We are to lay hold on eternal life. We do this by cooperating with the Holy Spirit as He enables us to put to death the deeds of our body.

"Lay hold on eternal life."

If we continue to walk in the appetites of our flesh, the eternal life we possess will leave. In this case, when we die our mortal body will not be redeemed by the Spirit of life. We will reap decay.

We are emphasizing the reaping of decay because this concept is not understood in our time.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)

The goal of the Christian discipleship is to attain the out-resurrection from the dead. In order to be prepared for the resurrection that will take place when the Lord appears, we must continually be gaining in eternal life today, throwing off the unclean works of darkness. If we do not we will not participate in the resurrection and ascension that will take place when the trumpet sounds announcing the first resurrection from the dead.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being changed into unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection [Greek, out-resurrection] of the dead. (Philippians 3:10,11)

Grace. The term most in need of redefinition is "grace." Grace has been defined as "God's riches at Christ's expense." While this play on words has a semblance of truth, it is destructively misleading.

Grace is thought of among Christians as primarily meaning "forgiveness," although the term actually is utilized in a number of different ways in the New Testament. The concept is that although we continue in sin, God overlooks our behavior because of "grace." Grace is viewed as an eternal, unconditional forgiveness.

Grace is defined as "unmerited favor." This is not a comprehensive definition. Everything God has done for mankind, including the creation of the universe, is unmerited favor, a blessing we have not deserved.

From the following passages we can see that forgiveness is not a fitting synonym for grace. Neither is "unmerited favor," unless by favor we mean much more than forgiveness.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)

And great "forgiveness" was upon them all?

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (Romans 12:6)

Gifts differing according to the "forgiveness" that is given to us?

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (II Corinthians 1:12)

But by the "forgiveness" of God we have had our behavior in the world?

To be continued.