Not By Works

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eternally-gratefull

Guest
We are saved by faith not by works that is what the bible says. Eph 2:8-9 We will do good works, why, because we are saved again as the bible says. Eph 2:10 So when you say "Salvation is by faith together with works." that is promoting a works salvation.

Your own words betray you "faith only people make ad nauseum". By your own words we have to add something or we will not be saved. Sorry, you are wrong. You have hitched your horse to the wrong cart on this one.
Lol. I see you have come to understand as I do.. Now you know why said what I said.
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
Brother, you need to spend some more time in your Bible.

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?"—James 2:14
Nope.

You need to spend some time in scripture other than James. Thats your problem.

Romans 4 eph 2 and titus 3 would be good places to start
 

tourist

Senior Member
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If you think you found a contradiction in the Scriptures, most likely you have found a frequently Misunderstood Verse or verses, or Mis-Translation in one or two of those verses. There are no contradictions in my BIBLE.
I fully concur with your estimation.
 

gb9

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side note- this is a thread that will not die.


nor should it, very important topic.
 

Pilgrimshope

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Sep 2, 2020
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What do you do with it?

It doesn't say justified. It's says complete.

Let's look at @Justified said.

Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

He quoted V8.

That verse is true.

Moving onto verses 9:10
Yes we see we have not been saved by works but God is working in as a result of being in Christ for good works that he knew and prepared before we came to Christ to do them.

No mention of being justified.
But let's look at being justified, basically it means to be declared righteous.
This is not as a result of our works but based on our faith only.

As a result of this faith we will produce works per Ephesians.

We do not need to justify ourselves before God in order to be saved.
He knows if our faith in Jesus is true and meaningful then we are declared righteous.

Our works justify our faith before men.
This is what I feel James was addressing.

If we look at James 2 we see Abraham and Rahab mentioned.

Abram was called by God to leave Ur and go to a different land.

That he did.
That was faith.
Isaac was not born yet.

Yet we see

Genesis 15:6
6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
It actually says faith without works it’s dead and can’t save doesn’t it ?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:17, 20-24, 26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it seems plain really the only way around it is to reject it and argue arguments against what it says

the idea is faith brings us into the right works and is in no way n excuse for us to reject the world prepared for us by Christ .

works “ of the law “ have zero rondo with it no one has argued for the law here it doesn’t actually contain good works in the law but rituals and ordinances. Good works are taught by Jesus not moses

When we’re talking out salvstion we should
Look to the savior

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

…Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:

but the righteous into life eternal.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:34-36, 40-46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we can reject the matter of our works but we should accept the words of Jesus he’s going to judge us by his word.

we’re saved by living and active faith that creates the right heart that will do the right deeds not because we think we’re earning anything but because our faith is genuine it’s going to created works

just like Abraham’s faith created his obedience in all God asked of him ultimately we have to face Christs judgement me his works are a matter of loving other people who have needs we can meet lovong in deed and truth

it’s why the apostles us the example with faith there or love here it always includes our deeds

“But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Faith

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:14-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Faith is more than saying we have faith faith will create a heart That reaches forth to help those who need help and then we’re going to be set on the right d called into the kingdom of we don’t ever change it’s going to be found an empty faith like a dead body without life
 

BillG

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Feb 15, 2017
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Faith is more than saying we have faith faith will create a heart That reaches forth to help those who need help and then we’re going to be set on the right d called into the kingdom of we don’t ever change it’s going to be found an empty faith like a dead body without life
Did you read post 151,951
 

Pilgrimshope

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Sep 2, 2020
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Did you read post 151,951
The one beginning with this

“Yes true faith will produce good works but we are not saved by them.”

I have heard that statement many times but believe that without them we aren’t saved because it reveals our faith as dead and can’t save anyone.

faith “without works “ is dead and without life . Or a tree planted that has no fruit and is been into the fire. Where as the fruitful branches bearing little or much fruit re both harvested rather than destroyed.

faith without works , a tree with no fruit ect. All the same idea . The only thing that holds Christians back from accepting their role in this is when we argue it’s not meant for us or isn’t necassary.

In truth it is essential to stop these kinds of works that will disqualify us ( repentance)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And begin hearing out the works we’re meant for because of this

“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile

; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Our deeds or what people refer to as our works are going to be what we have to answer for it’s why he’s teaching us to repent and do good because we’ve all done enough evil we need to stop and start serving Gods will which isn’t Moses law but is the gospel.

My only point bro is good works by believers is essential d all that keeps believers from change is when we make the deeds irrelevant

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;

but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬


I know there’s an idea that it’s not addressing salvstion there but Romans 2 above sort of says it is as does Matthew 25 in my prior post

notice Jesus doesn’t say they are called into the kingdom because they said I believe but because thier faith took actions and helped others in love . And the others aren’t cast into the fire with Satan and his angels because they never confessed that Jesus is lord they also call him lord but the only difference between the kingdom and satans home there is what’s the they did

“Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:44-46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Calling him lord didn’t save them but thier lack of “good works” of love towards others did condemn them. Where as the righteous had loved others

all we really need to do is start treating others like we really love them especially those strangers in need and those who can’t repay us rather than just the ones we hold dear
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
Romans 4 :
4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father[a] has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was [b]accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted [c]as grace but as debt.

5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lordshall not impute sin.”


You people stuck on James have to resolve james with this passage in romans.

they can’t BOTH be right according to how you interpret james. Which one do we throw out of Gods word?
 

GRACE_ambassador

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Feb 22, 2021
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You people stuck on James have to resolve james with this passage in romans.

they can’t BOTH be right according to how you interpret james. Which one do we throw out of Gods word?
Excellent! Only ONE way that I have found Scripturally, to accomplish this =
obey God's Command in 2 Timothy 2:15, like this:

James in God's Context TO "The TWELVE tribes of ISRAEL" (James 1:1)

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That DIFFER!”:

Paul, in God's Context TO "The Body Of CHRIST" (Romans - Philemon KJB!)
--------------
Simple, eh? Only ONE is Directly addressed TO us, Today, Under GRACE!
Easy
choice, Correct? Caveat is, we can still learn from the other one,
without "throwing it away," right?

More Right Division, for all who wish to solve all Confusion!:
God's Approval/TWO Different Gospels
Distinctions In God's Two Different Programs: Prophecy vs Mystery!

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified!
In JESUS' Precious Name!
 

TMS

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Mar 21, 2015
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You people stuck on James have to resolve james with this passage in romans. they can’t BOTH be right according to how you interpret james. Which one do we throw out of Gods word?[/QUOTE said:
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?


Don't throw one out, understand that they don't contradict each other.

To work for salvation means that you earn it, therefore Salvation is a Debt that God must pay to you like a wage.
If we earn salvation we can boast in our glory. But we can't earn it and we have no place to boast or glory before God.

On the other hand if we have faith and believe that Jesus has saved us from sin and that we have been given a new heart, and act like a sinner with an unconverted lifestyle it would show that we do not really believe. Faith is taking the unseen and letting your actions reveal it. with no actions or works, it shows that you have no faith.

If Abraham did not have works, it would have revealed a lack of faith and trust in God when he was asked to offer Isaac.

We do not earn salvation by works but we reveal our faith by works.

James is focusing on the works that reveal the faith "faith without works is dead", "and by works was faith made perfect?"
Paul is focusing on faith and points out that works can never earn salvation. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

They may appear to contradict but .....
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?


Don't throw one out, understand that they don't contradict each other.

To work for salvation means that you earn it, therefore Salvation is a Debt that God must pay to you like a wage.
If we earn salvation we can boast in our glory. But we can't earn it and we have no place to boast or glory before God.

On the other hand if we have faith and believe that Jesus has saved us from sin and that we have been given a new heart, and act like a sinner with an unconverted lifestyle it would show that we do not really believe. Faith is taking the unseen and letting your actions reveal it. with no actions or works, it shows that you have no faith.

If Abraham did not have works, it would have revealed a lack of faith and trust in God when he was asked to offer Isaac.

We do not earn salvation by works but we reveal our faith by works.

James is focusing on the works that reveal the faith "faith without works is dead", "and by works was faith made perfect?"
Paul is focusing on faith and points out that works can never earn salvation. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

They may appear to contradict but .....
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
On must remember, If God asked abraham soon after his faith to offer his son, He probably would have failed that test. That was a test that took alot of work from God in Abraham’s life to have that great of faith. In the begining of Abrahams walk he should lack of faith many times.

Not every believer will have that great of faith to offer their child. We shoudl not discourage them and say they must not be saved (as I have seen some churches do) if they do not have that great of faith.

I agree thought they do not contradict. They actually go together.
 

star

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Only God knows whose heart/soul is saved by His merciful grace. God looks at our hearts while we people look at the outward appearance.
 

star

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Once again I see the OSAS naysayers put forth their assumption that those of us who are secure in the Word of God which tells us once we are saved by acceptance of Jesus Christ and the power of His shed blood to cleanse us and seal us that we have done what His Word says in order to have salvation for eternal life. There is no further demands from God for us to be granted His saving grace.

Does this mean we will "do nothing" once we enter into a relationship with the Lord? Of course not. But the motive for doing "works" must be to further the Kingdom of God and not to see how many "works" one can accomplish.
 

star

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YES, I had a Pacemaker put above my heart, and it was a big success. I thought I was about to Check Out, permanently.

It lowered my Blood Sugars to almost normal. Not sure how, but I will take it, and Praise the Lord for it.

It lowered my weight to 237, from 249.

It brought some of my memory back.

It gave me a much needed energy boost.

Four improvements that I did not expect, PRAISE THE LORD.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
 

wattie

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Comes down to THE faith vs saving faith.

Sort out which is being addressed by the context and much confusion and misapplication is avoided
 

wattie

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Please explain further.
Okay well for eg.. looking at Hebrews 11 hall of fame of faith.. those justified by works.. the examples are of works of righteousness but not initial belief in Jesus for salvation. . So it is THE faith.. not saving faith.

Then you got to a book like John and its filled with how someone is eternally saved, not by works.. examples of saving faith.
 

star

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John 3:16


New International Version




16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.


There is one way to salvation and one way only! Jesus Christ came to earth as God in human form. He gave His life for all mankind that anyone who "believeth" in Him will have eternal life. There is the avenue to redemption, salvation. The "saving" is all done by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.