Sunday, January 20, 2008

Can Grace be de-mystified?

Most of us know that the word “Grace” is from the Greek word “Charis.” The word Grace is only translated from any other word exactly once. However, if we investigate the Greek, we find that Charis (5485 is the Strong’s Concordance Dictionary of Greek words) is translated in other ways as well. As such, there may be more to know about this word than JUST “Grace.”

In order, all occurrences of Charis in the New Testament are:

Lk 1: [30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found charis with God. (favor.)

Lk 2:[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the charis of God was upon him. (grace.)

Lk 2: [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in charis with God and man. (favor)

Lk 4: [22] And all bare him witness, and wondered at the charis words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? (gracious)

Lk 6: [32] For if ye love them which love you, what charis have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (thank)

[33] And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what charis have ye? for sinners also do even the same. (thank)
[34] And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what charis have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (thank)

Jno 1: [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of charis and truth. (grace)

[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and charis for charis. (grace – x 2)

[17] For the law was given by Moses, but charis and truth came by Jesus Christ. (grace)

Ac 2: [47] Praising God, and having charis with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (favor)

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

Ac 7: [10] And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him charis and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (favor)

7:[46] Who found charis before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. (favor)

11: [23] Who, when he came, and had seen the charis of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (grace)

13: [43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the charis of God. (grace)

14: [3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his charis, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (grace)

14: [26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the charis of God for the work which they fulfilled. (grace)

15: [11] But we believe that through the charis of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (grace)

15: [40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the charis of God.

18:[27] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through charis: (grace)

20: [24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the charis of God. (grace)

20: [32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his charis, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (grace)

24: [27] But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a charis, left Paul bound. (pleasure)

25: [3] And desired charis against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. (favor)

25: [9] But Festus, willing to do the Jews a charis, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? (pleasure.)

Ro 1: [5] By whom we have received charis and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: (grace)

1: [7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: charis to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

3: [24] Being justified freely by his charis through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (grace)

4: [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of charis, but of debt. (grace)

4: [16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by charis; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (grace)

5: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this charis wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (grace)

5: [15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the charis of God, and the gift by charis, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (grace)

5: [17] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of charis and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (grace)

5: [20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, charis did much more abound: (grace)
5:[21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might charis reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (grace)

6: [1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that charis may abound? (grace)

6: [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under charis. (grace)

6: [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under charis? God forbid. (grace)

11: [5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of charis. (grace)

11: [6] And if by charis, then is it no more of works: otherwise charis is no more charis. But if it be of works, then is it no more charis: otherwise work is no more work. (grace)

12: [3] For I say, through the charis given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (grace)

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

15: [15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the charis that is given to me of God, (grace)

16: [20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (grace)

16: [24] The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (grace)

1 Cor 1: [3] charis be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

1: [4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the charis of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; (grace)

3: [10] According to the charis of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (grace)

10: [30] For if I by charis be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (grace)

15: [10] But by the charis of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (grace)

15: [57] But charis be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (thanks)

16: [3] And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your charis unto Jerusalem. (liberality)

16: [23] The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (grace)

2 Cor 1: [2] charis be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

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

1: [15] And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second charis; (benefit)

2: [14] Now charis be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (thanks)

4: [15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant charis might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (grace)

6: [1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the charis of God in vain. (grace)

8: [1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the charis of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (grace)

8: [4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the charis, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. (gift)

8: [6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same charis also. (grace)

8: [7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this charis also. (grace)

8: [9] For ye know the charis of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (grace)

9: [8] And God is able to make all charis abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9: [14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding charis of God in you. (grace)

9: [15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable charis. (gift)

12: [9] And he said unto me, My charis is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (grace)

13: [14] The charis of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (grace)

Gal 1: [3] charis be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (grace)

1: [6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the charis of Christ unto another gospel: (grace)

1: [15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his charis, (grace)

2: [9] And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the charis that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (grace)

2: [21] I do not frustrate the charis of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (grace)

5: [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from charis. (grace)

6: [18] Brethren, the charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (grace)

Eph 1: [2] charis be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

1: [6] To the praise of the glory of his charis, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (grace)

1: [7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his charis; (grace)

2: [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by charis ye are saved;) (grace)

2: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his charis in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (grace)

2: [8] For by charis are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (grace)

3: [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the charis of God which is given me to youward: (grace)

3: [7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the charis of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (grace)

3: [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this charis given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (grace)

4: [7] But unto every one of us is given charis according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (grace)

4: [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister charis unto the hearers. (grace)

6: [24] charis be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. (grace)

Philippians 1: [2] charis be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

1: [7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my charis. (grace)

4: [23] The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (grace)

Col 1: [2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: charis be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

1: [6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the charis of God in truth: (grace)

3: [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with charis in your hearts to the Lord. (grace)

4: [6] Let your speech be alway with charis, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (grace)

4: [18] The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. charis be with you. Amen. (grace)

1 Thessalonians 1: [1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: charis be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

5: [28] The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (grace)

2 Thessalonians 1: [2] charis unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

[12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the charis of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

1 Timothy 1: [2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: charis, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (grace)

[14] And the charis of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (grace)

6: [21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. charis be with thee. Amen. (grace)

2 Timothy 1: [2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: charis, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (grace)

[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and charis, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (grace)

2: [1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the charis that is in Christ Jesus. (grace)

4: [22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. charis be with you. Amen. (grace)

Titus 1: [4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: charis, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (grace)

2: [11] For the charis of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (grace)

3: [7] That being justified by his charis, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (grace)

[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. charis be with you all. Amen. (grace)

Philemon 1: [3] charis to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

[7] For we have great charis and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (joy)

[25] The charis of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (grace)

Hebrew 2: [9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the charis of God should taste death for every man. (grace)

4: [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of charis, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (grace)

10: [29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of charis? (grace)

12: [15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the charis of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (grace)

[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have charis, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (grace)

13: [9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with charis; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (grace)

[25] charis be with you all. Amen. (grace)

James 4: [6] But he giveth more charis. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (grace)

1 Peter 1: [2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: charis unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (grace)

[10] Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the charis that should come unto you: (grace)

[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the charis that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (grace)

2: [19] For this is charis, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. (thankworthy)

[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is charis with God. (acceptable)

3: [7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the charis of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (grace)

4: [10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold charis of God. (grace)

5: [5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth charis to the humble. (grace)

[10] But the God of all charis, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (grace)

[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true charis of God wherein ye stand. (grace)

2 Peter 1: [2] charis and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, (grace)

3: [18] But grow in charis, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (grace)

2 Jno 1: [3] charis be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (grace)

Jude 1: [4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the charis of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (grace)

Revolation 1: [4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: charis be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; (grace)

22: [21] The charis of your Lord Jesus be with You all, Amen. (grace)

Having looked at these, we see that it is a common New Testament salutation. Although it is translated as “thank,” “thanks,” and “thankworthy,” there appears to be little we can do to win in, except to endure grief suffering wrongfully (1 Pet 2:20.) That being said, you could look at the occurrences, and ask yourself if the single word “favor” adequately replaces charis as it is used. Presumably God’s favor is always a good thing, but want can fall into a person’s bad graces. So “good favor” might also be a good rendering. When we contemplate favor, we understand that if we are asking for a date, we cannot earn a date, in the sense that we can earn wages. However, by doing those things we know please the person in question, we can “win” favor. I leave this to your contemplation.

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