That divine grace is all a believer truly needs is our topic, today, along with more on why Jesus had to appear on behalf of both GOD and mankind as a Jew. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Tolemac” (Level 6 with 13,875 points, a member since May 30, 2010) posted the following:
Why do some Christians think the Apostle Paul needed grace to stay sick…?
Nobody else needs grace to stay sick, it happens automatically.
Could it be that we’ve misunderstood what these scriptures are referring to?
2Corinthians 12:
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Additional Details
Obviously, Paul is NOT referring to an illness or disability, but to something else…
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013)—Jesus must be a Jew to demonstrate the righteousness of GOD, not the righteousness of Jews. Expressions of human distrust, hostility and ignorance are not the manifesting of faith that comes from GOD being deposited within mankind. The revelation of GOD (how GOD is known to exist, be active and present) must go forward using devices and mechanisms that are recognizable to created beings and living creatures, yet, that are distinctive and marked as unique to divinity. For example, contracts and covenants are common among men: The covenants of GOD stand out as absolutely righteous, continuous, comprehensive, definitive, having the force of divine law and eternal truth, intimate (i.e., providing a framework for close relationship, and realization of divine character, personality and sacred purpose), un-bounded by time, un-finished and un-interrupted by death, and unifying. Those who speak against the Incarnation of GOD as a Jew, often insist that their condemnation is not for Almighty GOD, it is for the Jews. However, they may not dismiss the fact that GOD is sovereign. The exercise of authority, judgment, and divine rule are balanced and completed by divine prerogative, and what men ordinarily call “privilege”. GOD may do, and often must do, according to unseen imperatives, and demands that are hidden from the created. Even where GOD does expose to mankind the detailed panorama of holy intent, men can not rightly embrace, and know GOD without the special provisions that have come by the ministry of Jesus. Thus, despite having had angels appear to explain, Daniel continued in uncertainty (e.g., Daniel chapters 10-12, King James Version). The refusal by the Jews (and others in peril through sin) to acknowledge Jesus does not break-off, hinder or thwart the operations of GOD on behalf of mankind. However, their disbelief, disrespect and rebellion ensure a verdict in divine judgment of condemnation, dis-fellowship with GOD, and the second death.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 4-10, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Girdle 29: Love Never Fails (12/14/2011); Dispatch 43: Mercy (09/22/2011); Grace and Life (01/07/2011)
Most mature Christian believers understand that the Scriptures you cite (above) record a personal testimony shared by a former Pharisee, (i.e., the Apostle Paul) to clarify and teach the meanings of divine grace. Where Jesus would have used a parable, Paul often provides an account from his own experience that explains how he received the peculiar insight or understanding he then provides. The sufficiency of grace is to be valued as greater than exorcism, healing, miracles or signs as well as long-practiced separation (the cycle of fasting, washings and prayer required by law among the Jews that had to be completed by those who became unclean before they were again accounted as “fit” to worship with the congregation). The grace of GOD ensures that those chosen in Christ have already overcome, will accomplish all whereunto they are sent, and will not return void.
As an aspect of divine person, grace pertains to being and existence of the Holy, and is not an element of social interaction such as affection, fondness and changeable emotions. Grace may be understood as a divine substance inseparable from such other sacred content as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Grace may be discerned, and recognized by humans as active through various contacts with GOD. Included are confession, contemplation, prayer, reflection, prostration, sanctification, and surrender.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many speak of our salvation by grace as an act of divine and “unmerited” favor. It should be understood that grace is not simply compassion, pity, or sympathy. GOD is never un-gracious, or without grace. For GOD to say, “You have my grace” compares to saying “you have my word on it” and “you are made new inwardly, ignore every outward contradiction.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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