So with this wordy introduction, I wish to convey from Jesus Christ once more, "Faith without works is no faith at all."
If you are referring to James 2nd chapter, it is faith in God's Providence without works that is a dead faith as seen by others.
Faith in Jesus Christ without works saves. To
look to good works to declare that saving faith or to prove that saving faith, voids that saving faith. We look to Jesus Christ for that saving faith as He is our hope.
Correct. Any Christian who understands Gospel truth would know that this is exactly what the New Testament teaches.
King James Bible
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
The connection between faith and good works is very clear in this verse (Titus 3:8)
If you are referring to saving faith, no it is not.
Titus 3:[SUP]4 [/SUP]But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,[SUP]5[/SUP]
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;[SUP]6 [/SUP]Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Paul is stating all his good works done since he had been saved had nothing to do with his salvation or proving it.
But he said for believers to be careful in maintaining good works... not for proof of saving faith, but that good works were profitable unto men.
Many believers have been saved by believing the gospel, but are not following Jesus in these latter days. That is not proof that they are not saved nor does it mean they are fake christians. It means they need discipleship in learning about Jesus Christ as their Good Shepherd and all His promises to them for help in laying aside every weight & sin in following Him. Indeed, there are former believers out there that are still saved. but are at risk in being left behind.
That is why the call to depart from iniquity is given out to even former believers so that they may be received as vessels unto honor in His House at the pre trib rapture event, rather than be a castaway to be received later on as a vessel unto dishonor in His House.
2 Timothy 2:[SUP]18 [/SUP]Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.[SUP] 19 [/SUP]Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.[SUP] 20 [/SUP]But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.[SUP]21 [/SUP]If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Any iniquity denies Him and by that iniquity, saved believers will be denied by Him, BUT He still abides. This is why His disciples are to make disciples of other believers so that they too may look to Him as their Good Shepherd for help in following Him and be received by the Bridegroom as a vessel unto honor too at the pre trib rapture event. That is the eternal glory that awaits His disciples that comes with our salvation in Christ Jesus, but not all believers will depart from iniquity, but He still abides which is why there are vessels unto dishonor in His House to be received after the great tribulation.
2 Timothy 2:[SUP]10 [/SUP]Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:[SUP] 12 [/SUP]If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:[SUP] 13 [/SUP]If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.