Grace is unmerited favor. That means that you can't do anything for it. We have received a pardon from the God of creation. When a criminal is pardoned, it doesn't mean that he didn't do the crime. He is just not going to be punished for it. That is grace. The grace you speak of is not grace at all.
Grace:
According to Strong's: graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)According to Thayer's:
- that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
- good will, loving-kindness, favour
- of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
- what is due to grace
- the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
- the token or proof of grace, benefit
- a gift of grace
- benefit, bounty
- thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward
I'm afraid I don't see unmerited favor in one of those definitions.
That means that you can't do anything for it.
That is true, one doesn't earn grace. But one can grow in grace. 2 Pet 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (BTW, my apologies...on my earlier post I made a typo and said 1 Pet 3:18. If there was confusion, I am sincerely sorry)
We have received a pardon from the God of creation.
True
When a criminal is pardoned, it doesn't mean that he didn't do the crime. He is just not going to be punished for it.
Also true.
That is grace.
Uh...no. That is mercy.
The grace you speak of is not grace at all.
You might want to check the scriptures I referenced earlier.