THEOLOGY - continued

Covenant, 1st paragraph - continued

You said that the opening paragraph of the Covenant is set within the framework of grace because, “Members of The United Church believe the church and those who make up the church only exist because of the grace of God.” This is the correct answer. It puts the central emphasis on God and, in particular, the work of God through Jesus Christ. We are to live lives of grace but we do that in response to what God has done and is doing with and for us. We do not live our lives in order to win or earn God’s grace. It is, indeed, a free gift. Our part of the covenant is found in responding to that gift with grateful and ethical lives.

Now let’s look at the 2nd paragraph.