It does -- and it has ever since Eden

I'm with you and have been wondering that for years.

But if God's grace covers bad behavior AND bad theology that could lead people to believe we cannot save ourselves. (yes, there is sarcasm in that statement)

I know I have done it and at times still do it, but when I feel as though I can save myself in spite of or in conjunction with God's grace, I am basically looking into the eyes of Jesus as he hangs on the cross and saying, "Thanks Jesus, but I got it from here."

Praise God for His amazing grace.

We have taught for years that grace kicks in where we leave off. I have heard that it is like our effort fills the cup up as much as we can, then God tops it off. Grace is that He gave us the cup and fills it for us. Our only obligation is to accept it and be grateful.

I think God's grace can cover most all our bad theology as well as our bad behavior. I am concerned about it being able to cover the self righteousness that claims a perfect theology and condemns those who are even minimally out of sync. That was after all Christ's indictment to the religious leaders of his day.

This is the question bounces around my head so often I've got pock marks all over the inside of my cranium. Well, actually the question I've got is "Why can't people see that that the same grace that covers our sin covers our misunderstandings?"

Great question and great responses. I just wanted to say Amen!

If that is true (and it is), what does that mean? Are we brave enough to explore? Are there limitations? If so, what are they and how do we know?

Great question -- my dad sent me over after he enjoyed meeting you for breakfast in Louisiana yesterday.

I do believe God's grace covers bad behavior, bad theology, bad hair, you name it. But I believe that bad theology is harder to poke through -- it's generally deeply ingrained mixed in with pride to cement it in our hearts.

Hey Keith, this is tinman (somebody already had the name). I went with signalgiver (baseball coach, you know). It is such a joy to see our people letting go of the idea that we have to be right about everything. And I do believe God's grace covers bad theology. But let's not think that just applies to the other guy. We have plenty of areas where it applies to us as well.

Tommy (Tinman),
Thanks for sparking this discussion. Sharon and I enjoyed being with you this weekend. What a great youth rally! I loved the way you worded this quesion. It is similar to what James asked, ""Why can't people see that the same grace that covers our sin covers our misunderstandings?" Yes, Cathy, we should just "accept it and be grateful." Sarah, it was great getting to spend time with your folks. Gary, you are pretty smart for a 49 year old. ;) Jon, we need more worship leaders like you.
Kevin, there are a lot of us who have journeyed a long way from the self-righteous, perfect theology mentality. It's easy for those tendencies to return. Our background has been a "head" religion and not a "heart"-centered one. Great comments. I'm with Lee in saying "amen."