Works

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#81
Many are scolding at me, saying how wrong I am but never explaining through scripture how that is.

This time, they are all lily white and I am black as coal because they say they aren't under law and I'd like to be allowed to say I think the Lord gave us the law out of love for us so we are under law to learn how to live for the Lord, but under grace for forgiveness and I would SO like to be allowed to say so without this labeling that happens so often.
//so we are under law to learn how to live for the Lord,// which verse SAYS this though?
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#82
Many are scolding at me, saying how wrong I am but never explaining through scripture how that is.

This time, they are all lily white and I am black as coal because they say they aren't under law and I'd like to be allowed to say I think the Lord gave us the law out of love for us so we are under law to learn how to live for the Lord, but under grace for forgiveness and I would SO like to be allowed to say so without this labeling that happens so often.
What you need for your position to be the case is where Paul gives this step by step . His whole 13 epistles should say what your saying ,if indeed the law is the goal, or the guidance to live the Christian life . Paul would say it ,because Paul is giving the instructions to the Body of Christ on how to live . What your saying is not matching what Paul says . Like I said . We all need to UNDERSTAND the purpose of the law in scripture. But your stuck looking at the sign that says 'LAW ' . Your staring at it . Its alluring, your like the one in Lord of the Rings '" precious!! Your like a deer in head lights " LAW !!" You can't see 'past 'it . To what it 'points 'to . Your trying to get people to stop going forward and to join you ,staring at sign " precious!! " ,to get people back UNDER it instead of moving to what it pointed to . Thats why you get the reaction you get . You probably think ,just like when conditional/ works salvation is preached , the reaction is our flesh, wanting to sin and is lashing out at Gods word ,but instead we want you to show were the bible SAYS what your teaching.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#83
Many are scolding at me, saying how wrong I am but never explaining through scripture how that is.

This time, they are all lily white and I am black as coal because they say they aren't under law and I'd like to be allowed to say I think the Lord gave us the law out of love for us so we are under law to learn how to live for the Lord, but under grace for forgiveness and I would SO like to be allowed to say so without this labeling that happens so often.
Now it’s a racist thing?

You have been given so much scripture you should have been on overload
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
4,902
2,834
113
#84
What a true thoughtful post, that some works are dead. You say they are dead when they originate with ourselves.

The works of an atheist originate with pride in self. The works of a Christian originate from the Holy Spirit working within, from Christ within. The works of an orthodox Jew originate from wanting to obey the Father. Yet if any one of these three hate there is a direct result of the hate they have. Do all three of these people have the same fleshly results from their work? Salvation is not included in work for any of them.
Not all a Christian's works are of God. For some, none of their works are of any spiritual worth to God. They may seem fine to the individual, and to others, but God has a different perspective.

The soul of man is remarkably powerful. It's what got us to the moon, built the Hoover dam and the Taj Mahal. Yet God carved something vastly more impressive. He formed the Grand Canyon, set the sun and stars in place and gave us this planet to live on. God is Spirit, not soul. His works are spiritual in nature. The soul of man functions according to natural desires - but the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). They seem to be foolish to him.

This is not the same as the flesh, which is the physical desires and lusts of the body. The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God (Romans 8:7).

The problem with natural works is that they can be very successful. So they gain the respect and admiration of many, who support the work and the worker. I prefer not to name names, but many prosperity preachers fall into this category. Yet someone like missionary Margaret Barber, unknown to most, was a great influence on Watchman Nee, one of the most spiritual men of the last 100 years.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
4,902
2,834
113
#85
Sometimes I believe Protestants just twist the meaning to fit the Protestant view. Even Martin Luther wanted to get rid of the Book of James because of that verse (also a few other books in the Bible which promote works). I think works can be both the result of faith, as well as apart from faith.
There are three kinds of works in God's word. There are works that originate from God and are done in His power. They are works of faith, and acceptable to God. There are the works of the flesh, which are wicked and obvious to all believers. There is also work that is more difficult to discern, which is the result of man's natural talents and abilities, done apart from Christ.

For example, a brilliant businessman gets saved. He starts a charity, puts all his wealth into it and runs it according to what he thinks God would approve of. Now if God did not initiate this work, it is dead, no matter how good it looks.

On the other hand, George Mueller started an orphanage, basically with nothing. He never asked for a donation, relied entirely on God's supply and yet provided a home, food and education for 10,000 orphans. There is much more to his story, but you can read it for yourself.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,287
1,183
113
#86
When scripture tells us that works do not enter into the equation when God decides about our salvation, only faith is looked at, how could anyone on a Christian site say that is not true?

This op is about works, thinking of it as completely apart from thinking of salvation. This op's discussion is about what the Lord tells us about works APART from the fact that they do not save. The only way I have found that works are spoken of in scripture in relation to being saved is that works are the result of salvation.

The eternal, still effective, part of the old covenant speaks of the Lord giving fleshly rewards for works apart from salvation, for the eternal truth given in the old testament is that there is not salvation without blood. We are given the fruits of the spirit for works, those fruits are apart from salvation.

We are NOT to work for salvation, but we are not told we may not work for earthly rewards, in fact we are told we will be judged by our works.
Salvation according to Greek interpretation means "a deliverance". The scriptures teach that there is a "deliverance" (salvation) into eternal heaven that is by God's sovereign grace, without the works of mannkind, and there is a "deliverance" (salvation) that the born again children receive as they sojourn here on earth by their works.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,287
1,183
113
#87
Those Jews who are working to obey the Lord even though they do not obey that they are to accept Christ are, according to polls, reaping great rewards in all ways except eternal life from friends and family, to wealth, to honors they are given. Christians could have these same rewards on top of the major reward of eternal life if we would open our eyes to the advantages of works.
Exactly, there is a salvation (deliverance) eternally, not of our works, and there is a salvation (deliverance) for the born again, by our good works as we sojourn here on earth.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,287
1,183
113
#88
This is true. We are speaking of determining about good works that stand alone without being built by faith in Jesus. and wondering about them.

It is true if you stand in the rain without a hat you will get wet, and that is true for a Christian and for a Jew who does not obey out of love for Christ. Both get wet equally. Does this rule apply to people who work to obey the Lord, is there the same result for their obedience, and is earthly blessings part of that result? That is my question for discussion.

Scripture tells us the rain falls equally on all people, would that be true of all of God's ways and laws? If so, then works will not save but works bring blessings.
Only those who are born of the Spirit will do good works for the right reasons. The natural man according to 1 Cor 2:14 cannot do good works for spiritual reasons, but may do acts of good works, falsely, to benefit himself.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,287
1,183
113
#89
God looks at our works here on earth for sure. Read the book of Revelation, first 3 chapters. God says to the churches, "I know your works". Some works are dead, because they originate with the self of the soul and they are carried out by human strength and ingenuity. Lord Jesus said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing." And that's what God considers self effort to be - nothing. (1 Corinthians 3:10-16)

God's purpose in saving us is for His Kingdom. When we seek His kingdom first, we will experience tribulation and blessing (Matthew 6:33). We will be rewarded also in the next life for what we have done in this life. If we've allowed Lord Jesus to control us and empower us, we will have rewards. If we live for self, we will get into heaven, but with little or no reward. We get one shot at life. Let's not waste it.
The born again will be rewarded as he sojourns here on earth, But his good works has nothing to do with his standings in heaven. Jesus paid the price to eliminate the sins of those that his Father gave him, and all of them will have the same benefits in heaven.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,287
1,183
113
#90
In the Book of James, we learn that faith without works is dead. Catholics say you need faith and works whereas Protestants say works is the result of faith; I think this is all semantics.

I don't think it is accurate to say that ALL works from nonbelievers originate from pride/selfish reasons. God gave all mankind conscience, according to Romans 2. Also, anything good, especially a personality trait such as kindness or sincerity, comes from God not Satan.
When God births a person to a new spiritual life, he takes out the stony heart that does not contain a "spiritual conscience" that can be pricked by God, and puts a fleshy, spiritual, heart whose conscience can be pricked by God, such as those that were pricked in their heart on the day of Pentecost.
 
S

SophieT

Guest
#91
Where is it that the question I asked was instead of a question it was an accusation? I asked and no one answered. Then I am accused of accusing. I questioned, you accused.
oh just quit it

really. so tiresome
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#92
oh just quit it

really. so tiresome
Sadly. She refuses to admit her own errors of accusations against people and has been that way for as long as I have known her. She continually tries to shift the blame on us.
 
Jun 9, 2021
1,871
425
83
#93
Someone Saved can easily skate by like the one who abuses food stamps that could work but finds every excuse not to.

Yeshua said there are rewards. Now grant it, just making it to Heaven is more Reward than most of us, especially myself, deserve. But all throughout our lives we are given ample chances and opportunities to show case our Works for God. Someone asks for money, that's an opportunity to mention God loves you as you hand them some cash. Someone needs their lawn mowed, that's an opportunity to witness about God. Someone thanks you for opening the door for them, that's an opportunity to tell them something positive about God. In these 3 examples, WORKS literally was saying God loves you, God is real and maybe you could join me at Church someday, I will keep you in Prayer. Works literally is not works at all, it simply is our decision to be a Witness for God, to be a good neighbor, to be a good friend. Works is not picking the trash up at Church although that is a necessary help. Too many people think Works mean just that, to WORK, and that is not what it means at all.

When the Pastor studies, preaches, takes phone calls, go to homes, prays, goes to the hospitals, prays, these are Godly Works that are NECESSARY. We should be doing these very works ourselves.

But it is true, you don't have to worship, don't have to pray for others, don't have to witness, don't have to do a single thing for anyone but yourself and be the most worthless example of Christ ever and still be Saved. But we all know WHO YOU ARE and want nothing to do with YOU!
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
7,897
1,458
113
67
Brighton, MI
#95
This is true. We are speaking of determining about good works that stand alone without being built by faith in Jesus. and wondering about them.

It is true if you stand in the rain without a hat you will get wet, and that is true for a Christian and for a Jew who does not obey out of love for Christ. Both get wet equally. Does this rule apply to people who work to obey the Lord, is there the same result for their obedience, and is earthly blessings part of that result? That is my question for discussion.

Scripture tells us the rain falls equally on all people, would that be true of all of God's ways and laws? If so, then works will not save but works bring blessings.
I think you are asking, if non believers can do good works? Yes, they do them under their own decisions and strength. Matthew 7:22-24 has people whom Jesus never knew doing good works.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#97
For all the voluntary law keeping some claim to do, I hope they realize it's barely a fraction of the righteousness expressed by Jesus Christ. @Blik are you listening?
These posts are so untrue and ridiculous. I would like to be able to post what I think the Lord sees when the Lord sees our work. The feedback from that is what "you claim to do" as if I am claiming to perform perfectly because I love the law, "we would have to obey all the law" "we are not under law". "you accuse" but very little about the law. One person put a sleep sign for a post in one place about law. It brought out a poster who has set up as my enemy, impossible to communicate with. So much for discussing law.

It sums up that I love the law, I think the Lord gave it to us out of His love for us and that is an unpopular thought. Popular thought centers on the negatives of the law, and Paul brought out negatives.

I tried to present the Jews who are condemned through not accepting Christ, yet blessed in how they achieve in this life through the culture habits of some of them who love and try to obey God's law. Wow, did that go over like a ton of bricks, I don't think any one poster even gave this a thought, only that they are not saved.

So posts must be on accepted subjects, and the idea of obeying law is not an accepted subject. There are truths about it accepted, as long as those truths are negative. At least it is truths that is brought out.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#98
For all the voluntary law keeping some claim to do, I hope they realize it's barely a fraction of the righteousness expressed by Jesus Christ. @Blik are you listening?
These posts are so untrue and ridiculous. I would like to be able to post what I think the Lord sees when the Lord sees our work. The feedback from that is what "you claim to do" as if I am claiming to perform perfectly because I love the law, "we would have to obey all the law" "we are not under law". "you accuse" but very little about the law. One person put a sleep sign for a post in one place about law. It brought out a poster who has set up as my enemy, impossible to communicate with. So much for discussing law.

It sums up that I love the law, I think the Lord gave it to us out of His love for us and that is an unpopular thought. Popular thought centers on the negatives of the law, and Paul brought out negatives.

I tried to present the Jews who are condemned through not accepting Christ, yet blessed in how they achieve in this life through the culture habits of some of them who love and try to obey God's law. Wow, did that go over like a ton of bricks, I don't think any one poster even gave this a thought, only that they are not saved.

So posts must be on accepted subjects, and the idea of obeying law is not an accepted subject. There are truths about it accepted, as long as those truths are negative. At least it is truths that is brought out.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,706
3,650
113
[
The feedback from that is what "you claim to do" as if I am claiming to perform perfectly because I love the law, "we would have to obey all the law" "we are not under law". "you accuse" but very little about the law.
You don't love the law as you claim. If you ioved the law, you would lift Jesus higher than the iaw, which you don't, rather you go on and on about the law. You'd be more credible if you'd exalt Jesus as much as you exalted the law.

It sums up that I love the law, I think the Lord gave it to us out of His love for us and that is an unpopular thought. Popular thought centers on the negatives of the law, and Paul brought out negatives.
Again you don't love the law. Our Redeemer is the focal part of Scripture who redeemed us from the curse of the law.

I tried to present the Jews who are condemned through not accepting Christ, yet blessed in how they achieve in this life through the culture habits of some of them who love and try to obey God's law. Wow, did that go over like a ton of bricks, I don't think any one poster even gave this a thought, only that they are not saved.
They are blessed for the Fathers sake, not for any law keeping.

Romans 11:28 (KJV) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.

So posts must be on accepted subjects, and the idea of obeying law is not an accepted subject. There are truths about it accepted, as long as those truths are negative. At least it is truths that is brought out.
Doublespeak. Posts can be on anything you want them to be, just be prepared for the pushback when you talk crazy.