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Wesley's front porch analogy of grace
1. John Wesley
John Wesley (English theologian and evangelist) (1703-1791) was the co-founder of Methodism.
2. Wesley's front porch analogy of grace
John Wesley made an
analogy of
"grace" to parts of a house. The Latin word
"praeveniens" ≈ "coming before, preceding". The English word
"porch" comes, through French, from the Latin word
"porticus" ≈ "portico".
Porch: Prevenient or preventing (anticipating, overtaking) grace (favor) is God's presence in a life before that person becomes aware of that presence.
Door: Justifying grace (favor) is the forgiving of sins.
House: Sanctifying grace (favor) allows people to increase their ability to live like Jesus.
In many models or analogies, people try to force fit other ideas into the model. Those pieces may or may not fit well. It is just a model. Problems arise when people start believing the model more than the reality the model represents.
3. Models: simple
One goal is to create models of what was said that, in a sense, minimize assumptions of what was said while not assuming things that might have been meant. Here is a simple way to think about a model.
A
model is an abstract representation of the real world with a postulated
mapping between the real world and the model (and between the model and the real world).
4. Models: refined
Here is a more refined way to think about a model. A model is an abstraction of reality.
Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful. George Box, Statistician.
The best material model of a cat is another, or preferably the same, cat. Norbert Wiener (and A. Rosenblueth).
A model is a useful fiction. George Box, Statistician.
5. John 5:2 Porches and walking by Jesus
John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. [kjv]
εστιν δε εν τοις ιεροσολυμοις επι τη προβατικη κολυμβηθρα η επιλεγομενη εβραιστι βηθζαθα πεντε στοας εχουσα [gnt]
… piscina … Bethsaida … porticus … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"στοά" ≈ "colonnade, roofed porch" and became the basis for the name
"Stoic".
6. John 10:23 Walking on the porch
John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [kjv]
και περιεπατει ο ιησους εν τω ιερω εν τη στοα του σολομωνος [gnt]
… ambulabat … porticu … [v]
The English word
"porch" comes, through French, from the Latin word
"porticus" ≈ "portico".
Might John have had in mind the "
peripatetic" group of Greek philosophers and their
"porches" in Athens when he wrote this? On the other hand, it could have been just a statement of fact.
7. A coat of paint for porch pictures
Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [kjv]
… כתנת … [he]
ιακωβ δε ηγαπα τον ιωσηφ παρα παντας τους υιους αυτου οτι υιος γηρους ην αυτω εποιησεν δε αυτω χιτωνα ποικιλον [lxx]
… diligebat … filios … senectute … tunicam polymitam [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ποικίλος" ≈ "dappled, variegated" and whose translation (or mistranslation) led to the children's story of Joseph and his multi-colored coat.
That same Greek word was used for the "
painted" in "
painted porch" or "
Stoa Poikile" in Athens where philosophers met and were named "
Stoics". The "
painted" were intricate and colored paintings of historical events. Is there a connection?
8. Front porch model of grace
John Wesley's model of
grace has three parts.
Here we only look at the first part, the
porch.
porch: prevenient grace
door: justifying grace
house: sanctifying grace
The Latin word
"praevenio" ≈ "anticipate, precede" so that
"prevenient" "grace" is
"grace" or
"favor" that
"comes before" or
"precedes" or
"overtakes" or
"anticipates".
Interestingly, the Greek word on which the idea is based does
not fully match the Latin word used.
9. Jacobus Arminius
The idea of
"prevenient" "grace" is an
Arminian doctrine that is unique to Methodism. It holds that one is so fallen that one cannot see the need for salvation. But, through "
free will", we can accept the offer of salvation.
Jacobus Arminius (1580-1608) was a Dutch Reformed minister and theologian during the Protestant Reformation. According to Arminius, "
God regards no one in Christ unless they are en-grafted in him by faith".
Classical Arminianism, to which Arminius is the main contributor, and Wesleyan Arminianism, to which John Wesley is the main contributor, are the two main schools of thought. Central Arminian beliefs are that God's preparing (prevenient) grace to regeneration is universal, and that God's justifying grace allowing regeneration is resistible. Wikipedia. (as of 2024-03-04)
10. Views
Two possibilities: (depending on point of view)
☐ Free will: random chance
☐ Predestination: no random chance
Science (data) and computation (information):
Heisenberg: cannot measure reality exactly for modeling purposes
Chaos theory: cannot model reality exactly for computational purposes
11. Information and randomness
Chaitin and Kolmogorov ideas of
AIT (Algorithmic Information Theory):
information and randomness are opposites (dual problems)
Proof: One cannot write a program to determine if a sequence of numbers are random. One must go outside the system and be told which is the case.
Related proof: Turing and the Halting Problem of Uncomputablity
Related proof: Gödel and the Incompleteness Theorem.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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12. Revelation 1:14 Head and white hairs
Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [kjv]
η δε κεφαλη αυτου και αι τριχες λευκαιως εριον λευκον ως χιων και οι οφθαλμοι αυτου ως φλοξ πυρος [gnt]
Are any two snowflakes the exact same pattern? How are snowflakes formed?
A snowflake is created as it falls to earth in a chaotic manner - a deterministic chaos. Most are symmetric as the temperature, pressure, etc., are approximately the same at any point in space.
Note: The same argument that no two snowflakes are the same is the same argument that information (i.e., DNA via evolution) cannot arise by chance.
13. Revelation 1:14
KJV: His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Greek: η δε κεφαλη αυτου και αι τριχες λευκαιωσει ως εριον λευκον ως χιων και οι οφθαλμοι αυτου ως φλοξ πυρος
Latin: caput autem eius et capilli erant candidi tamquam lana alba tamquam nix et oculi eius velut flamma ignis
Wycliffe: And the heed of hym and his heeris weren whijt, as whijt wolle, and as snow; and the iyen of hym as flawme of fier,
Tyndale: His heed and his heares were whyte as whyte woll and as snowe: and his eyes were as a flame of fyre:
Luther: Sein Haupt aber und sein Haar war weiß wie weiße Wolle, wie der Schnee, und seine Augen wie eine Feuerflamme
Russian: глава Его и волосы белы, как белая волна, как снег; и очи Его, как пламень огненный;
14. Big picture
Here is a big picture view:
Arminianism is an intellectual view that is not verifiable in a scientific or computational manner.
Some viewpoint is needed to counter Arminianism.
The idea of prevenient grace is an intellectual view that is not verifiable in a scientific or computational manner.
Thus, one intellectual idea is used to counter another intellectual idea. Neither idea is verifiable in a scientific or computational manner.
Supporters of each side have persecuted to the point of killing others with the opposing viewpoint.
15. Big picture of prevenient grace
Some have pointed out a
difference from what Wesley stated and believed and what is being done today.
The Latin word
"praeveniens" ≈ "coming before, preceding" as in the "
porch" analogy. Intellectual ideas:
Calvin: depraved humans, predestination only, no free will
Arminius: depraved humans, little free will, grace only of predestined by God
Wesley: some more room for free will for sinful man
Modern changes: (some ideas)
Wesley: Be convicted by sin and guilt, repent, believe, belong and behave.
Today: Behave and appear to want to belong and believe.
16. Thinking
It is not clear from the teaching of Jesus whether either viewpoint is really important (for salvation purposes, etc.).
For any decision in computer science there are usually three possible views. Assume A and B are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive. Then the following are possible decisions (as viewpoints).
1. A is right (true) and B is wrong (false).
2. B is right (true) and A is wrong (false).
3. A and B do not matter regardless of whether they are right or wrong.
The third choice is often omitted from consideration. Try this approach with an ardent supporter of either A or B and see how they react.
[framing, false dilemma, curiosity]
17. 1 Thessalonians 4:15
18. 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16
1 Thessalonians 2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: [kjv]
2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. [kjv]
κωλυοντων ημας τοις εθνεσιν λαλησαι ινα σωθωσιν εις το αναπληρωσαι αυτων τας αμαρτιας παντοτε εφθασεν δε επ αυτους η οργη εις τελος [gnt]
… praevenit … in finem [v]
KJV: the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost
Greek paraphrase: the wrath has overtaken them into a purpose
The ancient Greek word
"τέλος" ≈ "end, purpose". Aristotle gave this word a special meaning in Greek philosophy as part of his four causes. The last of the four causes is that of a purpose or end towards which the cause progresses as a goal.
Discuss: How does using the meaning of the Greek words fit into the idea of
prevenient (the Latin word used here)
grace?
19. Philippians 3:18-19 Destructive purposes
Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [kjv]
3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. [kjv]
ων το τελος απωλεια ων ο θεος η κοιλια και η δοξα εν τη αισχυνη αυτων οι τα επιγεια φρονουντες [gnt]
Who is it that will be
"destroyed"? The ancient Greek word
"τέλος" ≈ "end, purpose" is used by Aristotle as the
"final" or
"end" cause of his four causes and has the idea of
"purpose". The word for "
glory" is that of "
opinion".
KJV: Whose end is destruction, ... whose glory is in their shame. ....
Paraphrase: Whose purpose is destruction, ..., whose opinion is in their shame, ....
20. Latin and Greek
It is interesting to compare the original Greek with the Latin meanings.
The ancient Greek word "φθάνω" ≈ "overtake, catch up with, come before". The Greek word has the more active idea of something overtaking or catching up with something else.
The Latin word "praevenio" ≈ "anticipate, precede". The Latin word has the more passive idea of anticipating or preceding something else.
A common translation pattern is that of a more
active Greek meaning being changed into a more
passive Latin meaning. Discuss: Why might this be the case?
Active meaning: Get out and do something (good).
Passive meaning: Sit back and relax and observe. We'll take care of everything.
The modern Greek word
"φτάσαμε" (FTA-sa-meh) ≈ "Are we there?" is a favorite question of children riding on a long trip.
21. 1 Thessalonians 2:15
KJV: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Greek: των και τον κυριον αποκτειναντων ιησουν και τους ιδιους προφητας και υμας ημας εκδιωξαντων και θεω μη αρεσκοντων και πασιν ανθρωποις εναντιων
22. 1 Thessalonians 2:16
KJV: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Greek: κωλυοντων ημας τοις εθνεσιν λαλησαι ινα σωθωσιν εις το αναπληρωσαι αυτων τας αμαρτιας παντοτε εφθασεν δε επ αυτους η οργη εις τελος
Latin: prohibentes nos gentibus loqui ut salvae fiant ut impleant peccata sua semper praevenit autem ira Dei super illos usque in finem
23. Strongs - overtake
- *G5348 *7 φθάνω (fthan'-o) : apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at:--(already) attain, come, prevent.
- εφθασεν *4
- Matthew 12:28 ... then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
- Luke 11:20 ... no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
- Romans 9:31 ... the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:16 ... alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
- εφθασαμεν *2
- 2 Corinthians 10:14 ... unto you: for we are come as far as to you also ...
- Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same ...
- φθασωμεν
- 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ... the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
24. Usage - overtake
*G5348 *7 φθάνω (fthan'-o) : apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at:--(already) attain, come, prevent.
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Words: εφθασαμεν=2 εφθασεν=4 φθασωμεν
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Note how Strongs starts with the Latin-influenced meaning and the word and then "
by extension" (i.e., fabrication, wishful thinking, etc.) arrives at the desired definition to fit certain verses as translated by the
KJV.
The ancient Greek word
"φθάνω" ≈ "overtake, catch up with, come before".
25. Overtake
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. [kjv]
ει δε εν πνευματι θεου εγω εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια αρα εφθασεν εφ υμας η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
… eicio daemones … pervenit … regnum Dei [v]
Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. [kjv]
ει δε εν δακτυλω θεου εγω εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια αρα εφθασεν εφ υμας η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
Jesus, as Matthew records, usually uses the code phrase "
kingdom of heaven". This is one of five places where Jesus, as recorded by Matthew, uses "
kingdom of God".
The ancient Greek word
"φθάνω" ≈ "overtake, catch up with, come before". Discuss:
Has the "kingdom of God" come upon you, anticipated you, etc.? (English and Latin)
Has the "kingdom of God" overtaken you, come before you, etc.? (Greek)
26. Matthew 12:28
KJV: But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Greek: ει δε εγω εν πνευματι θεου εγω εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια αρα εφθασεν εφ υμας η βασιλεια του θεου
Latin: si autem ego in Spiritu Dei eicio daemones igitur pervenit in vos regnum Dei
27. Luke 11:20
KJV: But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Greek: ει δε εν δακτυλω θεου εγω εκβαλλω τα δαιμονια αρα εφθασεν εφ υμας η βασιλεια του θεου
28. 1 Thessalonians 4:15
KJV: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
Greek: τουτο γαρ υμιν λεγομεν εν λογω κυριου οτι ημεις οι ζωντες οι περιλειπομενοι εις την παρουσιαν του κυριου ου μη φθασωμεν τους κοιμηθεντας
Latin: hoc enim vobis dicimus in verbo Domini quia nos qui vivimus qui residui sumus in adventum Domini non praeveniemus eos qui dormierunt
29. Romans 12:10
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [kjv]
τη φιλαδελφια εις αλληλους φιλοστοργοι τη τιμη αλληλους προηγουμενοι [gnt]
… invicem … invicem praevenientes [v]
In this verse, the
"preferring" and Latin
"coming before" fit in terms of meaning and match the ancient Greek word
"προηγούμενος" ≈ "preceding, going first, leading the way". In astronomy the word could refer to the signs in the movement of the heavens (e.g., zodiac). In mathematics, it could mean the forward points (as in a radius vector). The modern Greek word
"προηγούμενος" (pro-ee-GU-meh-nos) ≈ "preceding, previous one".
A meaning problem is that this Latin word is used elsewhere for the
"prevenient" "grace" idea, where a
different Greek word and meaning should apply.
30. Strongs - precede
- *G4285 *1 προηγέομαι (pro-ay-geh'-om-ahee) : from G4253 and G2233; to lead the way for others, i.e. show deference:--prefer.
- προηγουμενοι
- Romans 12:10 ... another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
31. Usage - precede
32. Romans 12:10
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [kjv]
τη φιλαδελφια εις αλληλους φιλοστοργοι τη τιμη αλληλους προηγουμενοι [gnt]
… invicem … invicem praevenientes [v]
Note that the brother love is no other (
similar) "
fellow believers". Those dissimilar would fall into the category of (
dissimilar) "
neighbors".
Used here twice: "ἄλλος" ≈ "other - similar" and is related to the English word "else".
Not used here: "ἕτερος" ≈ "other - different" and is related to the English word "asunder" as in "one or the other of two" and is the prefix of English words such as "heterosexual".
The Latin word
"invicem" ≈ "each other" without distinguishing between
"similar" or
"different".
33. Romans 12:10
KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Greek: τη φιλαδελφια εις αλληλους φιλοστοργοι τη τιμη αλληλους προηγουμενοι
Latin: caritatem fraternitatis invicem diligentes honore invicem praevenientes
34. Acts 16:6-8
The verses of Acts 16:6-10 are sometimes used as an example of
"prevenient" "grace" in action.
Paul had already been converted, so, for him, it would not be "prevenient" "grace".
Paul was redirected, so for those to whom he was directed it would be "prevenient" "grace".
Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, [kjv]
16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. [kjv]
16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. [kjv]
35. Acts 16:6
KJV: Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
Greek: διελθοντες διηλθον δε την φρυγιαν και την γαλατικην χωραν κωλυθεντες υπο του αγιου πνευματος λαλησαι τον λογον εν τη ασια
36. Acts 16:7
KJV: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Greek: ελθοντες δε κατα την μυσιαν επειραζον κατα εις την βιθυνιαν πορευεσθαι πορευθηναι και ουκ ειασεν αυτους το πνευμα ιησου
37. Acts 16:8
KJV: And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
Greek: παρελθοντες δε την μυσιαν κατεβησαν εις τρωαδα
38. Acts 16:9-10
Discuss: What about those to whom Paul then was
not sent? This is a
counter-factual question.
Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. [kjv]
16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. [kjv]
39. Acts 16:9
KJV: And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
Greek: και οραμα δια της νυκτος ωφθη τω παυλω ωφθη ανηρ μακεδων τις ην μακεδων εστως και παρακαλων αυτον και λεγων διαβας εις μακεδονιαν βοηθησον ημιν
40. Acts 16:10
KJV: And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Greek: ως δε το οραμα ειδεν ευθεως εζητησαμεν εξελθειν εις την μακεδονιαν συμβιβαζοντες οτι προσκεκληται ημας ο κυριος θεος ευαγγελισασθαι αυτους
41. Misleading statement
Some pastors will preach the following.
We broke it. God fixed it.
This is
deceptive. The fix that God did was to provide a way for people to fix it. If people do not take advantage of this offer , it is not fixed.
Think of God issuing a "
recall notice". If you commit to the recall and request the fix, it will happen.
This deceptive statement is similar in spirit to the claim that "
nothing can separate you from the love of Christ". Both Jesus and Paul appear to indicate that "
nothing but you can separate you from the love of Christ".
42. Images
We are made in the image of God.
Many people like to hear or read a good story. A good story sets up the starting point, has some controversy or deviation, and then restores some balance.
Discuss: Does God like a good story?
When examining students with questions, good teachers will provide distractors to see if the students really understand what they are to do.
Discuss: Is God a good teacher?
43. Porch reversal
44. Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [kjv]
τη γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια πιστεως και τουτο ουκ εξ υμων θεου το δωρον [gnt]
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [kjv]
ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται [gnt]
"for grace are ye saved through faith".
"as a favor your are saved through faith".
45. Ephesians 2:8
KJV: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Greek: τη γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια της πιστεως και τουτο ουκ εξ υμων θεου το δωρον
46. Ephesians 2:9
KJV: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Greek: ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται
47. A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor
The Greek word often translated as "
joy" can be mistaken as meaning "
merry" or "
great happiness" or "
bliss". The word "
joy" comes, through French, from the Latin
"gaudia" ≈ "joy" and which became
"gaudy".
The ancient Greek word
"χαρά" ≈ "favor, grace" was the word used to translate the Hebrew word. Following Jesus is not all "
joy" in the modern English sense of the word.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; [kjv]
At the time, the meaning of "
suffer" was to "
passively endure". So much of this endurance was painful persecution that the word took on the meaning it has today. Another Greek word meant "
suffer" as in "
to allow".
48. Thank you for giving thanks and for Thanksgiving
One way to say that something is a "
good favor" is to say "
thank you". This Greek word comes through Latin as "
Eucharist". The Greek word for "
favor" is often translated as "
grace" or "
joy". Jesus and Paul often say "
thank you".
Matthew 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; [kjv]
και λαβων ποτηριον και ευχαριστησας εδωκεν αυτοις λεγων πιετε εξ αυτου παντες [gnt]
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [kjv]
ευχαριστω τω θεω μου επι παση τη μνεια υμων [gnt]
49. Word slide
Here is an example of a word slide where ideas change from the original Greek to Latin to Middle English to modern English and then some.
The Greek word for (internal or intrinsic) "opinion" becomes the Latin word for (external or extrinsic) "glory" which takes on more meaning in English.
The Greek word for "favor" becomes the Latin word for "grace" becomes the English word for "joy" which is similar to the English word "hedonism".
Soon, in a twisted way, the "
favor of God's opinion" morphs into "
God is glorified by our joy in Him" and called "
Christian Hedonism".
50. Statistical methods
The following is a traditional approach of
frequentist statistical .
Create a hypothesis called the null hypothesis.
Gather arguments for or against the hypothesis. This often involves "cherry picking" of evidence.
Order the arguments based on how convincing they are. Hide arguments not favorable.
Use any deception techniques on the assumption that the "end justifies the means".
It has been shown (e.g.,, Judea Pearl, 1970's) that the
frequentist statistical can show almost anything true and anything false as desired.
The
Bayesian statistical approach, and the
causation models developed by Pearl, fit more like a
constraint-based logic system in a probabilistic fault-tolerant search for truth within constraints.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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51. Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [kjv]
τη γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια πιστεως και τουτο ουκ εξ υμων θεου το δωρον [gnt]
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [kjv]
ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται [gnt]
One way to see the modern change in Wesley's front porch analogy to grace is to observe when verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 are used in a sermon but the preceding verses are
omitted. Context is important!
Just like
"prevenient" "grace", one should look at the
"preceding" verses that
"come before".
52. Ephesians 2:1
53. Matthew 6:14-15 Going astray in pursuit
Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [kjv]
εαν γαρ αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων αφησει και υμιν ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος [gnt]
6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [kjv]
εαν δε μη αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων ουδε ο πατηρ υμων αφησει τα παραπτωματα υμων [gnt]
The word often translated as
"trespass" is the ancient Greek word
"παράπτωσις" ≈ "impetuous pursuit, going astray". The parts of the word mean, literally, going
"beyond falling" as in "
fault" of imperfection.
The ancient Greek word "παρά" ≈ "beyond" and, in this case, "excessive".
The ancient Greek word "πτῶσις" ≈ "falling, failing". In the Beatitudes, the Greek word is used to describe those who are "poor" "beggars" in "spirit" and need the "good news".
A general English phrase for this might be
"stupid things" that are done (by you or others).
54. Ephesians 2:1
KJV: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Greek: και υμας οντας νεκρους τοις παραπτωμασιν και ταις αμαρτιαις υμων
Latin: et vos cum essetis mortui delictis et peccatis vestris
55. Ephesians 2:2
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [kjv]
εν αις ποτε περιεπατησατε κατα τον αιωνα του κοσμου τουτου κατα τον αρχοντα της εξουσιας του αερος του πνευματος του νυν ενεργουντος εν τοις υιοις της απειθειας [gnt]
Does "Satan" exist? Some churches do not like to talk about this.
Some churches are trying to bring the culture of the world into the church, even when that culture goes against the Bible.
Some churches like everyone the be "good", not children of "disobedience".
56. Ephesians 2:2
KJV: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Greek: εν αις ποτε περιεπατησατε κατα τον αιωνα του κοσμου τουτου κατα τον αρχοντα της εξουσιας του αερος του πνευματος του νυν ενεργουντος εν τοις υιοις της απειθειας
57. Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [kjv]
εν οις και ημεις παντες ανεστραφημεν ποτε εν ταις επιθυμιαις της σαρκος ημων ποιουντες τα θεληματα της σαρκος και των διανοιων και ημεθα τεκνα φυσει οργης ως και οι λοιποι [gnt]
58. Ephesians 2:3
KJV: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Greek: εν οις και ημεις παντες ανεστραφημεν ποτε εν ταις επιθυμιαις της σαρκος ημων ποιουντες τα θεληματα της σαρκος και των διανοιων και ημεν ημεθα τεκνα φυσει οργης ως και οι λοιποι
59. Ephesians 2:4
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [kjv]
ο δε θεος πλουσιος ων εν ελεει δια την πολλην αγαπην αυτου ην ηγαπησεν ημας [gnt]
Some churches will cherry pick this verse out of context to support the claim that "
God is love" and omit the previous verses. Some will claim that "
love is god".
60. Ephesians 2:4
KJV: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Greek: ο δε θεος πλουσιος ων εν ελεει δια την πολλην αγαπην αυτου ην ηγαπησεν ημας
61. Grace
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [kjv]
και οντας ημας νεκρους τοις παραπτωμασιν συνεζωοποιησεν τω χριστω χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι [gnt]
The
KJV translates as
"sins" what in the Greek is
"impetuous wanderings" (by implication) away from where one should be.
John Wesley's definition of
grace is "
God's free and undeserved favor". This goes back to the original meaning in the Greek of a
"favor".
"χᾰ́ρῐς" ≈ "grace, favor, goodwill".
A "
good"
"favor" is the Greek word for "
thank you" both in ancient and modern times.
62. Ephesians 2:5
KJV: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Greek: και οντας ημας νεκρους τοις παραπτωμασιν συνεζωοποιησεν τω χριστω χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι
63. Ephesians 2:6-7
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [kjv]
2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [kjv]
64. Ephesians 2:6
KJV: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Greek: και συνηγειρεν και συνεκαθισεν εν τοις επουρανιοις εν χριστω ιησου
65. Ephesians 2:7
KJV: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Greek: ινα ενδειξηται εν τοις αιωσιν τοις επερχομενοις τον υπερβαλλοντα πλουτον το υπερβαλλον πλουτος της χαριτος αυτου εν χρηστοτητι εφ ημας εν χριστω ιησου
66. Ephesians 2:8-9
67. End of page
