[Tantumergo]

[1] A believer's work produced by grace is not a filthy rag.

I'm glad we agree on this one.

[2] A believer's self effort does get burned in the judgment.

If by "self-effort", you mean effort that is not motivated by grace, then we can agree on this one.

[3] A believer's efforts done to impress men likewise perish.

Definitely agree on this one.

[4] All efforts of unbelievers are filthy rags.

What about the unbeliever's efforts to comprehend the truth? "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."??

Or more specifically, at what point do you see grace as being operative in the unbeliever - if at all?

[Irisshlass]

I'm glad your here..I would be here all night...typing..

[drstevej]

***What about the unbeliever's efforts to comprehend the truth? "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."??***

Mark 9:23 - Are you sure this man is an unbeliever? Looking at it in context I don't think his spiritual condition is easy to determine.

***Or more specifically, at what point do you see grace as being operative in the unbeliever - if at all?***

Unbelievers are all recipients of God's common (yet non-salvific) grace. The elect unbeliever is drawn by the Spirit of God and regenerated by Him. The non elect unbeliever is not drawn and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. He rejects the gospel message because he is spiritually dead.

I believe that regeneration precedes faith, not temporally (both are instantaneous) but logically or causally.