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NASB | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; |
Subject: Grace AND? |
Bible Note: Rowdy, Let me see if I can tackle and answer your first question in 2 parts. What is the Grace of God and how does it apply to our salvation? "The Grace of God "In our discussion of the doctrine of salvation to this point we have already mentioned the grace of God several times. What is this feature of God’s activity toward human beings? In the Old Testament two different words are frequently involved in the presentation of God’s gracious work, one indicating unmerited favor of a superior to an inferior (Ex. 33:19, translated “gracious” [AV, NASB] and “merciful” [NIV], and the other suggesting faithful lovingkindness, particularly in covenant relationships (2 Sam. 7:15, translated “mercy” [AV], “lovingkindness” [NASB], and “love” [NIV]). In the New Testament the word charis (often used in the Septuagint to translate the above-mentioned Hebrew words) is used of general goodwill, loving-kindness, and favor (Acts 7:10, 46) as well as of the benefits of the death of Christ (1 Pet. 1:10: the appearance of Christ was the coming of grace; Jn. 1:17: grace and truth were brought through Jesus Christ). In 1 Cor. 15:8–10 Paul underscores the undeserved nature of grace as he emphasizes his unworthiness (“the least of the apostles” [NIV]). We could examine more passages, but the essence of the biblical picture of grace is this: (1) It was undeserved favor on the part of God that sent the Son; (2) It is undeserved favor that applies His work to some individuals. One particular passage that portrays the relation between our need and God’s response in grace is Rom. 4, where grace is related to the provision of righteousness. Abraham was justified, declared righteous, by the grace principle (v. 16). He could not obtain right standing before God by his works, because (1) no one can gain any merit before God, since our works are evil, and (2) works simply gain us wrath (4:15). But righteousness comes through grace because (1) we can’t earn it, and (2) we don’t deserve it, since we’re under wrath. The only responsibility we have in a grace transaction is faith. In the application of righteousness, works are not compatible with grace. But faith is (v. 16). Grace, then, is God’s undeserved and unsolicited favor toward those who cannot help themselves because of sin. God’s provision of salvation in sending Christ to die on the cross is an act of grace, as is its application to each individual. Works on our part are totally excluded. Faith can be part of the process because it is not a work, indeed, it has its source in God (Phil. 1:29)." [Paul S. Karleen, The Handbook to Bible Study] I hope this helps, BradK |