Faith Without Works

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C

cfultz3

Guest
#1
The following is from Bibleline Ministries: http://www.biblelineministries.org/articles/basearch.php3?action=full&mainkey=FAITH+WITHOUT+WORKS


FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

No passage in all of Scripture has been so misunderstood as James 2:14-26. "Faith without works is dead" is used again and again by those who would add works to salvation as their proof text. Most Christians don't know how to explain James 2:14-26; therefore, when those who teach falsely use James to prove their point, seldom does anyone ever refute them. Christians need to know the answer.

Do you know how to explain James 2:14-26? Not being able to explain this passage will hinder your effectiveness as a Christian witness. So often the lost will object to the true gospel message by saying, "Faith without works is dead." If you cannot explain this phrase, then you will make no further progress with the one to whom you are witnessing.

A new twist, also false, is to say that if you do not have works that you have no faith and, therefore, you are not saved. Many Christians have been confused and robbed of their assurance of their salvation by this presentation. Works are subtly added to the plan of salvation by this misteaching on the book of James.

First of all, James was written to the saved. James was written to the believers. Notice the phrase "my brethren" in James 1:2, James 1:16; James 1:19; James 2:1, James 2:5; James 2:14; James 3:1, etc. James writes to persons who are already saved and the subject is not how to be saved but the Christian life and how to receive rewards in heaven. James is writing to those who are "born again." "Of his own will beget he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James 1:18)." The question is not loss of salvation (which is impossible: see John 6:37,39), but the loss of reward. Blessing, not salvation, is what is promised to the doer of God's work in James 1:25.

Salvation is also without exception "the gift of God." "For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)." Look at Ephesians 2:8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Read Romans chapter Five where salvation is called God's gift six times.

James 2:14 talks about "profit". Profit is something earned-something deserved. Salvation cannot be earned and is not deserved. Paul uses the same word "profit" in I Timothy 4:8 where again the topic is reward. "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

James is speaking of the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 3:11-15) where reward, gain, profit, treasure or the loss of it is determined. James is saying to a believer that has faith but no works that his faith will not save him the embarrassment, regret, loss of reward that he will experience at the judgment seat of Christ (the judgment of a believer's works for reward or loss of reward).

How do we know that James is speaking of the Judgment Seat of Christ? The context of James demands that interpretation. Notice James 2:12. "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." This could only be referring to the judgment of believers at the judgment seat of Christ. In James 2:14 we find no believer will be saved (exempted) from the believer's judgment of works. No works will bring about no reward (profit). See II Corinthians 5:10.

Death in the Bible always is used to mean "separation". Physical death is the separation of the spirit and soul from the body (See II Corinthians 5:8). The "second death" is the separation of the spirit and soul from God, in hell forever (See Revelation 20:14). Knowing this definition of death, let us examine the phrase "faith without works is dead."

Knowing death speaks of separation and not cession of existence, let us look at James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." If I were to die physically, my body would drop to the ground but my spirit would go to be with the Lord. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8)." Would I still be alive? Yes, I have eternal life. But my body would not have any vital signs and would not display any life at all, yet I would be present with the Lord and very much alive.

In the same way, James says, "faith without works is dead." What does he mean? Works are to faith what the body is to the spirit. The body displays the life of the spirit. Work displays faith. The only way I can display that I am alive is with my body (movement, pulse, etc.). The only way that I can display that I have faith is by my works.

If I have no works, does that mean that I have no faith? NO! NO! NO! That would be like saying that if I die physically, I would no longer exist. The truth is that I have eternal life, so though I may lose my body, I am still very much alive. If you have faith but no works, you simply cannot demonstrate to another that you have faith. That is the point James is making when he says, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (James 2:18)."

To be effective, to be able to demonstrate our faith, and to earn rewards, we must have works.

James speaks of justification by works before men. Paul speaks of justification by faith before God. Dr. C. I. Scofield makes the following observation in the Scofield Bible: "(These are two aspects of one truth). Paul speaks of that which justifies man before God, via: faith alone, wholly apart from works: James of the proof before men, that he who possesses to have justifying faith really has it. Paul speaks of what God sees-faith; James of what men see-works, as the visible evidence of faith. Paul draws his illustration from Genesis 15:6, James from Genesis 22:1-19. James's key-phrase is 'ye see' (James 2:24), for men cannot see faith except as manifested through works."

James teaches salvation by faith without works in James 2:23, "...Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness..." This is a quote from Genesis 15:6 where Abraham gets saved. James 2:21,22 is an illustration from Abraham's life forty years after he was saved. It illustrates, or proves Abraham's faith to others. "Seest thou" James 2:22. In plain English this is saying that you can see by Abraham's willingness to slay Isaac that he had faith.

Salvation is "not of works" according to Ephesians 2:9. "Not of works" means "Not of works." Works have no part in our salvation. Jesus Christ finished the work of salvation on the cross. We can be saved only by trusting His finished work on the cross. We can be saved only by trusting His finished work on the Cross. Why not trust Christ as your only hope of heaven? Then choose to serve Him and receive blessings, rewards, treasures in heaven, profit for eternity.
 
G

GreenNnice

Guest
#2
Salvation is work. We are to realize this.....

'It' is from Him, a free gift to unto you.

You were going to be dead in a grave forevermore IF God didn't bring His Way of salvation to you.

So....

Can you obey Him , reading His Word to see the path of other believers, disciples, apostles, in The bible, listen to your pastors, find wisdom from wise godly friends, and, just overall be a 'doer' as James teaches?

Yes, obedience isn't easy, it does take great faith, what a path. But, you can walk it,, and, what's more, you will walk it IF you Love Him, you will walk with Him and He will live with/in you , that of which there can be no argument. A faith in Him WORKS :)


You can do it :)

Blessings, Christ brothers and sisters :)
 
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Nov 26, 2011
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#3
James speaks of justification by works before men. Paul speaks of justification by faith before God. Dr. C. I. Scofield makes the following observation in the Scofield Bible: "(These are two aspects of one truth). Paul speaks of that which justifies man before God, via: faith alone, wholly apart from works: James of the proof before men, that he who possesses to have justifying faith really has it. Paul speaks of what God sees-faith; James of what men see-works, as the visible evidence of faith. Paul draws his illustration from Genesis 15:6, James from Genesis 22:1-19. James's key-phrase is 'ye see' (James 2:24), for men cannot see faith except as manifested through works."
A perfect example of a blind leader to the blind. These wolves have to explain away James because it directly contradicts their lies.

So who were the "men" that Abraham was trying to justify himself before?

Jam 2:21-23
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.


True Faith = Obedience

You cannot have true faith without obedience and that is why faith without works is dead.

Also the works of faith are not rituals or charitable deeds. The works of faith is walking in obedience to God from the heart. Without that there is no salvation.

Faith works by love and thus fulfills the righteousness of the law. God looks at the heart and thus imputed those who obey Him from the heart as righteousness. Those people will be walking the walk as well as talking the talk.

There is no such thing as a rebellious Christian.

Don't be deceived by the smooth yet empty words of the many deceivers which abound everywhere today.
 
Nov 26, 2011
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#4
These deceivers also make no distinction between the works of faith and the works of the law/flesh.

Works done apart from the grace of God are total vanity.

The work of putting to use the grace of God through an obedient faith is essential. That is how we are saved, we are saved by the gracious influence of God on our hearts by putting it to use through an obedient faith and applying to our lives. Thus we walk in the light of God yielding to His teaching. The result of this is purity of heart outwardly manifested by holy conduct in every area of our lives.

God is the author of salvation of all those who obey Him.
 
C

cedaffin

Guest
#5
Do good works
This shows you have true faith
Help you fellow man/woman.
Only “faith” saves BUT good works are a reflection of faith. Works also build up treasures for you in the new kingdom to come.
“If you love Me you will keep my commandments”
“Take good care of widows, orphans and the poor; teach the young the Word and sustain one another. Worship God, who created heaven and earth. Believe in Christ, love one another, be compassionate to all, and fulfill charity not only in word, but in act and deed.”
“But when you have been regenerated by flowing water, living water, show by good works the likeness in you of that Father who has begotten you. Now that you know God, honor Him as a father. Live according to His will, His Commandments, His Rules. How embarrassing, if at judgment, the unbelieving have done equal or better works than we, the believers.”
 
Oct 31, 2011
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#6
James said faith without works in dead. Christ talked a lot about obedience to law. What about Matt 19:17 “And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good, If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”. Or, as someone else posted “If you love me you will keep my commandments”. I am going to take their literal word on it.

This idea that what I do has no value does not follow scripture, I am not going to follow that idea. If Christ said it, that will take prominence with me. There is grace, faith, holiness, mercy, obedience, and love spoken of in scripture. All must fit. Any one taken alone is not complete, and obedience is right in there!
 
Mar 11, 2009
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#7
The following is from Bibleline Ministries: http://www.biblelineministries.org/articles/basearch.php3?action=full&mainkey=FAITH+WITHOUT+WORKS


FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

No passage in all of Scripture has been so misunderstood as James 2:14-26. "Faith without works is dead" is used again and again by those who would add works to salvation as their proof text. Most Christians don't know how to explain James 2:14-26; therefore, when those who teach falsely use James to prove their point, seldom does anyone ever refute them. Christians need to know the answer.

Do you know how to explain James 2:14-26? Not being able to explain this passage will hinder your effectiveness as a Christian witness. So often the lost will object to the true gospel message by saying, "Faith without works is dead." If you cannot explain this phrase, then you will make no further progress with the one to whom you are witnessing.

.
I always find you people preaching this lacking in past and present tense.You say salvation is not from works which is true.It is a free Gift of God but then you say because he cleansed you from all your sin you can keep going on without works.This is false.

What does born again mean?>???Explain to me in detail what Born again means.One cannot enter heaven unless he is born again.What are the fruits of the spirit?

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

I think this is pritty clear to me
 
S

SantoSubito

Guest
#8
Do good works
This shows you have true faith
Help you fellow man/woman.
Only “faith” saves BUT good works are a reflection of faith. Works also build up treasures for you in the new kingdom to come.
“If you love Me you will keep my commandments”
Take good care of widows, orphans and the poor; teach the young the Word and sustain one another. Worship God, who created heaven and earth. Believe in Christ, love one another, be compassionate to all, and fulfill charity not only in word, but in act and deed.”
“But when you have been regenerated by flowing water, living water, show by good works the likeness in you of that Father who has begotten you. Now that you know God, honor Him as a father. Live according to His will, His Commandments, His Rules. How embarrassing, if at judgment, the unbelieving have done equal or better works than we, the believers.”
See it is "faith" that saves and even I agree on that. Where me and you part ways is about what "faith" is, you probably propose that "faith" is simply believing in Christ, while I assert that "faith" is believing in Christ and doing the will of God (aka works).
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
#9
See it is "faith" that saves and even I agree on that. Where me and you part ways is about what "faith" is, you probably propose that "faith" is simply believing in Christ, while I assert that "faith" is believing in Christ and doing the will of God (aka works).
actually you would be wrong with both of your opinions.

Faith is an actuall trust in Christ. and what he says and did. Not just a mere belief

1. He tells us we are sinners. fallen short of him.
2. He tells us the things we like (sin) separeates us from him, and is an abomination to him
3. He tells us the penalty of sin is death (separation from him)
4. He tells us we have no hope apart from him
5. He tells us his son paid it all, and without him, we have no hope
6. He tells us we can not do any good, we are unrighteous and can not even know how to do good.
7. He tells us if we have faith in his word, His promise, and his work, he will (not might) but will give us eternal life.
 
C

cfultz3

Guest
#10
but then you say because he cleansed you from all your sin you can keep going on without works.This is false.
Out of curiosity, will you show me where this is said in that post?

Isn't the fruits of the Spirit good works and a token of one having salvation?
 
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cfultz3

Guest
#11
These deceivers also make no distinction between the works of faith and the works of the law/flesh
works of faith = those things which are done through the Spirit by love.

works of law/flesh = those things which we do in the flesh.

May I ask you how we are deceivers? Because we say that the Spirit leads into good works and that we cannot do anything of our own, but as the Spirit leads so do?
 
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GreenNnice

Guest
#12
This is heady stuff, folks, the Lord leads, I pray it is all spoken in Love. :)
 
C

cfultz3

Guest
#13
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

--Does not the Spirit lead in Love? Are we to take credit for our salvation which is by faith? Or do we say, "As the Spirit leads, so do". For in so doing, you do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father --- Love.


41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

I think this is pritty clear to me
Yes, it is pretty clear and a very good post. thank you.
 
C

cfultz3

Guest
#14
What does born again mean?>???Explain to me in detail what Born again means.One cannot enter heaven unless he is born again.What are the fruits of the spirit?
Sure. To be born again sinply means to take on a different nature then you had previously. As pertaining to Christianity, it means to take on a nature as one belonging to the Father, a son/daughter. It is to be lead by the Spirit, who in turn, leads to God. If we are lead by the Spirit, then we produce the fruits of the Spirit. By which fruits, we are rewarded.

Fruits of the Spirit:
In a nutshell: Love.

But expanded:

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
 
C

cfultz3

Guest
#15
This was posted in another thread, but thought it would be helpful here also as to explaning that salvation is obtained through faith alone:

"the just shall live by faith" -- Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Gal 3:24, Heb 10:38

Jesus seeing the faith of a man with palsy, said, "Son, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven you". -- Mat 9:2, Mar 2:5, Luk 5:20

"faith has made you whole". -- Mat 9:22, Mar 5:34, Mar 10:52, Luk 8:48, Luk 17:19, Act 14:9

"According to your faith, be it unto you". -- Mat 9:29

"Your faith has saved you". -- Luk 7:50, Luk 18:42

"The faith which is by Him" gives perfect soundness -- Act 3:16

The heart is purified by faith -- Act 15:9

How is one's eyes opened? How is one turned from darkness to ligh? How is one turned from the power of Satan to God?
How does one receive forgiveness of Sin? How does one receive an inheritance among those who are sactified? -- By faith which is in Jesus -- Act 26:18

The righteousness of God is through Jesus Christ's faith. -- Rom 3:22, 9:30, 10:6

It is through faith in Jesus' blood, that Jesus is one's propitiation (appeasing sacrifice). Rom 3:25

God is the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus. This is the Law of Faith. Therefore, it is concluded that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. -- Rom 3:26-28 The Law says to do this and to do that, the accomplishment of one's works, but faith says, "it is faith by which one receives salvation".

"But to him who works not, but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" -- Rom 4:5 How then does this blessedness come upon a person.....by walking in the steps of that faith Abraham had. --Rom 4:9, 12

The promise to be heirs of the world is given through the righteousness of faith. -- Rom 4:13 Therefore, it is of faith so that it might be by grace. -- Rom 4:16

We are justified by faith, -- Gal 2:16, Gal 3:8 and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. -- Rom 5:1

It is by faith that we have access to God's grace. -- Rom 5:2, Eph 3:12

When one try to follow after the law of righteousness without faith, but my works of the law, they will not arrive at it. Rom 9:30-31

The Jews were broken off the vine because of faithlessness, we stand by faith. -- Rom 11:20, 2Co 1:24

Whatever is not done in faith is sin. -- Rom 14:23

They who are of faith are the children of Abraham. -- Gal 3:7 Thus, it is by faith we are blessed. -- Gal 3:9, Heb 6:12

We receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. -- Gal 3:14

The promise from (souce) faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. -- Gal 3:22

We are the children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. -- Gal 5:5

We, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness from (source) faith. -- Gal 5:5

The only thing which avails with Jesus is a faith which is active through love -- Gal 5:6 (See Gal 5:22-25 to see what the Spirit produces in one who is lead by Him.)

By faith Christ dwells in our heart. -- Eph 3:17

By grace are we saved through faith, and that is not of ourselves, but it is a gift of God. -- Eph 2:8

It is by faith that we are able to quench all the fiery dars of the wicked. -- Eph 6:16

We are to be found in Him, not having our own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the rightousness which is from (source) God through faith. -- Php 3:9

Buried with Him in baptism, we are risen with Him through faith. -- Col 2:12, Rom 6:4

Salvation is through faith which is in Christ Jesus. -- 2Ti 3:15

The gospel profits one when it is mixed with faith. -- Heb 4:2

It is by the full assurance of faith that we are to deaw near with a true heart - having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Holy Spirit baptism). -- Heb 10:22

It is by faith that we receive a good report by God - Heb 11:3-33, 39

We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. -- 1Pet 1:5

The end result of our faith is the salvation of our souls. -- 1Pet 1:9

We obtain faith through the righteousness of God -- 2Pet 1:1
 
C

Crossfire

Guest
#16
The thing we all need to understand about being saved by 'faith alone' is that saving faith not only requires you to believe that Jesus is who the bible says he is, but also, saving faith requires that you actually believe that you - as a believer in Christ - are who and what the bible says you are supposed to be as a child of the Lord most high. The bible teaches us that the truly saved will possess certain characteristics, not because of anything they might do of their volition , but rather, because the Holy Spirit dwells and is at work on the inside of them.
 
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cfultz3

Guest
#17
The thing we all need to understand about being saved by 'faith alone' is that saving faith not only requires you to believe that Jesus is who the bible says he is, but also, saving faith requires that you actually believe that you - as a believer in Christ - are who and what the bible says you are supposed to be as a child of the Lord most high. The bible teaches us that the truly saved will possess certain characteristics, not because of anything they might do of their volition , but rather, because the Holy Spirit dwells and is at work on the inside of them.

Amen!!! It is most certainly the works of the Spirit which produces our good works. Let Him lead......
 
G

GreenNnice

Guest
#18
Amen!!! It is most certainly the works of the Spirit which produces our good works. Let Him lead......
_______-
The Lord leads. What's so hard to understand about that statement for people?

We speak all these different doctrines and rules and requirements and essentials, when broken down the brass tacks it comes down to one thing, our personal relationship with Christ, which IF it is good, with the Spirit leading your life, you will NOT be living in sin. You will be living in Him, of which there is no sin.

Deep concept but that IS Truth .

Faith without works is dead . Of course, duh. Do you not see what Jesus was doing , He was doing WORKS !

Now, IF one wants to go deeper into this topic, how about this....


salvation without works is dead. Now, IF scripture said that-which it DOES NOT- you would have a GREAT argument. But 'Salvation without works is dead' is NOWHERE in scripture.


Obedience to Christ for your chosen plan from Him is what will lead to a great life in Him. I won't go as far as to say it will lead to salvation, because common sense says, from the very first time you ACCEPT HIM as your Saviour, you are forevermore denying your past and choosing Him. THAT is what it means to BELIEVE .

God bless your believing, may it be filled with great, understanding obedience (not guilt, that is ONLY from Satan ) everything Christ wants WORKED into your life. Pray for His knowledge to overwhelm all your fears in life, He conquered FEAR and DEATH long ago, a little over 2000 years, to be exact, with the cross. The cross, the cross, the cross. Sigh...Thank you, Jesus, for the cross . THAT is what worked :)

OK, Tommy, Skinski, come on at me, I'm feeling quite unfearful I will have you know :D
 
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goldengirl

Guest
#19
2 Peter.2:20-22 (NWT) 20. Certainly if after having escaped from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, the final conditions have become worse for them than the first.21. For it would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it accurately to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22. The saying of the true proverb has happened to them: "The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire."
(Those who believe can fall away and lose their salvation)

Luke .13: 23-24 (NWT)) 23. Now a certain man said to him: "Lord, are those who are being saved few?" He said to them: 24. "Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able,
(we must perform works of righteousness - exerting ourselves vigorously)

Hebrews. 6:4-6 (NWT) 4. For it is impossible as regards those who have once for all been elightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, 5. and who have tasted the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh from themselves and expose him to public shame.
(again, it is possible for people to "fall away" from the faith and for some it is impossible to revive them to repentance)

James.2:19 and 24- You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20. But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is inactive.... (Verse 24) You see that a man is to be declared righteous by works, and not by faith alone.
(James is very specific... even the demons believe that Jesus is the son of God, but there is no salvation for them. And a man is declared righteous by WORKS, not by faith alone)
 
G

GreenNnice

Guest
#20
2 Peter.2:20-22 (NWT) 20. Certainly if after having escaped from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, the final conditions have become worse for them than the first.21. For it would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it accurately to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22. The saying of the true proverb has happened to them: "The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire."
(Those who believe can fall away and lose their salvation)

Luke .13: 23-24 (NWT)) 23. Now a certain man said to him: "Lord, are those who are being saved few?" He said to them: 24. "Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able,
(we must perform works of righteousness - exerting ourselves vigorously)

Hebrews. 6:4-6 (NWT) 4. For it is impossible as regards those who have once for all been elightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, 5. and who have tasted the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh from themselves and expose him to public shame.
(again, it is possible for people to "fall away" from the faith and for some it is impossible to revive them to repentance)

James.2:19 and 24- You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20. But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is inactive.... (Verse 24) You see that a man is to be declared righteous by works, and not by faith alone.
(James is very specific... even the demons believe that Jesus is the son of God, but there is no salvation for them. And a man is declared righteous by WORKS, not by faith alone)
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We receive the Spirit when the Lord leads...

We receive salvation when the Lord leads...

Of course, to that must be added, '...and we follow.'

Blessings, Christ sis