How can God’s grace be in vain? (2 Corinthians 6:1)
6:1 "Now because we are fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (NET BIBLE)
2 Corinthians 6:1
ESV - 1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
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Asked May 01 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Aurel Gheorghe
Supporter
As sinners we deserve death - God offers life. We are sinners, separated from God - He offers reconciliation. Those who believe in Jesus are saved, and those who do not believe are condemned. By grace through faith we are saved! However, God's grace has its limitations because of human response to grace. "God is love" (1 John 4:8), and love cannot force faithfulness. All that God does is provide redemption for all who wants it. While He does not drive away any sinner who may come to Him (John 6:37), He cannot force anyone to come to Him. Freedom of choice is a basic element of salvation thus God's abundant free grace cannot save anyone unwilling to come to Him and accept through faith the redemption that God has provided in Jesus. Our freedom of choice can effectively limit God's grace and make it void. In 2 Corinthians 6:1 Paul pleads with the church not to receive the grace of God in vain - he is begging them not to turn away from the gracious opportunity to hear and accept the gospel of forgiveness.
Scott Mateer
Supporter
This verse is in reference to Isaiah 49 where he speaks for God saying that God's chosen people will be brought back from exile, that even though they were punished God still loves them. Part of our responsibility lies with trusting that God has only good in store for us. The Israelites were saying God has forgotten us, God doesn't love us. That's never true and if you believe the lies of Satan, the lies of the world, and you turn your back on God, then His grace would be in vain.
James Kraft
Supporter
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace ye are saved, through Faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. You can not boast in free. GIFTS are free The payments have already been made. First Corinthians 15:1-4. First John 2:2. If we sinners could do one thing to save us, then Jesus died in vain. First Corinthians 2:21. Romans 4:5. Romans 3:26-28. Where sin abounds grace much more abounds. You can not out sin grace. And no one can earn heaven. Jesus told the woman at the well, one drink of my water and you will never thirst again. Why? Once we believe we are saved forever. Ephesians 1:13-14. Ephesians 4:30 Sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption whether you are an obedient child or a disobedient child. John 1:12. What if a child of God by faith alone walks away and never believes it again? First Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, He abideth faithful, He can not deny Himself. His Holy Spirit that lives in all believers. Once you believe and become a child of God by faith alone apart from works, you are sealed by that Holy Spirit and He will never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13:5. We have to be as righteous as God to go to heaven. Romans 4:6. The GIFT of God is eternal life because no one can earn it.
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