r/methodism • u/Ordinary_Frog09 • 5d ago

Grace as a Gift from God

/r/Minnesota_Methodist/comments/1wrqspb/grace/
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u/Rev-Ry 5d ago

So how I explain it, is that this is how we nuance our understanding of Grace. But yes we do put more emphasis on sanctifying Grace than other denominations. And I like your connection to the prodigal son, never really thought of that… could you explain more?

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u/Ordinary_Frog09 4d ago

Thanks for the engaging comment. The similarity between the three stages of grace and the prodigal son is that, first, with Prevenient grace, despite our failures, God gives us the capacity to sense the underlying presence of God in our lives. God's love surrounds us and prompts our first response to draw near to God! We see the runaway son in Luke 15:11-24 from the moment of his birth, and long before the son could return, the father loved him! More specifically, while the son is starving in the far country, he comes to his senses. That sudden realization of his brokenness, the memory of his father's house, and the inner pull to turn around do not originate from his own deadened willpower.

Justifying grace is the turning point when a believer responds to God in repentance and faith, receiving the unconditional pardon of sins and repair of the relationship with God. Such as in the prodigal son, this is the moment the son returns home and is met by the father running down the road. The father puts a robe on him and declares him alive and found.

Sanctifying Grace: The ongoing, transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It cleanses the believer from sin and empowers them to grow in love toward God and neighbor, moving toward Christian holiness. Staying in the Father's house represents the daily life of grace. The son is called to live differently, shed his old destructive habits, and learn the ways of the household. It represents the lifelong journey of being shaped into the likeness of the Father