Therein is the difference between a works-based salvation and salvation by God's free, merciful gift of grace to whom He will.
Therein is the difference between a works-based salvation and salvation by God's free, merciful gift of grace to whom He will.
I do not believe in a works-based salvation at all. Salvation most assuredly IS a gift from God. A gift by the very word implies grace which is unmerited favor. Tell me, though, how can you "receive" something you don't accept? My point was that people even back then knew what a "gift" was. What good is a gift that is not received or accepted? I know exactly what you are trying to say, but, forgive me, I don't, not won't, see it. Receive, believe, accept...all these words are active verbs.