Irmela

Q20. (Ephesians 2:8-9) How does the idea of earning salvation by being good enough for God distort the essential gospel? If we can earn salvation by something that we do, then why did we need Christ to die in our place. The gospel is the good news that our sins have been paid for and we have salvation as a gift. We need just accept and allow Christ to change us into His image With that scenario, what is the need for the cross? If it was by works then the cross was not needed. Then Christ died in vain. The question that would come up then is, when is works good enough? How does it affect a sense of self-righteousness? Of pride? Of looking down on others rather than loving them? Very quickly the ideas would flourish that one set of works was better than another set. No surety whatsoever. Pride, jealousy, malice etc., would rule over these issues. No love for the next person but rather fear that one was not good enough or alternately the thinking of I am much better than you. So there would come the pride and looking down on the next person. Why is this kind of works-righteousness so ingrained in people? We need to feel that we had something to do with it. We feel we cannot just accept a gift, so easily we take it to be begging and that is a pasttime frowned upon by most people. Here we don't need to be dependent on the giver. By nature being, self- centered, works-righteousness has an appeal to it that one can gain it oneself. We don't need to rely on anyone. How does an understanding of salvation by grace change this picture? It is the same for everyone. Works has nothing to do with it. One cannot outdo the other one in earning salvation. No one has earned this salvation, it is completely and utterly a gift, for kings and paupers alike. Christ died for all. He took our place. It is by grace and grace alone . . . unmerited favour.

Q19. (Ephesians 2:8) From what have we been rescued by God's grace? From sin and (death) eternal damnation. We have literally been saved from the devil's clutches. Sin causes spiritual deadness, and we have been saved from this. We have been saved from being followers of the ways of this world. We have been saved from conforming to satan, from unknowingly being followers of him. We have been saved from indulging in the desires of the flesh and the mind . We were under the sentence of God's wrath. How has God personally rescued you from your situation before Christ? By the richness of His mercy By His great and wonderful love By making us spiritually alive with Christ By raising us up with Christ and seating us in heavenly places with Him (because we are in Him) By showing us the richness of His grace by providing for our salvation What did God's favor have to do with your salvation? I did not deserve to be saved, it was all His doing, it was unmerited favour (grace). It was a gift from God.

Q18. (Romans 3:24; John 1:29; Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53) "[They] are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement (Romans 3:24-25a) The Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. The Son of Man gave His life as a ransom for many. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6) In what sense is Jesus a sacrifice for our sins? For sins to be forgiven, there had to be (atonement) a sacrifice. It had to be blood offering of a spotless lamb. Why is He punished for our sins instead of us? The sacrifice had to be spotless. We are tainted with sin. Christ was the only One Who had lived a life free from sin. Why is He called the Lamb of God? He was the One Who was sacrificed instead of a lamb. Beforehand it was done again and again, whereas Christ took all our sin upon Him. Never again is a sacrifice necessary. He has paid the price and we are set free . In that way He is the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world.

Q17. (Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:17-19) Being justified freely (without a cause), by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. . . . you were bought with a price . . . . . . . you were redeemed from the futile way of life . . . not with perishable things . . . with precious blood like that of a lamb without defect or spot, the blood of Messiah In what sense have we been redeemed from slavery? A ransom has been paid for us. What slavery have we been freed from? The futile life of sin, ultimately leading to death and hell. What was the price of our manumission (emancipation) or freedom? The precious blood (like that of a lamb without defect or spot,) of Messiah. Christ paid that price by offering His life (blood) on the cross. He was the sacrificial LAMB that paid the ultimate price - once for all - In what sense are we free? The price for our sin has been paid, so now it means we are set free from that penalty, which is forever separated from God. In what sense are we still slaves? We have been bought and so we are not our own, we belong to Him Who bought us.

Q16. (Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:12-14; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9) Is humankind basically "good" because of the image of God in us? Because of sin that image has been tainted. Or basically evil because of deceitful hearts and our corrupt nature ("flesh") that is "bent to sinning"? Much has been said about this. Romans 3:23 states clearly that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. No one reaches the place where he is good enough to still be called good, without the righteousness of Christ. [Our own righteousness, is like a filthy garment . . . it is repulsive.] This righteousness of Christ can be seen as a garment, which is available to all but only comes on those who believe. It is needed by everyone, for all have sinned . . . This righteousness comes to us through our faith in Christ.

Q15. (Luke 18:18-27) How does the story of the rich young ruler show the impossibility of salvation without a miracle of God? Why does Jesus use a rich and outwardly righteous man to make this point? Where does grace show through? Then as even now many are under the false belief that salvation can be bought or alternately they believe that a rich person is the one favoured by God and he will thus receive eternal life. Jesus pointed out quite clearly that the young ruler could not buy his way to eternal life. His treasure was in the wrong place. When he told the young man to sell all he had and give to the poor and then to come follow Him. The ruler turned away sadly for he had great wealth. Jesus then states an impossibility, viz,. that a camel cannot go through the eye of a needle. He adds that what is impossible with man is possible with God. So by a miracle of God, by His grace, it is possible for this to be so, it is possible to love God and not be greedy for earthly riches. Nothing that we do can buy us salvation, it is completely grace and grace alone whereby salvation is attained.

13. (Luke 15:11-31) What does the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about God? About repentance? About grace? Just as that father gave the son a choice, so God allows us to choose. Nothing is forced on us. The prodigal son chose to go into the world. The father let him go, albeit with a heavy heart. I am sure God's heart too is aching after the many who choose so foolishly to take the wrong path. And He too eagerly waits with a longing heart for the repentant sinner to come back. The prodigal son wasted his living by his own choice and then, when down and out, he was forced to work with animals that he had been taught were unclean. Total degradation. Then his eyes opened and he realized where his choices had led him to. He repented and returned home, acknowledged that he had sinned against God and against his father. He acknowledged that he was not worthy to be called a son. He was willing to work as a hired help. This was repentance, where he chose to turn away from his sinful lifestyle, where he gave himself over and was willing to 'pay' for his choices, by being degraded from son to worker. Having decided to do this he returned home and the father who had been looking out for him, ran to welcome him back, forgive and restore his position as son. This was truly (undeserved favour) grace shown to the prodigal son.

Q14. (Luke 23:39-43) How does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate salvation by faith? How does it show the triumph of grace over sin to those who don't deserve it? The evildoers on either side of Yeshuah, heard all that was said by the mockers that were standing around and watching the crucifixions. They saw the inscription on the cross just as the others did. The one evildoer even mocked with the others suggesting that if Yeshuah was really the Messiah surely He could set them all free. The second evildoer obviously feared God and realized that very soon they would be standing before Him to be judged, so he called out to him and basically told him to think carefully what he was doing. The two of them were getting the punishment they deserved, but Yeshuah was innocent and just and certainly did not deserve to die in this manner. (This was him acknowledging his sinful actions and being sorry that he had lived this kind of life). Then he turned to Yeshuah and asked to be remembered by Him, when He came in His Kingdom. This showed that He believed that Yeshuah was indeed the Messiah. He entrusted his future beyond the grave to Yeshuah. Yeshuah's answer confirms that this faith showed by the repentant evildoer, assured him, that he would indeed be with Yeshuah in Paradise that very day still. The repentant evildoer realized too that he did not deserve this grace because of the life he had lived.

Q12. (Matthew 18:21-35) In what way does the king show grace in this parable. How does the forgiven servant withhold grace? Can we call ourselves Jesus' disciples if we withhold grace according to Matthew 18:35 and Matthew 6:12-15? The king cancels or absolves the debt owed to him. The forgiven servant does not allow another servant time to pay off a debt owed him, much less than the amount that he had owed the king. He demands it as in now and thereby chokes and genuinely mishandles the fellow servant. No, We need to follow Christ's example and forgive as He forgave and live as He lived, treating our fellow neighbours as He did.

Q11. (Luke 10:25-37) Why do you think Jesus sets up the hero of the parable as a Samaritan? How does the Samaritan show undeserved favor? In your community, who are the "neighbors" that are resented? In what ways can you and/or your Christian community show God's grace to them? In general the Samaritans and Jews despised each other. They had been enemies for a long time. If it was just an every day Jew that showed mercy, the effect of 'loving your enemies' or 'showing mercy' would not have been so poignant. In fact the priest and Levite who were Jews that were looked up to in the community, showed no mercy at all. The Samaritan who was usually looked down upon by the Jews, he was the one that helped the hurt man. He cleaned the wounds and did all he could to get the Jew comfortable and then still took him to the inn to be further looked after, until he was better. It did not stop there, he also paid the innkeeper and promised to pay whatever extra needed to be paid , on his return, just so the man could get better. This was favour he showed to a man from an enemy tribe. I think the beggars who get given money or food and then trade it for drugs or alcohol. This makes it very hard to distinguish the genuine poor from the ones that choose to be in that situation. It is best to give through an organisation to the ones that have been found to be in need than just randomly give. It is not an easy job unless you know someone in the community of choice, who genuinely cares and knows the people. In spite of this one can still show kindness and give as you feel prompted to give. To my way of thinking, the best way is to work with and among them. Earn their trust and "live Jesus", so that they too may find Him.

Q10. (John 3:16) How does John 3:16 display "favor that is neither earned nor deserved" without using the word 'grace'? What is the relationship between grace and giving? What motivates the gift in this verse? How does this relate to grace? Our (the human race) just desert is to perish, that is what we all deserved. But God because of His great love towards us, gave His only Son to save us. We did not deserve this favor. Grace is a favour that is undeserved. Bestowing a favour is bestowing a gift that is undeserved. To put it plainly "Grace is a gift that is given to an undeserving recipient". God's great love motivates Him to GIVE. This is true grace because the world did not deserve this favour, viz., to be saved.

Q9. According to Bonhoeffer, what attitudes cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians? Justification of sin without the justification of the sinner The grace we bestow upon ourselves The preaching of forgiveness without repentance Baptism without church discipline Communion without confession Grace without discipleship Grace without the cross Grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate Does "costly grace" mean we have to work for it? No, for then it is not grace. You do not work for a gift, for then it is no longer a gift but something earned. Grace is a gift that has not been earned, but freely given. What is costly about grace? It cost God the life of His Son. We were bought at a price. 'It is costly because it condemns sin and grace because it justifies the sinner."

Q8. (Jeremiah 17:9) Is there good in humankind? Are humans basically good or basically bad? Or both? What are some of the ways a "deceitful heart" shows up in our lives and motivations? If the heart is the innermost person, how does a "deceitful heart" corrupt us in a pervasive way? Yes, there is good in man. We are formed in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, 31). That part is what is good. Man is basically good because of the remnant of God's image in us. But we are basically evil since the heart, the very center of our being, is corrupt and cannot be trusted. Our whole being is at least somewhat corrupt and, therefore, even the "good" in us cannot be completely trusted. We are a mixture of good and evil. That paragraph is very clearly put in the notes "The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean.'" (Matthew 15:18-20a) Consciously we might know that going with the crowd and doing something morally wrong, is not what we should do. But the desire of the heart is to be part of the crowd and then we go ahead and do it anyway. So the heart has the upperhand and we get more and more corrupted. In fact it pervades our whole being, our whole life. It makes sense then to hand over our HEART to Christ, for Him then to do the make over of the deceitfulness and corruption, so that the right thoughts and actions are forthcoming in our lives.

Q7. (Ephesians 2:1-3) What do these verses teach us about humankind's fallen nature? The fallen nature is spiritually dead. Far from God. In fact, cut off from Him. The standards of uprightness are non-existent. It tries to gratify its own desires. What motivates our actions before we come to Christ? Which of these motivations might be conscious? Which might be unconscious? The ways of this world motivates our action, in short it is satan who is behind it all. "In our deadness we lack discernment. Our lives are filled with the cravings of our sinful nature (verse 3) -- desires, lusts, thoughts, jealousy, envy, strife, selfishness, you name it -- which the Tempter inflames." When we are ignorant of something being wrong and do that, then the motivation to do it is unconscious.

Q6. (Romans 5:6-8) What do verses 6-8 say about humankind's situation? We were helpless, in no ways able to stand on our own. We were powerless to stand or get out of the moral degradation which we found ourselves in. We were ungodly and rebellious. We were outright sinners, falling far short of living by the law, in fact utterly lawless. What is so remarkable about Christ's death for us? He took our place while we were yet sinners (undeserving of His love), to die for us. He died for (on behalf of) us. What motivates that sacrifice? God's love resulting in grace. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God."

Q5. (Romans 5:1-2) What does it mean to be in a state of grace? According to the text, what is the role of faith in this? What is the opposite of "peace with God"? Dear Krissi, by writing out the verses using the Amplified Version, it was less confusing. Maybe it will help you also. Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that], we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] GRACE in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. Romans 5:1&2 To be in the state of Grace means that we remain in this condition (if I can call it that). I am constantly in this place of grace, i.e. where I have received undeserved favour of being reconciled to God. It remains that way, it does not get taken away. We have been justified by faith through our Lord Jesus Christ. We also have access by faith into this state of grace. Opposite of peace with God, is enmity with God.

Q4. (Hosea 1-3) Why does Yahweh tell His prophet to marry a girl of ill repute? What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach us? How does the story illustrate God's relationship with Israel? What does it teach about grace? In the O.T. Israel is often depicted as Yahweh's wife, who has sometimes prostituted herself with other gods. Israel is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord. With the prophet marrying a girl of ill repute, God is giving His people a clear picture of what they have done. From the story of Hosea and Gomer we learn that God is faithful in spite of our unfaithfulness. God showers us with love in spite of the fact that we have not turned away from our sins. We learn that grace abounds. Gomer was given what she did not deserve. She was given a chance to change. God is like that . . . full of grace. We did not deserve His forgiveness, yet He offers it to us. In spite of Israel turning away to serve other gods, again and again, God forgave them again and yet again. He protected them. He did not leave them in the lurch. Gomer received undeserved favour. Hosea took her back as his wife. Not as a slave. She was given position. She was not looked down upon in spite of the state she was in. God's grace is like that, He forgives and restores us as His children. It sure is undeserved. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Q3. (Exodus 34:7) What sins will Yahweh forgive those who repent? How might the sin of rebellion find its way into a believer's life? Why doesn't God forgive those who refuse to repent and surrender to Him? " . . . . forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. . . ." " . . . forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. , , ," wickedness - crooked behaviour rebellion and transgression - breach of relationships, (civil or religious,) between two parties; a casting off of allegiance; treason sin - to miss the mark, be it intentional or unintentional Yahweh forgives ALL kinds of sin. The repentance is where it hinges on. Repenting meaning turning away from that sin. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Rebellion can start up when a believer does not trust a leader or trust the leadership he has placed himself under. He then no longer complies to their demands or leading. Alternately it can be because of pride and wanting a position not allocated to that specific believer. This too can cause rebellion. So not necessarily only the fault of the leadership but also the fault for not 'bowing' to leadership. When God's forgiveness is despised and not accepted, then forgiveness cannot be meted out.

Q2. (Exodus 34:6) What do we learn about Yahweh's character in His self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? What does this have to do with grace? 'The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, . . . Moses is shielded in the cleft of a rock to prevent him from being burnt up by the Shekinah Glory of God. God is revealing His compassion. In fact it pours out of Him, His love, in that He is giving Moses the desire of his heart. He is just so full of love. Did Moses deserve all this? He too was human, and got angry with the people and had thrown down the tablets of stone , God had prepared. God showered him with grace, loving kindness and mercy. All so true to His character. It was undeserving. compassionate - He is full of understanding , He knows what we are going through gracious slow to anger - He has patience with us, He does not erupt in anger. Put bluntly, He does not have a short fuse. He does not get angry quickly. abounds in love - It is not just in the good times that He loves, He just IS LOVE abounds in faithfulness abounds in truth - He is dependable maintains love - He loves even when He is not loved back. (even if it is one-sided) shows mercy - He understands our weakness, and is feels compassionate towards us - He knows our feeble frame

Q1. (1 Peter 5:10) How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? From earning favor by being good? What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? In what way does grace characterize "the God of all grace"? After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all GRACE [Who imparts His blessing and favour], Who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. 1 Peter 5:10 wage = payment for services rendered grace = the unmerited favour and love of God toward man in Christ. Grace is favor that is not based on obligation, wage, reward, or worthiness. Earning wages is receiving payment for that which you worked for. Whether it be fair or not, wages have been worked for. It is getting something in return for something you did. Receiving what is owed to you. Grace is receiving or imparting a favour or blessing in return for nothing , getting a favour or a blessing that has not been deserved. To earn a favour by being good you get "paid" for your good behaviour, whereas grace is imparted in spite of your behaviour. Biblical grace is a gift that has been imparted to us . A gift is something we are given without having earned or deserved it. A gift is given without being under obligation to give it. "Grace is favor that is neither earned nor deserved." The God of all grace is full of love, which He showed in sending his Son to save undeserving sinners. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life.

Q4. What about Moses' strengths have inspired you? What about his weaknesses have been a warning to you? If there is one primary thing God has taught you from Moses' life that you seek to apply to yours, what is it? Once he got over the shock that God had truly chosen him as leader to get the people out of slavery, he seemed more focused and always ready to do what God commanded him to do, even if it was strange commands. That has always spoken to me and almost blinded me to his weakness, viz., his sometimes uncontrollable anger and impatience. (not that it was always easy to remain calm with the people who murmured and complained). I would like to follow God's leading without questioning and serve Him right to the very end as well. If I stand alone I too want to remain standing and serving as and where God would have me serve.

Q3. (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14) Though Balaam wouldn't prophesy evil against Israel, he was willing to counsel the Moabites how to hurt Israel. How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel into sin? Why was Aaron's grandson Phinheas so honored for his action? What was his reward? Why are we so often zealous to defend the rights of God's enemies and so slow to defend God's honor? The Moabite women invited them to feasts honoring their gods. They committed sexual sin and also ate foods which had been offered to idols. Then they bowed to the baals of Moab. Phinheas actually followed the Israelite and the Moabitess into his tent and drove a spear through both of them. This stopped the plague from spreading further. Sin was sin and it had to be uprooted, before it spread still more. He was rewarded with a covenant of a lasting priesthood. I guess often it is 'fear' of the people, or fear of the consequences and then one does not realize that it is God's honor at stake.

Q2. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15) What precipitated the plague of snakes? Is being impatient with God's provision a sin? Why or why not? What are the points of comparison between the bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross? This time the people complained openly about God and criticized His provision of food. This food had sustained them all the many years during their wanderings. Their legs did not swell from the fact that their food was not nutritious. God in His goodness knows what is best and being impatient with HIS provision is a sin because by that we are saying that it is not good enough and also we are saying that He does not know, we know better. Having faith in what God said and looking up; in the wilderness it was looking up to the bronze snake; later it was looking up to Christ on the cross, in faith, knowing that He was the One to save us.

Q1. (Numbers 20:1-13) What did God tell Moses to do to bring water out of the rock? What did Moses actually do? In what way did he sin? What emotions and attitudes were behind his sin, do you think? What must leaders do when they sin in these ways? God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Moses assembled the congregation and referred to them as rebels and said "Must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then he struck the rock twice and water came out. Moses was angry. He did what he did in anger. He did not follow God's instruction to the letter. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock. Also it was as if he meant that it was him and Aaron that actually performed the miracle of bringing forth the water. It was as if he was letting the congregation look to them for the miracle and not God. Like he was taking the glory for himself. It was disobedience and not giving God the glory. The leaders or any one for that matter must repent and seek God's forgiveness.

Q4. (Numbers 17) What was the root cause of Korah's rebellion? Which of their accusations were true or partially true? Why is challenging the authority of a spiritual leader so dangerous to the challengers? How is intercession for a sinful people such an important part of a leader's job? The root cause was jealousy. The Levites had been given certain responsibilities and then among the Levites , Aaron and his descendants had been given the role of priests. Korah and his group complained that everyone was the same. The Lord was among them all. This was so, but God had allocated to certain persons certain duties to be fulfilled. The complainers added that Moses had taken on himself the choice of who was to take the role of priests. Or who was to perform which duty. They felt that they too could perform those duties. They were questioning the fact that God had given Moses these instructions. When God has allocated the roles then it is dangerous to challenge the authority of the leader because it is actually challenging God directly. It is very important because a little murmuring and complaining quickly spreads through the ranks. When not taking out that 'rotting' or not dealing with it, it then gives the impression that everyone is in favour with it.