Grace and Works. Salvation as a process.

From a comment by Mark Butler (II) on the Millennial Star blog:

Aristolelian logic is the bane of theology. These things come in degrees - one is not in grace one day and out of it the next - the Spirit is the very evidence of grace, and it comes in degrees.

Salvation is a process, not an event. The spirit of grace is evidence that we are moving in the right direction. Surely it would make no sense for God to pour down his choicest blessings on those purposely willing to continue in sin. So instead he withdraws to a degree, waiting for the opportunity to smile on his errant children once again.

We cannot be saved by grace alone - no change in our character would be effected. We cannot be saved by works alone - salvation is a gift. Faith unto repentance is the key that opens the door.

We have to get in the car and drive, and the Lord will provide the fuel like manna from heaven on a day by day basis. It is irrational to expect the Lord to subsidize sordid side trips. It is equally irrational to expect him to do the driving, just because he doubles as navigator from time to time.

As the scripture says, it is by grace we are saved through faith. No mere assent - the Lord will not turn the steering wheel nor force any man to heaven. However, he will provide the fuel as well as navigational assistance, whenever we are inclined to journey in his direction, even if only haltingly at times.
~ Mark Butler (II) | 05/04/06 04:33