ONE BAPTISM - Ephesians 4:5

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

Amen!...and it will be the "Fisherman" that does the cleaning on the inside and on the outside by His life in us....the righteous shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17 (NASB)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

HeRoseFromTheDead · Apr 4, 2016

PeterJens said:

This statement, we doing nothing, God goes everything, is not the gospel.

We are called to love, be obedient, to put on the whole armour of God.
Paul exhorts believers to take action, Peter and John likewise.

Rather than being inactive participants, being in the Kingdom is about taking responsibility and being worthy of our calling and our Lord. Worship is proclaiming who Christ is and seeing His work in our lives and others.

If anyone knows love, it takes a lot of action to put into effect. To love is to see a need and meet it.
It takes sacrifice, dedication, patience, endurance, hope, faith, faithfulness.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phil 2:6-11

We are called to choose to follow this example and live it out.

Those who believe they are the righteousness of GOD in Christ, don't seem to think that they have to do anything; GOD will do everything for them. Such believe that they shall be entirely and undoubtedly saved, not by means of their behavior, but because they are spiritual by nature, which nature they can never lose regardless of what they do in the flesh.

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

Jesus has made us to become His righteousness which is why we do not go around to establish our own righteousness by works.

Romans 5:17 (KJV)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:21 (KJV)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:10 (KJV)
[SUP]10 [/SUP] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Romans 9:30 (KJV)
[SUP]30 [/SUP] What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Romans 10:10 (KJV)
[SUP]10 [/SUP] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 14:17 (KJV)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For the kingdom of God ( Jesus said that the kingdom of God is within you..He might know a thing or two ) is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)
[SUP]30 [/SUP] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Galatians 2:21 (NASB)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, andhaving on the breastplate of righteousness;

Ephesians 4:24 (NASB)
[SUP]24 [/SUP] and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

All grace believers believe in"good works" which stems from the life of Christ inside of us. It is His life flowing through and in us to help a hurting and dying world and to help our brethren as well. It is His fruit that bears on us as we are the branches and He is the Vine.

Doing good works by themselves does not make one righteous. This is having the cart before the horse.

I know there have been "good" people doing "good works" but they were not belonging to God. Many religions have moral living people in them - all doing "good works".

Here is how righteousness is manifested in a believer....we need to be righteousness conscious...not sin-conscious...we have a new creation in Christ now!

This "righteousness " that we already have now in our new creation ( the inner man ) is because we are in Christ - will manifest outwardly in doing good works - but we need the "horse" in front first.

The "horse" being Christ's righteousness in us because of our being in Christ in our inner man..our new creation in Christ.

..when you see who you are in Him in your new man..you become like Him outwardly.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NASB)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
[SUP]18 [/SUP] But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Isaiah 54:14 (NASB)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] "In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

When you see who you are in Christ because of His finished work...you become outwardly in behavior what you are truly like in your new inner man where Christ dwells.

valiant · Apr 4, 2016

HeRoseFromTheDead said:

LOL you are trying to turn them into Gnostics. Who said regardless of what they do in the flesh? They don't need to do anything because God is going it in them.( Phil 2.13). Regardless of what they do in the flesh is YOUR misrepresentation, it is never the result of grace. when they give way to the flesh in grace they fall into God's grace and repent. It is all of grace.

but you are right on this, that they cannot lose their spiritual born again lives

PeterJens · Apr 4, 2016

eternally-gratefull said:

Yes EG is right. We must do something to be saved. Believe, give up everything and follow Jesus.
The confusion is the language, though it is very VERY CLEAR.

To be perfect, you need to walk blamelessly, give up your wealth and follow Jesus.

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matt 19:21

When hyper-grace people read stop sinning and walk in righteousness, they see, continue as you are behaving but see Jesus's righteousness and not your own, and walk in hypocracy, believing you are pure and holy.

Now they will say I am lying, but the only problem is if they can walk in righteousness, ie stop sinning, they are actually agreeing with me, which they say is impossible, and is salvation by works, rather than exactly what Paul and Jesus are actually saying is what you should be doing, and that Jesus does deliver us victory over sin.

No matter how the scriptures are twisted, walking in righteousness, is actually walking in love, doing the right thing, knowing Christ in your heart, expressing the salvation in your heart. It has never been hypocracy or adopted holiness, it is Gods gift in Christ through the washing of our consciences and is what sanctification is all about.

I rejoice in Jesus my saviour who purchased my soul out of sin and death, so that I can walk as His son, baptised in His Spirit and called part of His people. Without Him this is impossible, it is His work within me in which I walk. I am one with Christ in my heart, it is no longer I alone, but me in communion with Christ my Lord.

When a soldier goes to fight he goes out in the cause of his Lord, with all his Lord has taught and made him into through the Holy Spirit, but it is the soldier who fights, who speaks, who testifies, who is the representative on earth of his Lord.
It is the soldiers life that is lost in the battle, for Christ has already died so that the soldier might partake in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the gospel of Christ, and His victory in the cross.

PeterJens · Apr 4, 2016

All followers of Jesus believe in "good works" which stems from the life of Christ inside of them. It is His life flowing through and in them to save a hurting and dying world and to encourage the brethren as well. It is His fruit in word and deed that comes from them as they are the branches and He is the Vine.

Doing good works by themselves does not make one righteous. This is having the cart before the horse.

I know there have been "good" people who do "good works" but that does not mean they know God. Many religions appear to have moral living people in them - all doing "good works".

Here is how righteousness is manifested in a believer....they need to have love in their hearts...not be earning favour or obeying rules...they are a new creation in Christ now!

This "righteousness " that which already have now in our new creation by being washed by the blood of Jesus is because they are in Christ - will show this love in doing good works - but the believer needs the "horse" in front first.

The "horse" being Christ's love in the believer because of the believer being in Christ healing the hurts and loneliness of sin..our new creation in Christ.

..when the believer sees who they are in Him in love..you become like Him in your behaviour.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NASB)
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Isaiah 54:14 (NASB)
14 "In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

When we see who we are in Christ because of His finished work...you become show love in our behavior what we are truly like as God intended walking in righteousness where Christ dwells.

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

Even though our behavior in the New Covenant doesn't affect the relationship or how God sees you, unholy living has a negative effect on your ability to experience intimacy with your loving Father. Sin changes our perspective on things and causes us to not look at our Father in the right light of who He truly is. ( The same as Adam and Eve did when they hid from Him even though He was still coming to visit with them and He still took care of them )

Sin also affects our ability to have harmonious relationships with others..

We chose to live holy lives because we are just being who we truly are in Christ - not to maintain right standing with God. This living good holy lives creates right relationships with people, it will not give our enemy an influence in our lives and it is a good witness to the world.

Your true identity is not defined by your struggles, mistakes, or sinful actions. These are all confined to the flesh and are the works of the flesh as Paul said. Who you are is defined by your new birth in Christ. You are who you are by His grace and life in you!

Behavioral issues are usually the result of trying to live under the law in some form. Once you understand you are completely accepted and sin free forever in Jesus in your inner man created in righteousness and holiness - and that this is your permanent state for all eternity in Christ - the behavioral issues will fall off of our lives like dead leaves. The "sap" of His life in and through us transforms us outwardly as we look to Jesus. 2 Cor. 3:17-18

PeterJens · Apr 4, 2016

The problem with reinterpretation it is just that. The obvious meaning when talking about righteousness, is it is walking acceptably before God.

Walking in Gods ways is not enough, you need a relationship with Him. This is why the rich young man went away sad, because he failed to recognise who Christ was, and was happy to walk in Gods lifestyle but reject God himself.
That is self justification, I am ok, I do not need help, I can make in on my own. The flip side of this is equally wrong, I am a lost sinner doomed to sin, but it does not matter because I have a free pass in my back pocket.

Now I am told that is not their story. The free pass means you now have the ability to be free from sin, because you have a ticket. Ever met spoilt brats. Giving people privilege just makes them feel entitled and actually worse. They must be better than those without a free ticket so stuff them, they are doomed to hell, let them rot. Was this what Paul approved of in Corinth or rather told them to repent, mend their ways and walk in Christs example and the righteousness he told them to obey.

There are many real christians here who have fantastic testimonies of Christ transforming them, yet they want to compromise this victory and power, the power of reality and love, for a gospel of acceptance and no back bone. Maybe they actually believed in purity and righteousness more as sinners than now as believers. Maybe being loving people, being trodden on and abused, needing to forgive and give blessings for curses is just too hard and not what they really signed up for. I do not know, but I do know in whom I have believed, and that He is able to raise me up on the last day.

plaintalk · Apr 4, 2016

notuptome said:

Philip and the eunuch
The Holy Spirit has included this conversion account for our instruction and learning and it is very profitable providing we do not read our preconceived ideas into the story. We learn:
(1) A Jewish proselyte is amenable to the gospel of Christ.
(2) Preaching Jesus (Acts 8: 35) incudes preaching about baptism since the first recorded question was, “What prevents me from being baptized?” (v. 36)
(3) Baptism is a work of faith as one must belief before he can be baptized.
(4) One must belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
(5) Baptism is by immersion in water.
(6) The record says nothing about repentance nor receiving the Spirit, yet we know that God has commanded all men everywhere, to repent (Acts 17: 30) and that all who repent and are baptized shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 38, 39)
(7) From other scriptures we learn that one must believe the gospel and be baptized to be saved. (Mark 16: 15) Therefore we conclude, contrary to the belief of many, one is not saved at the first moment of faith. This conclusion is confirmed by John 1: 12, 13 which states that one does not become a child of God when he first receives Jesus by believing in His name; he is begotten by God by the gospel (1 Cor. 4: 15) and receives the right to become a child of God.
(8) The order of salvation events is outlined for all, Jews and Gentiles, as many as God shall call to Himself. The order is: hear the gospel—believe the gospel—obey the gospel by repenting and being baptized in the name of Christ—receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—salvation. God bless.

PeterJens · Apr 4, 2016

Our behavior in Christ does affect our relationship with God, unholy living makes war with the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sin eats away at our faith and trust, and kills the life blood of love that flows from within. ( The same as Adam and Eve did when they hid from Him even though He was still coming to visit with them and He still took care of them )

Sin also destroys our ability to have harmonious relationships with others..

We chose to live holy lives because we are have love living within us and it brings us life - not to maintain right standing with God as if it is earnt. This living good holy lives creates right relationships with people, because it is based on integrity, honesty and truth, it is our witness to the world of the resurrection of Christ.

Our true identity is not defined by your struggles, mistakes, or sinful actions, but by the life of Christ within us through the cross. Our stumbling is because we carry so many hurts and non-healed areas in our lives and we find it hard to bow the knee in humbleness before our King. Who we are is defined by His cross and His love for us. We are who we are by His grace and love in us!

Behavioral issues are the result of not letting love lead the way. Once we understand this love, that we are completely accepted and sin is conquered through Christ resurrection and example we know we can walk in righteousness and holiness - and that this is your permanent state in eternity in Christ. The "love" that defines His life in and through us transforms our souls as we look to Jesus. 2 Cor. 3:17-18

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

One can be self-focused or Christ-focused.

We choose to be Christ focused and to believe what He did for us on the cross and in our resurrection with Him with the creation of the new man.....the inner man of the heart created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness.

We identify that our "old man" died with Him and that we have been raised up in the new man in Christ now..seek Him now!

That we believe His life in us changes us. We believe grace teaches us how to live in this world.

Titus 2:11-12 (NASB)
[SUP]11 [/SUP] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
[SUP]12 [/SUP] instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

I realize that these beliefs in the grace of God....especially the acceptance grace and the total forgiveness that Jesus bought and paid for with His blood....that these can be offensive to our religious beliefs and what we have been taught in church.

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

There are 2 aspects to grace. The very first thing that Jesus does with the woman caught in adultery is that He gets rid of her accusers - the religious Pharisees that wanted to condemn her because the "bible" said so in the Old Covenant. ( the law condemns us )

1) acceptance grace - which has nothing to do with our behavior - as seen with the woman caught in adultery. Our Lord beautifully says " I do not condemn you".

It is in knowing you are not condemned that releases the other aspect of grace.

2) now, go and sin no more - this is empowering grace.

Empowering grace enables you to be who the Father sees you are in Christ now because you are a new creation in Him.

The religious mindset says to the woman caught in adultery - 'Do not sin and we will not condemn you."

The grace of God and the blood of Jesus speaks of better things in this New Covenant of grace!

"Knowing" that we are not condemned in Christ "releases" the life of the empowering grace to transform us. It's all about Christ! It's His fruit being manifested in us!

Acceptance grace which is not based on our behavior needs to be cemented in our hearts before empowering grace is able to be manifested.

What believers in a self-effort/self-performance D.I.Y. holiness/righteousness based mindset have a very hard time with is the "acceptance grace" part...this just drives them nuts...and I understand why..it is scandalous and it "conflicts" with their religious man-made traditions.

Let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and be who God made us to be by His Son's sacrifice and blood - His beloved children. Let's honor our Lord by believing in all that Jesus has already done for us. He is awesome and mighty to save.

plaintalk · Apr 4, 2016

One Baptism # 155
I've already explained Mark 16:16 to you numerous times - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely essential to salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief, not on a lack of baptism. So salvation rests on belief. NOWHERE does the Bible say "baptized or condemned."

Response:
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed been baptized and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16: 15, 16)
I sense a certain exasperation because you have explained Mark 16: 16 numerous times, however printing an explanation on a forum does not necessarily establish the validity of the explanation. An explanation is valid if it is consistent with the Scriptures. You have apparently copied your explanation from A. T. Robertson and IMO he was attempting to undermine the idea Jesus was conveying. IMO Jesus was saying that he who has believed the gospel and obeyed the gospel by being baptized, shall be saved. Robertson’s word are meant, IMO, to cast doubt upon the essentiality of baptism for salvation.

I agree that condemnation rest upon belief but if one claims to believe and does not obey, his disobedience is proof of unbelief. (Heb. 3: 18, 19) There would be no logical reason for Jesus to speak of baptism and condemnation in the face of unbelief.

The Scriptures do address the question of those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel. Those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus will pay the penalty of eternal destruction. (2 Thess. 1: 8, 9) God bless.

mailmandan · Apr 4, 2016

HeRoseFromTheDead said:

Justified by faith alone, but saved through works is an oxymoron. It's true that man is justified by faith (rightly understood) IN CHRIST alone (Romans 5:1) but man is not saved through faith, but by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Just because works prove or show our faith (James 2:14-18) does not mean that we are saved through works.

It's not proper to say that we must produce works in order to become saved but that we will produce works if we are truly saved. Good works do not have intrinsic merit to earn our salvation. Good works are the fruit, by product and demonstrative evidence of genuine saving faith in Christ, but not the essence of faith and not the means of our salvation.

mailmandan · Apr 4, 2016

plaintalk said:

Amen! The truth is crystal clear, but unfortunately, I see that you still reject the truth. Why do you continue to fight against the truth?

Response:

Click to expand...

My explanation is valid and is consistent with the rest of Scripture. NOWHERE does the Bible say "baptized or condemned." If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then why did Jesus not mention it in the following verses? (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements? BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics. John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Only part of my explanation was from A.T. Robertson and he was not attempting to undermine the idea Jesus was conveying, but you are attempting to undermine the idea Jesus was conveying in Mark 16:16(b); John 3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26.

Jesus did not refer to baptism as "obeying the gospel" in Mark 16:16. NOWHERE does the Bible equate "obeying the gospel" with being baptized, but the Bible does equate "obeying the gospel" with "believing the gospel." Romans 10:16 - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" We obey the gospel by choosing to believe the gospel. Those who refuse to believe the gospel by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation have not obeyed the gospel. When will you finally choose to repent and believe the gospel?

The gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. The gospel simply sets forth Christ crucified, buried and risen (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the Savior of all who believe/trust exclusively in Christ's finished work of redemption as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16).

Now in Mark 16:16, Jesus simply said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. Jesus clarifies the first clause with "but he who does not believe will be condemned." *NOWHERE did Jesus say whoever is NOT water baptized will NOT be saved. Deal with it and quit fighting the truth.

Robertson is a believer and understands the truth, unlike unbelievers in various false religions and cults who teach baptismal regeneration.

Why would someone who truly believes refuse to get water baptized? I couldn't wait to get water baptized after I believed the gospel and was saved! It logically follows that we get baptized after we believe, but if you are on your death bed (like the thief on the cross) or for some other reason are unable to get water baptized, you are still saved because you BELIEVE (John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; Romans 1:16) which is in harmony with Mark 16:16(b)..but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Certainly, water baptism is an important act of obedience. Any one professing to believe in Jesus and yet refusing to be baptized is of questionable sincerity. Indeed, it is unthinkable that anyone would believe in Jesus and refuse to be water baptized. Notice, however, those who Jesus said would be condemned: "whoever does not believe." No mention was made of not being baptized. The emphasis is on unbelief, not baptism. There are many people who get water baptized in various false religions and cults, BUT THEY DON'T TRULY BELIEVE. Many of these people may believe "mental assent" in the existence of Christ and even in the historical facts about Christ, but many people don't truly believe/trust exclusively in Christ for salvation. Instead they trust in works for salvation and pervert the gospel of Christ.

Those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel are UNBELIEVERS who refuse to believe the gospel. In John 17:3, we read - And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent, which is an intimate, experiential knowledge, found only in a relationship. The term "know" implies intimate, experiential knowledge, through a relationship with Him, not merely theoretical knowledge. Unfortunately, many people (unbelievers/works salvationists) will find out the hard way on judgment day that Jesus NEVER knew them (Matthew 7:22-23).

Romans 10:16 - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who BELIEVES, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. I hope and pray that you are ready to REPENT and BELIEVE the gospel.

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Praise God!

mailmandan · Apr 4, 2016

It's true that man is justified by faith (rightly understood) IN CHRIST alone (Romans 5:1) --but man is not saved through faith-- *CORRECTION from post #215:* but man is not saved through works, but by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8,9). Whoops! Been typing too long.

HeRoseFromTheDead · Apr 4, 2016

mailmandan said:

You're just playing word games. The witness is clear: eternal life is the reward for persevering in good work.

But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will reward each one according to his works: to those who, by perseverance in good work, seek glory and honor and immortality, eternal life, Romans 2:5-7

mailmandan · Apr 4, 2016

HeRoseFromTheDead said:

I'm not playing word games at all and the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Romans 2:6 - God will render to each person according to his deeds. This does not mean that we merit eternal life by our deeds. You are reading these verses through the lens of salvation by works. You seem over confident about your work. As I already explained to you: If one reads Romans 2:6-10 in isolation from the rest of the book of Romans, one might conclude that Paul was teaching salvation by works. However, as you read and study these passages, it is imperative to keep in mind that these verses do not describe how one becomes saved, but the way the saved (and unsaved) conduct their lives. These works done are the result of, not the means or basis of receiving salvation.

So patient continuance in well doing, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality; (vs. 7) is not at all set forth as the means of their procuring eternal life, but as a description of those to whom God does render life eternal. Notice that ALL who receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does good (vs. 10). Good deeds flow from a heart that is saved and evil deeds flow from a heart that is unsaved. Verse 8 - but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath. Notice that ALL who do not receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does evil (vs. 9).

"Perseverance in good work" - *descriptive of believers; "but those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness" - *descriptive of unbelievers.

What those passages convey is that though our deeds are judged by God, it's not the good deeds themselves which are the basis or means of receiving salvation, but the type of deeds expose whether our heart was saved, or not. These deeds done out of faith are the fruit, not the root of our salvation. If Paul wanted to teach that we are saved by works, then he would have clearly stated that we are saved through faith and works in Ephesians 2:8,9 and that we are justified by faith and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. Also see (Romans 4:2-6; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

Grace777x70 · Apr 4, 2016

Notice in verse 7 in Romans 2 that they "seek" glory and honor and immortality and eternal life.

Those who seek to be rewarded by their good works God will reward you according to your works. Those that believe in Jesus and are in Christ will be judged through Him...

Romans 2:5-8 (NASB)
[SUP]5 [/SUP] But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
[SUP]6 [/SUP] who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:
[SUP]7 [/SUP] to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
[SUP]8 [/SUP] but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.
[SUP]9 [/SUP] There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,

"This doesn’t negate faith in a Savior. In fact, putting faith in what Jesus did for us is a deed that will grant salvation. We will be granted eternal life based on that one deed.

Romans 2:6-16 is speaking of the final judgment of God at the end of this world. The Lord will judge us and render a due reward according to every person’s work. Although this is true, some have takenthese scriptures to mean the opposite of what Paul was saying in context here.

From the context, we see that Paul was preaching that Jews and Gentiles alike have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, we cannot be saved by our actions (Romans 3:20). The only way to be saved is through faith in Jesus and what He did for us (Romans 3:24-28).

Therefore, these verses cannot be contradicting everything else that Paul was saying by proclaiming that acceptance by God is based on performance.

No, the action that will be rewarded with eternal life is the action of faith (John 3:16). Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone. True faith has actions (James 2:17-20).

The Greek word that is translated “do not obey” in Romans 2:8 means “to disbelieve (willfully and perversely)” (Strong’s Concordance). So it is faith that is the issue, even though actions are being spoken of."

Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.

ONE BAPTISM - Ephesians 4:5

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