following.
Oh okay.Absolutely. We've been waiting for you to do so.
But scripture does not of itself generate faith. If that were the case, everyone who hears it would have saving faith.Romans 10:17: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Essentially, someone can have faith of some sort but if that faith isn't fashioned or informed by the Word, it's useless.