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And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.’ (Romans 11:6)

Grace is enormously powerful; efficient. It is the kindness of God, by means of which he thinks lovingly, of each one, even before they are born. Them taking hold of them in life, brings them to Christ; to faith hope and love.

Though grace is dynamic-even formidable-there is something that can stop it being what it is, namely, works. Works is a shorthand term for human effort and ingenuity, aimed at achieving a safe and secure relationship with God. Such effort is contrary to grace. It also is effective, but in an opposite way, to grace. When placed alongside grace as a supplement, it changes grace's nature so that grace stops being grace.

The religion that Jesus brought to the world is all grace. In other words it is a religion that is about God; about the competence of God; the working of God; the creative achievement of God. This religion will not bear the admixture of the slightest addition of creative human effort into the equation. Before the religious activity of men and women can be added, the project must needs have been completed by God. Indeed, this is the very point the apostle wishes to make. Spiritual finality, and closure for humans beings, is achieved absolutely, for them, by God, through Christ. God does this in his kindness, or grace. All that is left for human agents to do, is adore. "Theology is grace; ethics is gratitude."

Did you even read my post? You simply cut and pasted your previous comment.

I agree we are saved by grace and that is God's gift. It can not be earned by our own effort.

I agree that works done with the intent of earning God's grace are empty and are contrary to grace.

Where you and I depart is that there is a place for works in our spiritual lives. Those who disagree discount a significant part of the New Testament in the book of James. Yes, Romans states very clearly what we agreed on above. However, there is more.

As a Christian, we should want to work for God's purpose and seek to do His will. Faith without works is empty. Also, works discipline the flesh so it can't distract the spirit. Jesus encouraged works in numerous ways including "what you do for the least of my people, you do unto me." This implies action. Also, "This is how you are to pray..." gives direction for another action. These two are but two immediate examples.

Do our actions and works affect God? No. They affect us. They discipline the flesh to the will of God so that it will not distract the spirit in its walk.

You and I agree on much, but simply cutting and pasting your post over again doesn't constitute a discussion.