[SoothingDave]

We're either full of grace or empty. Only two categories.

This is a fundmental difference in conceptions of "grace." To a non-Catholic or Orthodox Christian "grace" is a state of being. You are either in it or not. It's digital.

To the Catholic it is analog all the way. Grace is a commodity, it is a gift of God Himself which transforms us inside. We can never get enough while we are here and we can lose it if we don't treasure it.

This is one of those basic differences we will have to acknowledge.

SD

[JohnnyM]

So based on what you believe, can you lose your salvation?? In other words, can I being saved lose my salvation and end up eternally separated from God?

JM

[hopefulpilgrim]

I haven't been a participant in this discussion on grace between you two. This statement made sense:

To the Catholic it is analog all the way. Grace is a commodity, it is a gift of God Himself which transforms us inside. We can never get enough while we are here and we can lose it if we don't treasure it. (I've always thought of this as "enabling grace.")

But I'm having trouble with this one:

To a non-Catholic or Orthodox Christian "grace" is a state of being. You are either in it or not.

What do you mean by "You are either in it (grace) or not"? Thanks.

[the808bass]

We can never get enough while we are here and we can lose it if we don't treasure it.

Would you like to elaborate on this? How can one not get enough grace "while we are here?" All we need is to have our sins covered by Christ's grace. Of what effect is grace beyond the point of salvation? You seem to be approaching a works based theology despite any statements to the contrary. What does "treasure" mean? What does "treasuring" entail? How does one "lose" grace (and I'm Arminian so you don't have to talk through your hat)?