This is my understanding to why grace cannot be earned. I have given an illustration to explain my thoughts..

[BlindEyes]

10 hours ago, Cntrysner said:

1Co 1:22  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 
1Co 1:23  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 

Mat 12:38  Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Mat 12:39  But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 
Mat 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 
Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

This doesn't change the fact that all true believers are followed by signs, wonders and miracles.

 

I can confess to the fact that God has done signs, wonders or miracles for me but if He were to come here today He may tell me to depart. Even then I can say honestly that all true believers are followed by signs, wonders and miracles. ALL. 

Edited January 16 by BlindEyes

[BlindEyes]

 

Acts 8:13

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done

[BlindEyes]

A church with no power is no church at all. A form of godliness but denying it's power. No authority. 

[Michael37]

26 minutes ago, BlindEyes said:

This doesn't change the fact that all true believers are followed by signs, wonders and miracles.

 

I can confess to the fact that God has done signs, wonders or miracles for me but if He were to come here today He may tell me to depart. Even then I can say honestly that all true believers are followed by signs, wonders and miracles. ALL. 

Many factors cause struggling persons to cast shade on themselves, but Jesus wants us to come to Him with our burdens, and to cast all our cares on Him. He doesn't give us a heavy yoke of condemnation to carry. Quite the opposite. We abide in Christ, and act with His authority.

[BlindEyes]

7 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Many factors cause struggling persons to cast shade on themselves, but Jesus wants us to come to Him with our burdens, and to cast all our cares on Him. He doesn't give us a heavy yoke of condemnation to carry. Quite the opposite. We abide in Christ, and act with His authority.

I definitely don't have authority. The things God has done for me I believe was an act of mercy and guidance but I do not believe I know God. 

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, BlindEyes said:

but I do not believe I know God. 

Do you want to, and do you know how to?

From my notes:

A brief teaching on "how to know God" based on Biblical principles:

1. Scripture Study: The Bible is central to knowing God. Through its pages, God reveals His nature, character, and His plan for humanity. Spending time in the Bible helps build a deeper understanding of who God is.

2. Prayer: Communication with God is essential. Prayer allows you to speak to God, sharing your heart and seeking His guidance. It's a two-way conversation where you also listen for His response.

3. Faith in Jesus Christ: According to the Bible, knowing God begins with faith in Jesus Christ. John 14:6 says, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

4. Obedience to God's Commandments: Living according to God's commandments and teachings shows love for Him and helps build a closer relationship. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands."

5. Fellowship with Believers: Being part of a community of believers provides encouragement, support, and growth in faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together.

6. Personal Experience and Testimony: Personal experiences of God's presence and work in one's life also deepen the relationship. Sharing testimonies of God's goodness encourages others and strengthens faith.

[Who me]

On 1/14/2025 at 6:21 PM, Fran C said:

I didn't ask for an example, did I?  

And do you think your 2nd paragraph and your last paragraph conflict?

If the heart, mind and spirit are transformed...shouldn't a person's life also be transformed??

So how was the repentant thief's live transformed?

[Who me]

On 1/15/2025 at 1:07 AM, BlindEyes said:

The thief on the cross? Not much is said and I am forbidden to give false witness. Depends, did he know John the Baptist?

The claim has been made that a Christian ' Must ' show a changed life!

I' m posting that not every person will have the opertunity to demonstrate a changed life.

 

I also think you are confused  about what happened durring Jesus and the two thieves  crucifixion. 

[Fran C]

42 minutes ago, Who me said:

So how was the repentant thief's live transformed?

Well, Who me....this statement of the thief on the cross is always a silly statement because WE are not on any cross, so to compare us to the thief is not proper.

But to answer your question:

Actually, the thief's life was transformed....wouldn't you say so?

The other thief thought he did nothing wrong and mocked Jesus telling Him to get off the cross.

Our thief realized he was sinful and asked for forgiveness.  That's a change of heart.  No time for a changed life.

 

So,,,I repeat again:  No transformation....no salvation, because, apparently, there was no change of heart.

If you'd like to post some verses quoting what you're saying, it would be good to see.

JESUS said to feed the hungry and cloth the poor.

James said that faith without works is a dead faith.

and more....

[Paleouss]

On 1/9/2025 at 9:02 PM, BlindEyes said:

However, when it comes to Jesus, what are some rules to be considered worthy to even receive the free pardon? Of course there are rules!

Greetings BlindEyes.  I hope you had a blessed week.  Peace to you brother.

I'm not exactly sure what you are wanting here.  (a) You ask, "what are some rules".  And then you go on and say "to even receive the free pardon".

Again, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking.  But here is my two cents. 

1.  There is the eternal, holy, just, loving God.

2.  There is the law of God that is grounded in and is consistent with the characteristics of God.

3.  Justice springs forth from the law and rightly condemns the sinner.

4.  Mercy springs forth from the law also.  It is grounded in justice, for there can be no mercy without justice.  Where one finds no justice, one cannot find mercy.

So what I am presenting is... the "rules" are that when one builds one's theology, it MUST be grounded and constant with the holy, eternal characteristics of God.  That is, whatever is "God's good pleasure" is always consistent with God's eternal character.  There should not be any postulation that creates divine dissonance between God's eternal nature.  If one's theology creates divine dissonance, one can be assured they are on the wrong track.

On another line of thought completely... the rules for the pardon is that it is received.   

I'll stay with your King analogy. 

If within a kingdom there were those that committed treason and the King and his law condemned them to death.  But his son came to him and said, Father, I will do something that will pay the penalty for all those that committed treason and if you would allow, I will go to them and tell them I have paid their penalty.  If they only neal, renounce their betrayal and pledge allegiance to you, will you take them back into your kingdom?  And the king then said, yes.  If you pay the price so that justice is done and they kneel, renounce and pledge, I will reconcile myself with them in your name and for what you have done.

If then, the son goes and tells those that had betrayed the King what he had done.  And then some recant their ways, kneel and pledge... but others still raised their fist and said, curse you; I will never kneel.  Would any say the son’s efforts were wasted?  The son’s love for his King, love for his people, is still properly displayed despite those that would not recant.  The son might say, the price I paid was not wasted.  If the price I paid was only to give them a second chance, the price I paid was worth it.  For even though they may have knew not what they did the first time, they clearly knew the second, for I had shown it to them and told each of them.  And they still refused.

The rules are, at least according to the Bible, it must be received.

 

Keep seeking God's truth as if it were hidden treasure.