Rusty Grant | Monroe, Louisiana
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Grace As Action, Not Influence - Ephesians 2: 8
Beloved, This simple analysis should be compelling enough; however, the apostle continues on to further clarify the process of salvation. Paul tells the reader that it is “by grace” that this ontological change has occurred. Some in recent days have attempted to paint grace in a very soft and passive light making it synonymous to influence. This is an error both lexically and grammatically. Grace (χάριτί) is derived from the Greek word χαίρω meaning to rejoice or find favor in. The semantic thrust of the word itself is not akin to influence at all but rather is more closely aligned with an active participation on the part of the one demonstrating grace. In other words, grace does not seek to influence its subject in a soft-sold coercion but is active in giving or withholding what is rightfully due out of the driving necessity of favor within the grantor. In addition to this, grace here is a noun and therefore cannot be passive or active; it is a thing and not an action. When one suggests that grace is a passive influence, it does undue violence to the grammar of passages such as the one under consideration. The active thrust of grace here comes from the lexicography and not the grammar; however, in verse eight the word grace is in construct with the equative verb “are” (ἐστε) in the present active indicative form. The grammatical force of the construct demonstrates the reality of the condition in that as a result of grace’s presence salvation is necessarily brought about. Again, grace as a divine influence that passively suggests or informs salvation but does not actively move to bring about salvation does not measure up to the expressed intent of this verse.
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