Some thoughts about God's grace

Grace is defined by many to mean 'God's unmerited favor.' Some believe that God bestows grace through certain 'items' or 'elements.' I know of people who would actually put more faith in the 'elements' than they would on God. Followed to its logical conclusion, as long as the 'elements' are present the recipient need not even express any hint of faith, and supposedly grace (or favor) is still bestowed upon him. Or so they believe. The Bible paints a different picture. It teaches us that grace is available through faith, and not 'elements'. "For by grace are ye saved through faith..." (Eph. 2:8a). Again many people disregard 'convictions and standards' and claim that they are living in a dispensation of grace. Somehow grace is thought to be antinomian (literally, against the law). That means living a life apart from moral laws under the impression that 'faith only' is 'only faith.' The Bible teaches us that the grace that saves is the same grace that sanctifies (see Titus 2:11-12). As long as Titus 2:12 is in the Bible, the ungodly can never legitimately use grace as an excuse to live disgracefully.