Can a faith that NEVER produces any work save?
Is it faith in the first place?
Can a faith that NEVER produces any work save?
Hebrews 4:1-3 (KJV)
[SUP]1 [/SUP]Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Sounds like all the Word of God applies for today with as much gravity as it ever did in the past.
That is a good analogy but I would like to add one more thing. Building in any case is necessary, but if one doesn't build at all what happens to them then?
Hebrews 4:1-3 (KJV)
[SUP]1 [/SUP]Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Sounds like all the Word of God applies for today with as much gravity as it ever did in the past.
Hi,
You posted "You are saved without works. There is nothing that you can do to earn your salvation. But, if you are truly grateful for Jesus you will do the work"
You say you will do the work. My question is can you NOT do the work yet still be saved?
You also post "but if you accept Jesus you will work".
So here you are implying salvation is NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT WORKS....right?
Maybe the best way to put it is that you are saved without works, but if you don't work, there's a good chance you weren't saved to begin with. For example, it is possible to be saved and die right away without really doing any works (although this is not a good idea to attempt). However, if you consider accepting Jesus as work, then I would lean toward no. Paul talks about people that do not know Christ doing good works and that they are law unto themselves. I personally believe that this means that someone that is in some remote area where they have never been taught about Jesus can "do good works" and be saved. I may be wrong about that, but if I'm right they are still doing good works and therefore would not be included in the "saved without works" question.
This is the verse that I'm am referring to: Rom 2:14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,
I am not trying to push this idea on anyone, it's just something that I have come to realize as a possibility.
Although the ordinances of the past were but a shadow of the true thing to come, the physical explaining the spiritual, we are to use all of God's COUNSEL. Surely, if God did not allow disobedience in the flesh, He does not allow it in the spirit. Let us, therefore, watch over each other so that heart of stubbornness will not be found in us, those in Christ.
That is a good analogy but I would like to add one more thing. Building in any case is necessary, but if one doesn't build at all what happens to them then?
They remain a spiritually immature babe in Christ and never earn any real (misthos) pay or wages if you will for (retirement) hah! in God's kingdom...
Again it seems simple....a believer will have at least one piece of fruit on their tree.....Is not (faith) a spiritual gift/fruit?
God<----men justified before God by belief..
Men<--men can see our faith by our works...even if it is but saving faith!
Did you see inpost #409 where JGIG posted "Everyone is invited to God's Party."
Does this not imply that one must do the work of answering the invitation, the work of going to the "party"?
Jn 6:27 Jesus said to labour for the meat that endures unto everlasting life which He gives.
Refute Jesus words here please.
Luke 19:26 (KJV)
[SUP]26 [/SUP]For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
Yes, it is harder 'work' for some than for others to enter into the Rest of the Righteousness of Christ:
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (from Heb. 4)
The point of contention here is that you are preaching the putting of more faith in your work than in the Work of Christ.
We who rest in Christ are not lazy when it comes to the works God has ordained in advance for us to do; when we are ready (prepared ahead of time by the maturing that Grace brings), and when He directs, we obey and follow. It really isn't that complicated.
Mostly I think you're just judging folks inappropriately because they don't measure up to a standard you have determined to be the 'line', when instead you should be seeking to find ways to build them up in who they are in Christ, spurring them on to maturity so that they can do the works that God has for them.
-JGIG
Did you see inpost #409 where JGIG posted "Everyone is invited to God's Party."
Does this not imply that one must do the work of answering the invitation, the work of going to the "party"?
I have just a minute for right now, but you do know that it was a metaphor, right?
You can receive Christ wherever you are and in whatever circumstances you find yourself.
You're putting way more conditions on folks for salvation than God does.
-JGIG
That was said to show you the error of your doctrine, not to enforce it. The point is, thats what you are arguing, but biblically, that isnt scriptural. Jesus gave you a good and free gift and you are pulling out your wallet saying, "$5?" How many good works are enough to fully pay for the price of His death on the cross? Its an insult to Christ! Rest in His finished work.
I completely agree. Did I post something that would lead you to believe otherwise? Please provide me with the post I did make that could have been misleading.