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If it is a works based theology to assert that one can throw away one's inheiretance then I am gulity. If it is a works based theology to assert that our actions have consequences on our souls then I am guilty. If it is a works based theology to assert that we need to make daily decisions to obey God, that we are not robots, but free moral agents, then so be it.

I agree with all your statements. That was not what I was addressing. Your idea that grace does not cover us is what I was addressing. If grace does not cover our sins, what does? If our sins are not atoned for, what has been accomplished by Christ's sacrifice? Do our sins "go away" or "fade" as we are transformed?

We treasure our store of grace by avoiding occasions of sin and avoiding sin. If you take your fine silver and leave it out in the rain to be tarnished, this is not "treasuring" it.

I agree that our actions have consequences. I do not see good actions as accomplishing anything of great merit (or even great favor). Our righteousness is as "filthy rags." The best we can do does not even approach the holiness of God. So while our negative actions can show us to a removal from grace, our positive actions do not place us any higher on the "scale" of grace. When we accept the gift of faith in Christ, we have been declared free from sin. That is one aspect. But, we will also strive towards that perfection which is found in Christ. That is the good works that are prepared for us. They are an outgrowth, the by-product of salvation and regeneration. They change nothing about the amount of grace that we have.

Your idea that grace does not cover us is what I was addressing. If grace does not cover our sins, what does? If our sins are not atoned for, what has been accomplished by Christ's sacrifice? Do our sins "go away" or "fade" as we are transformed?

Maybe we have a terminology problem. (I know, imagine that!) When you say "cover" I imagine that the sin remains but is covered or "blocked from view." Maybe this isn't what you mean? Grace does more than "cover" sin, it blots it out of existence. It is as if it never was. It no longer exists.

And on top of that, grace destroys that within me that inclines me to sin again. Gets spots out, prevents future spots. Just like a fine laundry detergent.

We treasure our store of grace by avoiding occasions of sin and avoiding sin. If you take your fine silver and leave it out in the rain to be tarnished, this is not "treasuring" it.

I agree. Except that the sacraments are instituted to provide us with grace when we need it. It is not our actions or good works which build us up into a "holy" people, but the continuing gift of grace and our assenting to cooperate with it.

When we accept the gift of faith in Christ, we have been declared free from sin. That is one aspect. But, we will also strive towards that perfection which is found in Christ. That is the good works that are prepared for us. They are an outgrowth, the by-product of salvation and regeneration. They change nothing about the amount of grace that we have.

Again, this is where we differ. There are degrees of grace. What does "show us to a removal from grace" mean?