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S
Man is justified by works and not by faith only (Jas 2:24 ). James was the first bishop of Jerusalem, he definitely knew what works were because he was Jewish himself.
Here is StJames (Hebrew: יעקב Ya'akov; Greek Iάκωβος Iákōbos), first Bishop of Jerusalem <<<<Link
And here is what he says about Faith and Works:
Jas 2:14 What does it profit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Is that kind of faith able to save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the necessary things of the body, what is the benefit?
Jas 2:17 Thus also that faith, if it does not have works, is dead, being by itself
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by means of my works.
Jas 2:19 You believe God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe--and they shudder!
Jas 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by means of his works faith was made perfect?
Jas 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called a friend of God.
Jas 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Jas 2:25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by means of works, when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Here is StJames (Hebrew: יעקב Ya'akov; Greek Iάκωβος Iákōbos), first Bishop of Jerusalem <<<<Link
And here is what he says about Faith and Works:
Jas 2:14 What does it profit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Is that kind of faith able to save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the necessary things of the body, what is the benefit?
Jas 2:17 Thus also that faith, if it does not have works, is dead, being by itself
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by means of my works.
Jas 2:19 You believe God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe--and they shudder!
Jas 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by means of his works faith was made perfect?
Jas 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called a friend of God.
Jas 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Jas 2:25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by means of works, when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
C
works has nothing to do with "sacraments"?
show me in scripture where the apostles had a Eucharist incorporated in communion, even Jesus said to do this to remember Him not make a religious service out of.
Church History is interesting, we see Jesus coming with the words "it is written" not to take note of "you have heard it said" as the Pharisees espoused the Talmud, the oral law of moses supposedly given by revelation and passed down thru the generations and look how Jesus frowned on that grave misconception as to what the Word of God says.
And the Talmud, revered as it is, is definitely not the word of God
show me in scripture where the apostles had a Eucharist incorporated in communion, even Jesus said to do this to remember Him not make a religious service out of.
Church History is interesting, we see Jesus coming with the words "it is written" not to take note of "you have heard it said" as the Pharisees espoused the Talmud, the oral law of moses supposedly given by revelation and passed down thru the generations and look how Jesus frowned on that grave misconception as to what the Word of God says.
And the Talmud, revered as it is, is definitely not the word of God
C
Faith minus works saves?
without faith itis impossible to please God
Faith minus repenting?
delusional for one to think so
Faith minus turning away from sins?
delusional for one to think so
works is the fruit that comes from the seed planted.
Strange i thought it was the good found in Him alone by His Spirit that changes us thru sanctification and regeneration that changes us into His likeness and image otherwise what did we need Jesus for to start with to imply that by just doing good we have been washed clean of our sin against God.
We all, unsaved and saved know right from wrong, good from evil, from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Original sin came from disobedience yes, scripture gives us the way to walk, Jesus by the cross has given us the strength to do so because of the Fathers love and compassion for us by giving us His Spirit, the same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead abides in us.
To take up our cross daily, to fight the good fight of faith knowing we have the victory, having faith doesnt redact sound doctrine in scripture in how we ought to walk, having trouble?? acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our path, leads us into righteousness, starts with a willingness to follow Him knowing without His strength and spirit we are but dust
S
The Church Fathers and the 7 Ecumenical Councils are nothing like the Talmud, they are simply the True "Knowledge of the Son of God" as was proclaimed by St Paul in Ephesians 4: 11-15: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
He was talking about the Councils of the Saints and the Church Fathers. Do not abuse the Bible by judging it as the only text which has words coming from the Holy Spirit. The Church Fathers and Saints were illuminated by the Holy Spirit and had the same exact Holy Spirit which acted in the Prophets. They had Divine Wisdom and Holy Illumination (Holy Baptism) and had the "Knowledge of Christ". They were the authoritative voices of the Holy Spirit, revealing to us the "Unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ". (Verse 13)
I just can't believe that you would compare Eastern Orthodox Tradition to the Pharisees. You want to believe in Sola Scriptura, why? Its not in the Bible. Give me one verse in the whole Bible which says, "The Holy Bible is the only teaching which you must trust". Nowhere in the whole Bible does it tell us this.
In fact, it teaches oral tradition and written tradition. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
He was talking about the Councils of the Saints and the Church Fathers. Do not abuse the Bible by judging it as the only text which has words coming from the Holy Spirit. The Church Fathers and Saints were illuminated by the Holy Spirit and had the same exact Holy Spirit which acted in the Prophets. They had Divine Wisdom and Holy Illumination (Holy Baptism) and had the "Knowledge of Christ". They were the authoritative voices of the Holy Spirit, revealing to us the "Unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ". (Verse 13)
I just can't believe that you would compare Eastern Orthodox Tradition to the Pharisees. You want to believe in Sola Scriptura, why? Its not in the Bible. Give me one verse in the whole Bible which says, "The Holy Bible is the only teaching which you must trust". Nowhere in the whole Bible does it tell us this.
In fact, it teaches oral tradition and written tradition. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
Dear StMichaelTheArchangel:
Where in the English language book or books can we find the teachings of the 7 Oecumenical Synods (Councils), besides the NPNF book by Philip Schaff (which is hard to understand), or the book THE RUDDER? Which is also hard to read. Where is a summary of the main teachings or all of the teachings and canons of the 7 councils? Do you agree there are an 8th and 9th Ecumenical Councils?
In 879-880 for the 8th council and the 1300s with St. Gregory Palamas for the 9th Council?
God bless you. Amen. In Erie Scott
S
I just received these books from Amazon.com used and in very good condition for my birthday for $100. It was a one of a kind deal. This book store sells the same thing for $129.99. Christianbook.com: Early Church Fathers: Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series 2, 14 Vols.: Edited By: Philip Schaff By: Philip Schaff, ed.: 9781565631168
Look for the Rudder, you will find it. I found it.Here it is, but it will take a while to download it, it is big:
http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/Liturgics/The_Rudder_or_Pedalion.pdf
They are very good translations of the Nicene Church Fathers and of the 7 Ecumenical Councils, the ones that I ordered were VERY good, I got 14 Volumes and 5900 pages of pure treasure now. Its so worth it.
The translations online are as well good.
I don't know much about the 8th and 9th Councils, except the Council of Florence and the The Hesychast Controversy
Look up the book Ivan N. Ostroumov, The History of the Council of Florence. Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 1971.
But read about it here too:
Council of Florence - OrthodoxWiki
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:24 ESV)
Look for the Rudder, you will find it. I found it.Here it is, but it will take a while to download it, it is big:
http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/Liturgics/The_Rudder_or_Pedalion.pdf
They are very good translations of the Nicene Church Fathers and of the 7 Ecumenical Councils, the ones that I ordered were VERY good, I got 14 Volumes and 5900 pages of pure treasure now. Its so worth it.
The translations online are as well good.
I don't know much about the 8th and 9th Councils, except the Council of Florence and the The Hesychast Controversy
Look up the book Ivan N. Ostroumov, The History of the Council of Florence. Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 1971.
But read about it here too:
Council of Florence - OrthodoxWiki
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:24 ESV)