Now, you’re not answering the question. You may be an OT sort of guy (you’re not Jewish are you?), but the Reformers weren’t. My question is why they based the largest portion of their beliefs on Paul rather than the Gospels?
Let us discuss actual grace.
Actual grace is transient; that is, it is given to us only when we need it, to perform a good act, or to overcome a temptation. An example of the wonderful action of the Holy Ghost in enlightening the mind and strengthening the will is the First Pentecost. Before the descent of the Holy Ghost, the Apostles were ignorant and afraid; after His descent, His grace made them wise and fearless men, going forth to preach Christ everywhere, ready to die for their faith.
God gives us always sufficient grace to be saved. This is because He will all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4) So God gave his only Son as the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world (John 1:9). And My grace is sufficient for thee (2 Cor. 12:9). Further, of His fullness we have all received, grace for grace (John 1:16). A true Christian should view his whole life in the light of grace. All God’s gifts granted for man’s salvation are graces. A good family, a good education: these are graces. But even sickness and hardships are God’s graces, and may be the steps by which to ascend to heaven. And God grants graces to protect us against temptation, never permits us to be tempted beyond our strength (1 Cor. 10:11).
We all need actual grace. Sinners need it to rise from sin. The just need it to persevere in good. Without grace, we fall into sin. Herod was offered actual grace when he heard of the birth of the Messias from the three wise men; but Herod rejected the grace, and added to his sins.
Grace is given to all men, although not in equal amounts. Some receive more, some less. Some ordinary graces are granted to all men; certain extraordinary graces are granted to chosen ones.
God is free to bestow His gifts as He likes. The Blessed Virgin received more than other mortals. Christians receive more than pagans. Those in the state of grace are likely to receive more than those in the state of mortal sin. In a way, our graces depend also on our dispositions.
Grace does not force us. It leaves us free to choose between good and evil. The Holy Ghost guides and enlightens, but we can still close our eyes to His grace. If we cooperate, we gain other graces. As Christ said, For to him who has shall be given, and he shall have abundance (Matt. 13:12). He who persists in rejecting the gift of God’s grace and refuses to be converted will die in his sin and will be forever excluded from the sight of God. From him who does not have, even that which he seems to have shall be taken away. But as for the unprofitable servant, cast him forth into the darkness outside, where there will be the weeping, and the gnashing of teeth (Matt. 25:29-30).
God grants us the right to a heavenly reward for the most ordinary good actions in the supernatural order, provided we are in the state of grace. God does not ask us to do extraordinary things. If we do the most ordinary tasks of the day, like cooking, studying, doing small chores, carpentry work, sewing, and such, in a spirit of love and obedience to Him, our acts will deserve merit before God’s eyes.
All God wants is our love; and this we can give in the most ordinary daily actions. Whether you eat or drink, or whatever else you do, do all to the glory of God (Col. 3:17)
By mortal sin one loses the merit he has gained from his good actions. It is necessary that he regain that state of grace before he can regain that merit. To regain God’s friendship, we must be sorry for our sins, make a good confession, and resolve never to displease Him again. Then He will give us back the gift of His grace and love, and the merit of all our good works.
Is this making more sense? I’m not necessarily asking for agreement, just asking if it is clearer.
You’re funny, accusing us of Pelagianism.
Pelagius denied:
Death came from sin, not man’s physical nature.
Infants must be baptized to be cleansed from original sin.
Justifying grace covers past sins and helps avoid future sins.
The grace of Christ imparts strength and will to act out God’s commandments.
No good works can come without God’s grace.
We confess we are sinners because it is true, not from humility.
The saints ask for forgiveness for their own sins.
The saints also confess to be sinners because they are.
Children dying without baptism are excluded from both the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life (later amended to: children who die without baptism are entrusted to the mercy of God)
Which amongst these am I guilty of denying?
There may only be one work of God - to Create and guide His Creation.
Your question is in error. The Reformation was an articulation of the Gospels after centuries of denial and abuse. While Reformers were urging all men to read the Gospels, the church in Rome was still chaining it to the altar, keeping it under lock and key.
We know the choice between good and evil. We will always choose evil. If Adam, being a perfect man, would choose evil what does that say about any of us? That's simply the way God planned it.
Conversion of the Will is the Effect of Divine Grace Inwardly Bestowed by John Calvin