Let us convince ourselves that, even if we use diligence thousands of times, we will never be able to do good deeds if we do not use help from above. Saint John Chrysostom.Grace is an uncreated Divine energy, force or action in which God reveals Himself to a person who overcomes sin with its help and achieves union with God.The very word " grace" means a good, good gift, because only God is the source of the highest good.According to the teaching of the Church, grace is a supernatural gift of God to man. “All grace-filled gifts are found on those worthy beyond nature,” St. Mark of Ephesus, - and they are different in comparison with the natural gifts that are in us and are formed as a result of our efforts. And also every life of those who live according to God is different in comparison with the life of nature, being spiritual and Godlike.
Chrysostom also teaches that the Grace of the All-Holy Spirit not only teaches people moral and dogmatic teaching, but also directly teaches them how they should sing of the Creator.
Divine grace is uncreated, unborn, and personal (hypostatic). In the Holy Scriptures, it is often called strength (“... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8), “... the Lord said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” ” (2 Cor. 12:9)).
The Holy Fathers call grace "rays of the Divine", "Divine glory", "uncreated light"... All three Persons of the Holy Trinity possess the action of Divine grace. “The action of an uncreated entity,” writes St. Cyril of Alexandria - there is something in common, although it is characteristic of every Person. St. Irenaeus of Lyon, reflecting on the economic manifestation of the Holy Trinity, notes that grace comes from the Father and is communicated through the Son in the Holy Spirit. According to St. Gregory Palamas, grace is "the energy of the general and Divine power and action of the Trinitarian God."
By the action of Divine grace, the possibility of knowing God opens up. “... Without grace, our mind cannot know God,” teaches St. Silouan of Athos, - ... each of us can talk about God as much as he knows the grace of the Holy Spirit. The action of Divine grace gives a person the opportunity to fulfill the commandments, salvation and spiritual transformation. “Acting in himself and around him, a Christian brings his entire personality into exploits, but he does this, and can do it successfully, only with the continuous assistance of Divine power – grace,” teaches St. Justin Popovich. “There is no thought that a Christian can think in an evangelical way, there is no feeling that he can feel in an evangelical way, there is no deed that he can do in an evangelical way without God’s grace-filled help.” The action of Divine grace communicates to man the invaluable gift of union with God - deification. In this state of grace, a person, according to St. Macarius the Great, is likened to Christ and becomes higher than the first Adam.
The action of Divine grace is carried out in cooperation (in synergy) with the free will of man. “The divine-human synergism is an essential distinction of Christian activity in the world. Here man will work together with God and God will work together with man, explains St. Justin Popovich. - ... Man, for his part, expresses his will, and God - grace; out of their joint action the Christian personality is created.
According to the teachings of St. Macarius the Great, in creating the new man, grace acts mysteriously and gradually. Grace tests human will to see if he retains his total love for God, noticing in him agreement with his actions. If in spiritual achievement the soul turns out to be virtuous, without grieving or offending grace in any way, then it penetrates “to its deepest structures and thoughts” until the whole soul is embraced by grace.
“What is the grace of God? How does it work? The writings of many Christian mystics and theologians are devoted to this issue. In a nutshell, grace is the energies of God. These energies affect not only the soul, but also the body, one might say, they penetrate and nourish the whole person. Sometimes the bodies of saints, permeated with life-giving Divine energies, do not even undergo the universal fate of created things - they do not smolder. For people leading a spiritual life, all this is not a theory, but the most real fact of their life.
priest Konstantin Parkhomenko
The Concept of "Grace of God" in Holy Scripture
The word "grace" is very common in Holy Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, and is used in various senses:
a) sometimes means favor, favor, favor, mercy (Gen. 6:8; Eccl. 9:11; Esf. 2, 15; 8:5);
b) sometimes a gift, goodness, every good thing, every gift that God gives to His creatures, without any merit on their part (1 Peter 5:10; Rom. 11:6; Zech. 12:10), and natural gifts, which the whole earth is filled (Ps. 83:12; 146:8-9; Acts 14:15-17; 17:25; James 1:17) and the supernatural, extraordinary gifts of God, which are given by God to various members of the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Rom. 12:6; Eph. 4:7-8);
c) sometimes means the whole great work of our redemption and salvation, accomplished by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” “When the grace and love of mankind of our Savior God appeared, He saved us, not according to the works of righteousness that we would have done, but according to His mercy, by the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 2:11; 3:4-5) ;
d) but actually grace is called the saving power of God, which, communicating to us according to the merits of Jesus Christ for our sanctification and salvation, regenerates us into spiritual life and, affirming and perfecting, accomplishes our sanctification and salvation.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:1).
The Holy Apostle Paul uses two important terms - grace and peace, naturally, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to talk a little about grace (and this topic is inexhaustible): the word grace is often found in the Church.
Conversation of Nikolai Motovilov with the Monk Seraphim of Sarov We say that in such and such a person the grace of God is felt, and also: "the grace of God be with you." When the grace of God is present, then everything is in order. We also say that the purpose of human life is the acquisition of the grace of God. What is this grace, about which the holy Apostle Paul speaks and which is constantly mentioned both in the New Testament and in the teachings of the holy fathers?
Grace is so called because it is charisma, a gift; she is not that...
God's grace
Using different words, people do not always understand what they are talking about. Sometimes they don't know because they don't show curiosity, sometimes their information about the given concept is wrong. God's grace is a kind of force that is imperceptible by physical means, which God sends to a person to cleanse him from filth. The very word grace speaks of a gift, that is, this power is sent by chance.
Since the devil is omnipresent, it is considered a being much more developed than man. To combat human vices and fears, the Lord gives people grace. For the most part, God's grace is a manifestation of the holiness of this or that person, confirmation that he really gives all his faith and life to God.
God's grace is presented as something intangible, like a veil separating us from Hell and Paradise. Only one who believes every day and follows the teachings of Christ, struggles with sin, can understand that grace has descended on him. The realization that the grace of God is with you is not ...
When you think about what grace is, the question in passing arises: “How is it different from the concepts of love and mercy?” In the literary Old Russian work "The Word of Law and Grace" one can draw many interesting conclusions on this topic. According to church teaching, it is a supernatural gift of God to man.
The Holy Fathers consider grace to be "Divine glory", "rays of the Divine", "uncreated light". All three components of the Holy Trinity have its effect. The writing of St. Gregory Palamas says that this is "the energy of the general and Divine power and action in the Trinitarian God."
First of all, everyone must understand for himself that grace is not the same thing as the love of God and his mercy (mercy). These three are completely different manifestations of God's character. The highest grace is when a person receives what he does not deserve and is not worthy.
Love. Grace. God's grace
The main characteristic of God is love. It manifests itself in…
Following the discussions
The Meaning and Purpose of God's Grace Law or Grace?
1. What is grace and how is grace different from mercy and love.
It must be understood that God's Grace is not the same thing as the mercy (mercy) and love of God. These are three different traits of God's character. This is evidenced by Ephesians 2:4-7 “God, rich in mercy, according to his great love, with which he loved us, and us, dead in trespasses, gave life to Christ with Christ — you are saved by grace — and raised him up with him, and seated us in heaven in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might reveal the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
Love is one of the main features of God, manifested in His care for us, forgiveness, protection, etc. (“God is love” – 1 John 4:8). Read more about the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Mercy is when we don't get the punishment we deserve. Grace is when we...
Grace (other Greek ....
Oleg Chaban Master (1082) 4 years ago
The grace of God is the power of God, which is given to us by special providence, God's good will towards us. It has a beneficial effect on our soul, gives us peace, joy, consolation, well-being, and everything that pleases our soul is given by the grace of God. We know that many people, even non-believers, come to church, do not know how to pray, what to do in church, but, staying for some time in church, participating in church prayer, although they do not know how to pray, they feel relief, peace, tranquility, some joy, consolation, even tears of repentance or joy. This is the action of the grace of God, which acts on the soul of a person and gives him such a state. Therefore, the holy fathers, including Seraphim of Sarov, said that one of the important components of our life is to acquire the grace of God, the Spirit of God, life-giving and saving. By the grace of God, we exist and act and have the opportunity to overcome all difficulties, ...
Grace is given as a gift, not for our merits and some special deeds. The sun sheds its rays on both the righteous and sinners. So the grace of God is poured out from God on every person according to his faith in the mercy of God.
Another thing is how to be constantly under grace, to abide in grace, to be saturated with it. Imagine the following picture: two people, wandering along a dusty road in the midday heat, languishing with thirst, are suddenly caught by a stream of blessed rain from the sky, carrying life-giving moisture and relief. One person puts himself all under the streams of rain, with pleasure absorbing life-giving drops with his whole body, and the other hastily puts on a waterproof raincoat, tightly isolating himself from the stream from heaven.
It also happens…
EH! What a grace, the birds sing ”- Often you can hear such words when a person feels good. But what is grace, and why is it impossible to speak like the above?
The word "grace" is very common in Holy Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, and is used in various senses:
a) sometimes means favor, favor, favor, mercy (Gen. 6:8; Eccl. 9:11; Esf. 2, 15; 8:5);
b) sometimes a gift, goodness, every good thing, every gift that God gives to His creatures, without any merit on their part (1 Peter 5:10; Rom. 11:6; Zech. 12:10), and natural gifts, which the whole earth is filled (Ps. 83:12; 146:8-9; Acts 14:15-17; 17:25; James 1:17) and the supernatural, extraordinary gifts of God, which are given by God to various members of the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Rom. 12:6; Eph. 4:7-8);
c) sometimes means the whole great work of our redemption and salvation, accomplished by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared…
What is grace?
Richard's Bible Dictionary states that the Hebrew word for "be merciful" in combination with the word "find favor" most closely matches the New Testament word for "grace."
According to the International Bible Encyclopedia, the closest meaning often expressed by the Apostle Paul in the Word "Grace" is "acceptance."
Another meaning of the word "grace" in Greek, which was also in common use in Paul's time, is "undeserved favor."
The word "grace" in its full meaning is not found in the Old Testament. “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17). The New Testament is a covenant of grace.
Where did grace come from?
God has always given salvation on the basis of grace; yet grace was not fully manifested until “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we have seen his glory...
No matter how much Jesus Christ gave for the moral life of a person, in fact, for true salvation, people need additional participation of divine help, which allows them to fully assimilate and appreciate the saving merits of the Son of the Lord.
Such help is given in the form of the Grace of God, considered in Christianity as a gift to man from God. What is Grace? What is its essence and how does it affect people?
What is Grace in the Bible?
The term "grace" itself comes from the ancient Greek word ...
Grace of God… What is it? An invisible but real power, the energy of God's love, penetrating the whole world. We perceive this energy, if our soul is tuned to God, like an antenna to radio waves. A person under the influence of grace changes, transforms, receives incredible spiritual gifts, and most importantly, feels himself in the Presence of God. This feeling gives rise to indescribable sweetness, happiness ...
You and I touch this experience sometimes, for brief seconds or minutes. There is probably no believer who has not experienced this state at least once or twice in his life.
But what is revealed to us for a moment is the everlasting and constant state of holy people. The classic description of such an experience is the Conversation of St. Seraphim of Sarov with Motovilov.
I recently read the wonderful book Life and Words about the modern Greek ascetic elder Porfiry Kavsokalivit (1906-1991). This is not a surname, but a given name, by name ...
Grace
The word "grace" is Slavic, and means "giving good."
St. John of Kronstadt:
“What is grace? A gift of God given to a person for the sake of faith in Christ for the salvation of a Christian person. Grace is a power that intercedes, has mercy, enlightens, saves, disposes to every virtue.
1. Types of grace
2. Misunderstanding grace
3. Man's Salvation Is Impossible Without the Work of Grace
4. Prevenient grace
5. How does the saving grace of God work?
6. Causes of Grace Falling Away
7. The Relation of Grace to Man's Freedom
8. God's Grace Calls Everyone to Salvation
9. “The time and place of grace is only here”
1. Types of grace
It is used in Holy Scripture with different meanings. Sometimes it denotes God's mercy in general: God is the "God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10). In this broadest sense, grace is...
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12. How to Find God's Grace
“Therefore, having a great high priest who has passed through heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession, for we do not have an high priest who cannot sympathize with us in our infirmities, but who, like us, is tempted in everything, except for sin.”
A few years ago, a friend of mine offered me a new position at the Navigators mission. I liked my job and did not want to change it at all. However, I replied that I would think and pray. I hoped that I would pray and God would show me that the new job was not for me.
To say that I did not like the new job very much - ...
The book of contradictions, or what is "God's grace"
"Isaiah". I'll pee-cut or when the wolf will live with the goat
Isaiah (Yeshayahu) is one of the so-called "great" biblical prophets. They say that he came from a noble Jewish family and was even a relative of the Jewish kings - a descendant of the incomparable King David. Born in Jerusalem in the 8th century BC. I have been channeling for about 60 years. During this time, four kings managed to reign in Judea - Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh. Isaiah's career began with one very significant event. Once, most likely, having slightly overdosed with the dose, he saw the God of Hosts with robes on the throne in the heavenly temple in the company of seraphim - creatures with 6 wings, 2 of which were used for their intended purpose, and the remaining 4 - to cover their faces and ... legs .
Here's to you! Are they all switched to another channel? Previously, Jehovah was fussing all the time, but then suddenly ...
God's grace
WHAT IS GOD'S GRACE
Very well this question was answered by St. John of Kronstadt. Well, nothing to add:
“What is grace? The good power of God, given to a person who believes and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or the Holy Trinity, purifying, sanctifying, enlightening, helping in doing good and moving away from evil, comforting and encouraging in misfortunes, sorrows and illnesses, guaranteeing in obtaining eternal blessings prepared by God in heaven to His chosen ones. Whether someone was proud, proud, angry, envious, but became meek and humble, self-sacrificing for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor, benevolent to everyone, indulgent, yielding without indulgence - he became such by the power of grace. Whoever was an unbeliever, but became a believer and a zealous executor of the precepts of faith - he became such by the power of grace. Has anyone been a money-lover, mercenary and unjust, hard-hearted towards the poor, but, having changed in the depths of his soul, he became non-possessive, truthful, generous, compassionate, ...
Grace is one of the fundamental concepts in Christian theology. It usually means a gift sent by God to a person, which he gives only by his grace. That is, this gift does not imply any merit on the part of the representatives of the human race.
It is intended for the salvation of souls and the approach to the Almighty. With the help of grace, the human heart changes, which speaks of God's condescension to him. Therefore, it is considered as a Divine action and at the same time its power, indicating its mercy and kindness. Let us consider the concept of divine grace in more detail.
bible about grace
What is said about the grace of the Lord in the Holy Scriptures - in the New and Old Testaments?
- In the Old Testament, such a word as "hen" is often found. It is, for example, in the book of Genesis, in the prophet Zechariah, in the parables of King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes. In the synodal translation (a translation into Russian of the 19th century, intended for home reading), it most often sounds like “grace”, as well as “favor”, “mercy”, sometimes - “pleasantness”, “friendliness”, “goodwill”.
- In the New Testament there is a Greek word "charis", which is translated as "reward", "good deed", "mercy", "service". It can be found in two Gospels - from Luke and John, in the Acts of the Apostles, as well as in the letters of such apostles as James, Peter and John. Basically, the concept of holy grace is used here when it comes to the forgiveness of sins for those who believe in Jesus Christ, or the promotion of their spiritual life. Less often, it denotes some specific gifts, as well as blessings.
In early Christianity
In the records relating to the period of early Christianity, made by "apostolic men", Christian grace is seen as a special gift given by the Almighty to man through Jesus Christ. This gift is the power by which people can move on the path of obedience and strive to become righteous. In this understanding, great grace gives a person the strength by which, having acquired righteousness, he achieves salvation.
So, the apostles, citing the words of King Solomon that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, call to join those to whom it has already been given by God. To become humble, temperate, far from slander and slander, justifying oneself not with words, but with deeds. And they also call to be strengthened by Divine grace.
Controversy between Augustine and Pelagius
In the 5th century, the doctrine of the salvation of sinners by grace was further developed through a dispute between two theologians - Augustine (bishop of Hippo) and Pelagius (a British monk). The first of them insisted: "Grace is the only condition necessary for the salvation of the soul." The second put forward the assumption that it is possible to achieve the holiness of salvation by using one's own strength, without the help of God.
The disagreements between the opponents were due to the fact that Pelagius considered original sin as an accidental fact that did not affect the descendants of Eve and Adam. They, according to the monk, were the same people as Adam was before the fall. Augustine, on the other hand, argued that after the original sin, man fell, and his nature changed so much that he cannot find salvation without the help of God.
Teachings of Cassian
During the Council of Arelat, a treatise on humble grace and the freedom of the human will, written by the Monk John Cassian, was approved, which served as a temporary resolution of the dispute between Pelagius and Augustine in the spirit of synergy. That is, the position was adopted that in the matter of soul salvation, the application of joint efforts is necessary - both on the part of God and on the part of man. At the same time, the creative role belongs to both parties, but the Lord creates a renewed person, and free will creates only the necessary conditions.
The teaching, created by Cassian, about the joint actions of the Almighty and man in the salvation of the soul, has become a general church teaching. But not for long. After Cassian died, representatives of the Roman local church sided with Augustine. But at the same time they recognized some participation in the work of salvation and man. Thus, there was a deviation from the principle of synergy, which was confirmed at one of the councils at the beginning of the 6th century.
Concepts of Grace in Orthodoxy
Ideas about spiritual grace, about its nature and action in different denominations of Christianity differ from each other. This is to a large extent a dividing line between Protestantism and the churches, and within the Protestant denomination itself—between Arminianism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism. Let's consider each of them separately, starting with Orthodoxy.
According to Orthodox teaching, grace is an immaterial divine power or divine action that represents God to a fallen person. When such a person receives it, he overcomes the sinful beginning within himself with its help. At the same time, he saves his soul and reaches the state of deification, that is, approaching God.
The veneration of angels, as well as saints, is inextricably linked with the concept of grace, since it is precisely such grace that dwells in them and acts in them. The perception of grace as an active divine force, directed towards sanctification and salvation, goes back to the words contained in the New Testament. For example, such as: "You will receive his power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."
"Word" of Metropolitan Hilarion
Metropolitan Hilarion of Kyiv and All Rus', who lived during the time of Yaroslav the Wise, has a work “On Law and Grace”, where he contrasts these two concepts. He says that the law is not the truth, although he is preparing for its adoption. The law justifies the tribe of Abraham, and grace saved all peoples, opening before them "re-being" - a new being.
This opposition is understood by researchers as follows. In the word about grace, Hilarion, in fact, contrasts the Old and New Testaments, calling the first law, and the second grace.
Thus, he speaks of the equality of peoples, arguing with medieval theories that preach God's choice of only one people, empire or church. He points out that by giving people the Gospel and baptism, God saved all peoples, and also glorifies the Russian people.
Thus, Hilarion considers the concept we are studying as the grace of Jesus, sent by God the Father for the salvation of the human race.
hesychasm teaching
The Byzantine theologian and mystic of the XIV century, Gregory Palamas, in his teaching of hesychasm revealed the essence of grace. Hesychasm (translated from ancient Greek - "solitude, tranquility") is a mystical worldview in Christianity, which forms the basis of asceticism in Orthodoxy.
It looks like a controversy with the monk Barlaam of Calabria about the Light of Tabor. According to the Gospel texts, at the moment of the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, he was transformed in front of his companions, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
Supporters of hesychasm believed that by praying, they come to direct communion with God, when a person sees the Divine light and feels grace in the soul. This light is a visual expression of the power of God, or Divine energy, his action in the created world, that is, the material world he created. While this light itself is uncreated.
Varlaam's reasoning
As for Varlaam and his supporters, they believed that the contemplation of God was not an Orthodox thing, and ridiculed the position of the hesychasts in which they prayed - sitting, leaning forward. He admitted that the light that shone on Tabor was created to enlighten the apostles, and then disappeared without a trace.
Varlaam reasoned that everything that is visible is created, and since the light on Tabor was visible, it means that it was created. It follows from this that the contemplation that the hesychasts speak of is false, there can be no real communication either with the Almighty or with his energies.
Approval of the doctrine
However, the Orthodox Council of Constantinople approved the teachings of the Hesychasts. More concisely it was stated by the monk Andronicus, here is the essence of his theses.
- The light of Tabor is neither the essence of God nor his creation, it is the energy of the essence.
- The energy of the essence is inseparable from it, but it does not completely merge with it.
- The energy of the entity is not material.
- It does not divide the essence and does not complicate it.
- The name "Deity" refers not only to the essence of God, but also to energy. That is, the energy belongs to God himself.
- Man cannot participate in the essence of God, but can participate in his energy.
From the thesis that a person can participate in the energy of God, the concept of synergy follows - the interaction of the Divine and man in the matter of saving the latter.
Christian theology and grace
In theology, grace is a term closely associated with such concepts as repentance, salvation of the soul, sacraments, veneration of shrines, church hierarchy. Grace is the key concept of Christian soteriology (the science of salvation). It distinguishes different actions, or types of grace:
- Antecedent or preparatory. It creates a person's disposition towards repentance, awakening in him the consciousness that he needs divine help for salvation.
- Special, or active. It excites faith in Christ and love for him, introduces him into communion. In this connection, and by assimilation of the merits of Jesus, a person is forgiven his sins, he is given strength for good, and he is reborn.
- Contributing. It is believed that Adam with his inherent sinful lusts is still present in a reborn person, therefore, for subsequent success in the life of a saint, God's assistance and help is necessary. This he receives through facilitating grace.
catholic view
According to the concepts of the Catholic Church, grace is the mercy given by God, his gratuitous help provided to people so that they answer his call. So that they become his children, adopted children, "partakers" of his nature and eternal life.
Transferring the grace of Christ, the Lord gives his life to people, pouring it into their souls through the Holy Spirit to deliver it from sin. It is also given at baptism, sanctifying and deifying believers. Catholics divide grace into two types:
- Constant - when there is a constant disposition to life and actions at the call of God.
- Influencing, or actual, - when the intervention of God is carried out at the origins of conversion or in the process of sanctification.
As in the Orthodox Church, in the Catholic Church it is believed that grace descends on a person through his participation in church sacraments or is manifested in spiritual gifts.
Such gifts enable those who receive them to contribute to the salvation of others and the growth of the church as the Body of Christ. These are, for example, the so-called charisms (in Greek - good deed, gratuitous gift) - the gift to work miracles, heal, prophesy, have the gift of persuasion. All of them serve the love created by the church.
Understanding in Protestantism
Protestant theologians consider grace as God's gift, undeserved mercy, love, kindness, as well as God's action directed at man.
For the most part, Protestants agree with Augustine's basic idea of man's ingrained depravity as a result of the fall. And they also agree with him that a person is not able to gain salvation only by his own strength.
They receive it as a gift from God, which they did not deserve - by grace, through their faith. At the same time, faith itself is perceived as a gift from God for salvation.
It should be emphasized that in Protestantism it is believed that grace is transferred to a person from God directly, without the participation of the church and priests.
In Protestantism, there are three main concepts of the operation of grace: Lutheran, Arminian, and Calvinist. In these three areas, there are a number of debatable issues that are related:
- with the possibility of loss of grace and loss of salvation;
- with the surmountable or irresistible action of grace;
- with questions of chosenness and predestination (do all people receive grace);
- with the ratio of grace and human actions (manifestations of faith).
About earthly and heavenly blessings
Sometimes people who turn to God with fervent prayers believe that they receive grace from him. For example, after prayers, a relative recovered, a long-awaited child was born, a person got a good job. Is it possible in this case to speak of the condescension of the grace of God? Yes, if only we are talking about earthly grace.
But does this mean that heavenly grace is also acquired, followed by salvation? To answer this question, let's take an example from the Gospel of Luke. When 10 lepers asked Jesus Christ for healing, he showed his mercy to the sufferers and did this by sending them his grace.
But from this same story, we learn that only one of all those who were cured of leprosy was saved. The one who fell prostrate at the feet of Jesus and gratefully dedicated his life to him.
From this parable follows the conclusion that not all people who have come into contact with God's grace have been sent salvation. Not everyone who receives an answer to a prayer appeal will enter heaven.
Difference from happiness
Often people wonder what is the difference between happiness and grace? However, some of them believe that they are one and the same. However, there is a very significant difference between these two concepts. Having analyzed the question of grace in detail, let us turn to the concept of happiness.
This phenomenon of human life is studied in many fields of knowledge, for example, in philosophy, psychology, sociology and religion. Let's consider it in general terms. According to the dictionary definition, happiness is:
- A state inherent in the human psyche, expressed in the highest satisfaction with life circumstances, a feeling of deep joy and contentment. And also the manifestation of this feeling outside.
- Luck accompanying a person, any benefit received by him.
Among the synonyms given to the word "happiness" are such as success, bliss, well-being, grace. As you can see, here happiness is correlated with grace.
What is the paradox?
If you ask yourself what can bring satisfaction to a modern person, then the answer will be ambiguous. The world around us is material and any person, even the most unpretentious, experiences material needs that can bring him happiness, being satisfied.
For example, when a person, having received an excellent education, does what he loves, develops his business, receives a lot of money, it is easier for him to start a prosperous family and have healthy children, to have many amenities, such as a comfortable home and a prestigious car. And it is very possible that he will be happy. After all, he will experience satisfaction with his life and success.
But the paradox is that this whole set of benefits is not a guarantee of happiness. A happy person can be, for example, having a close-knit family, albeit not very rich. Consequently, happiness is an individual concept and, as a rule, associated with the satisfaction of not only material, but also spiritual needs.
Happiness is different
The happiness of a person who has firmly connected his life with God can be very unusual. Professor of the Moscow Theological Academy theologian Osipov A.I. believes that happiness does not depend on the degree to which a person is provided with material goods. In support of his words, he cites two cases.
One of them happened to the last of the inhabitants of the Optina Monastery, Nikon, who was arrested in 1929. He was shaved, cut his hair, they took off his monastic clothes and put him in a cell with criminals, where he contracted tuberculosis.
Sometimes he was able to transfer letters to the will. In one of them there are amazing lines that Nikon's happiness has no limit, he eventually learned the meaning of the biblical expression "The Kingdom of God is within us."
The second case relates to the life of the Great Martyr Eustratius, who lived in the 3rd century. When they took off his skin, his face lit up with an unusual light, and he suddenly exclaimed: “Torment is the joy of the servants of God.” His tormentors were so shocked that some of them threw away the instruments of execution, saying: "I am a Christian!" For this they cut off their heads.
In conclusion, AI Osipov notes that Christianity can give a person true happiness. Thus, we can conclude that happiness and grace are not identical concepts. However, for people who have dedicated their lives to serving God, they can be very close, as they experience a feeling of happiness from approaching the Divine essence.
So many people talk about grace without understanding what it is, what its purpose and meaning is. Because they have not yet met her or noticed her action. Therefore, they talk about her, as in the example of the lazy student of the first semester:“If Faust, at the end of his life, working on knowledge, says: “I see that we cannot know anything,” then this is the result;
and it is a completely different matter when we hear the same words from a student of the first semester trying to justify her laziness (Kierkegaard). "
The Lord said in no uncertain terms that lazy, unfaithful and crafty servants, by no means of grace, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever they believe, whatever they profess, whatever they hope for.
Grace is not an excuse for our life, unworthy of the Kingdom of God.
[ Grace (ancient Greek χάρις, lat. gratia) - is understood as the uncreated Divine power or energy in which God reveals Himself to man and which is given to man for his salvation. With the help of this power, a person overcomes the sinful beginning in himself and reaches the state of deification.
Grace is also called the undeserved mercy and favor of God towards people. ]
What is grace for?
The devil is a spiritual person who surpasses man (for he is flesh) both in wisdom and in strength,
and in everything else. He succeeded in corrupting the perfect man in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, it costs nothing for him to lead many, many already imperfect people astray from the straight paths. And they can't do anything because they are flesh. They cannot defeat him with their strength. But only by the grace of God do they receive the ability to be victorious over him. In other words, we need the grace of God to help us live holy lives.
15 For we do not have an high priest who cannot sympathize with us in our infirmities, but who, like [us], is tempted in everything, except sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find GRACE for Timely Help. (Heb.4:15,16)
Jesus was tempted and knows the difficulties of dealing with sin and the flesh. He understands and can sympathize with our infirmities, because He Himself was tempted. And we have the opportunity, by His grace, to receive this grace for timely help.
11 For she appeared grace of God saving for all people,
12 teaching us so that we, rejecting ungodliness and worldly lusts, live chastely, righteously and godly in the present age, (Tit. 2:11,12)
The essence of grace is not an excuse for our sins, disobedience, or unfaithfulness, but the supernatural ability not to sin or do something that simply cannot be done in this world without the grace of God.
Maybe that's why Paul wrote: I can do everything in Jesus Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
But not everyone can understand this, not anyone, but only those who, following the commands of Christ, fight to the blood with sin, flesh and the world. Perfect obedience to the commandments of Christ was to be carried out in daily labors. Grace does not exempt from following Christ, but, on the contrary, leads to complete obedience to Christ. And only such a person sees the real action of grace and understands its purpose and meaning.
A person who does not heed the words of Jesus, does not show effort, does not enter through the narrow gate, continues to live in the world - cannot receive help in the form of the grace of God. Because he does not need it, because he does not seek it with all his heart.
Why is it said that salvation is by grace?
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God:
9 not of works, so that no one can boast. (Eph.2:8,9)
Grace is given through faith. Faith in Jesus lies in obedience to Him. Whoever wants to be obedient, God will give the ability to be pleasing to Him. This grace (ability) is not from them, but is a gift from God. Therefore, no one can boast of these deeds.
We are saved by grace in the sense that we are able to live a holy and God-pleasing life in this world of sin. And this is given as a gift, so no one can boast.
Who can see and experience grace?
...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
humble before God (namely Firstly before God), gains the ability to do the impossible, which he could not do before. Not excluding the fact that through him those who exalted themselves yesterday will be put to shame.
..but God chose the foolish of the world (but humble) to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world (but humble) to shame the strong; (1 Corinthians 1:27)
It is under grace that the unwise become wise, the weak become strong...
Perhaps that is why during the revival in Wales, the great interpreters of England came and sat at the feet of the rough, hard-working coal miners and saw the wonderful works of God.
By the grace of God, we can not sin in this world.
Anyone born of God does not sin because his seed abides in him; And he cannot sin because he was born of God. (1 John 3:9)
We know that everyone who is born of God does not sin; but he who is born of God keeps himself, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18)
On his own, by his own strength, a person cannot resist temptations and the devil. But, knowing the effect of grace, John made such statements: "Everyone who is born of God cannot sin!" It is the supernatural working of grace that enables the believer to live a holy life and keep himself if he wants to.
At times, God takes grace away.
Poor man I am! who will deliver me from this body of death? (Rom. 7:24)
At times, God takes grace away to test a person for loyalty and build up a holy character or to show who he is without grace (in the case when he begins to exalt himself).
Grace is given for service.
But by the grace of God, I am what I am; And His grace in me was not in vain, but I labored more than all of them: not I, however, but the grace of God, which is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
The grace of God gives the ability to serve successfully. But a person can actively use it in service or bury the talents and abilities given to him.
In Paul's case, he says he used grace "to the fullest": "I worked harder than all of them." But he immediately corrects himself, knowing that the abilities are not from him: "not me, however, but the grace of God, which is with me."
So, grace is not an excuse for our life, unworthy of the Kingdom of God.
Grace is help to live a life that pleases God for those who seek it.
P.S. I say all this not as a theory, but what I go through in practice.
There is more to say about grace, but for now I will keep silent, since the topic is still being revealed.
