THE "GRACE" CONFUSION? by steve finnell

The confusion about God's grace begins with not understanding the meaning of Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (NKJV)

The gift of God is salvation. The gift is not God's grace. Men receive God's free gift of salvation because they believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Men receive the free gift of salvation because they believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Men receive God's gift of grace, which is salvation, because they have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

God free gift of grace does not come by God imputing faith to a selected few so they may believe and be saved. Grace is available to all who believe. Grace is available because Jesus shed His blood on the cross.

Romans 3:23-25 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 God set forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins  that were previously committed,(NKJV)

Men receive the benefits God's grace because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Men are not imputed faith in Jesus as a result of the gift of grace.

GRACE IS ACCESSED BY FAITH.

 FAITH IS NOT ACCESSED BY GRACE.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.(NKJV)

Access by faith into grace.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)

Believing in Jesus precedes receiving the benefits of God's grace.

Ephesians 2:13-18.....18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.(NKJV)

It is through Jesus we have access to God's grace. Grace does not impute faith. Grace is only available after men believe in Jesus.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (NKJV)

God's grace is available to all  men who meet God's terms for pardon. God does not impose His grace on men by forcing them to : Believe-John 3:16. Confess-Romans 10:9. Repent-Acts 3:19. Be baptized in water-Acts 2:38.

Salvation is a choice. Accepting God's grace through faith is the choice.

God's grace is accepted by faith, repentance, confession, water baptism.