Saved by faith alone?

  • 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.

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,351
722
113
You're not saved by faith alone, but faith is a necessary part of salvation, but also not in and of itself. Faith is cuppleled with belief, and confession of belief is necessary as is repentance and baptism. All are necessary to be saved.
How can faith be coupled with belief?

The Koine Greek word for "faith" is pistis.

The Koine Greek word for "belief" is also pistis.

Therefore, faith cannot be coupled with belief.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,351
722
113
Does the phrase, "saved by faith" equivalent to the term, "saved by faith alone"?
"Saved by faith" is an abbreviation of the doctrine below.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Thus, no one can ever claim to be saved by any other instrument, than Christ alone.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Keep repeating this verse, over and over, again, until it is locked in.

Salvation is a gift from God to us, by grace through faith.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,351
722
113
Nope when we add “ alone “ we’re distorting it and it causes a conflict when we hear this also true statement about faith

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

when I say “ saved by faith alone “ I’m actually rejecting what faith really is a godly instruction that only works if I hear and believe and act upon it

Adding the term alone is a rejection of the rest of what we’re supposed to learn doing the deeds is part of God building faith in us

our faith should sound like Gods word

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

this should be a shaping of our faith just to hear this from the lord

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

aid meant to bring us to the right mindset “ why do I call Jesus lord but yet I pretend I’m not supposed to do what he said will save my soul ? Is he really my lord if I don’t hear what he’s saying and follow ?

faith should have this Echoe in our hearts

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

when we start trying to isolate one word or aspect and make it everything by default we’re rejecting the rest that gives it meaning wi to in the context of Gods word

ultimately our thought “ God doesn’t teach me to do anything and he doesn’t say this will save your soul “ is working against our faith that’s meant to teach us to do what’s right without it being a huge struggle he’s trying to reshape us from workers of iniquity to his righteous children what we actually do matters most even though it needs to come from faith first our actions tell the truth in our belief
Your confused.
 

07-07-07

Active member
Jun 13, 2023
240
48
28
But you post it for those of us, who have neither ears to hear it, nor the desire to be bored by incorrect information.
Are you casting your pearls before swine?
There are those who have, and there are those who don't have, ears to hear what Jesus and the other Scriptures teach. It's an open forum. I pray that all come into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
759
258
63
Does the phrase, "saved by faith" equivalent to the term, "saved by faith alone"?
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Charity, love in action, is greater than faith.

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Faith works by love.

If a person does not have love which can only be valid in action then their faith is no good.

Everything stems from love not from faith.

1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Paul said that if he did not have charity then he is nothing.

Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 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?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James said without charity then a person's faith is dead.

Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

A person is not justified by faith alone but must have works of love to be justified.

1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The love of money is the root of all evil because it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law.

Any person that goes by their wants does not love like they should and have erred from the faith.

1Jn 3:17 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?
1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

If a person does not have charity then the love of God does not dwell in them.

Do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, works, and in truth.

Paul and James say the same thing but people argue about the two.

We are saved by faith when we first confess Christ for that is all we can do.

But when we receive the Spirit then we have to have work of love or else our faith is not valid because love is greater than faith.

Faith, and hope are only needed on earth and not in heaven but love will go on forever.
 

Ted01

Well-known member
May 14, 2022
1,055
448
83
There are those who have, and there are those who don't have, ears to hear what Jesus and the other Scriptures teach. It's an open forum. I pray that all come into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Me too, brother.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,004
177
63
I've read them. We just disagree. You believe obedience is necessary for or as a cause of salvation. I believe it is an outcome of true salvation. That's what you find in Ephesians 2:8-10. It says we are saved by grace through faith. Then it clearly states not by works. Then it says we were saved for works. That's why I believe as I do.
Obedience is not a so-called work
How is it then that Cornelius, et al, received the Holy Spirit (and thus, forgiveness/Salvation) before getting Saved?
He didn't and wasn't saved until he was baptized. You're not understanding the nature of and reason for the miraculous falling if the Holy Ghost in Acts 10 whi h was for the same purpose as in Acts 2 except it fell on the apostles. Why? Heavenly validation of what was occurring in which both events started the church, 1st in Jerusalem amongst the Jews and then in Caesarea amongst the Gentiles. No other record of the Holy Ghost falling unilaterally in such a manner without the laying on of the apostle's hands.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
15,051
5,410
113
62
Obedience is not a so-called work

He didn't and wasn't saved until he was baptized. You're not understanding the nature of and reason for the miraculous falling if the Holy Ghost in Acts 10 whi h was for the same purpose as in Acts 2 except it fell on the apostles. Why? Heavenly validation of what was occurring in which both events started the church, 1st in Jerusalem amongst the Jews and then in Caesarea amongst the Gentiles. No other record of the Holy Ghost falling unilaterally in such a manner without the laying on of the apostle's hands.
It's ridiculous to say something we do isn't a work. But in John 6:28-29 the question was asked of Jesus what is the work of God that we may do it. His answer tells you all you need to know.
Before deciding how you want to respond, consider for a moment all the things that Jesus could have included in His answer. And then look again at how He responded.
What we believe informs all we do. We don't do anything until something is made known to us. And what we believe about what has been imparted to us will determine our course of action.
God in grace came to Noah. He told him of an impending flood. Noah believed God's words and built an ark.
Noah, in turn, told the people of his day what God had said. They did not believe God's word and perished.
It's no different today. The word of God is disseminated through various means. People either believe and are saved or do not believe and perish.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
470
65
28
Strange list of versions... I wonder why you chose those and stayed away from ones most often used?

King James Bible
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

New International Version
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

English Standard Version
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Berean Study Bible
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

New American Standard Bible
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You ask how does this matter? It matters a lot to me.

If you came to me and told me that you had been experiencing headaches lately... I might suggest that you take some aspirin for your headaches. Would you walk away assume that you should take some aspirin "in order" to get a headache? Probably not, right? You'd take the aspirin "because of" the headaches.
So why would people assume that to be baptized for the remission of sins means that it in order to have sins removed? It's not get baptized "in order" to remove sins; it's get baptized "because of" the remission of sins.
"Strange list of versions... I wonder why you chose those and stayed away from ones most often used?" What???

You ask me to supply examples of the use of the word "of" instead of "for" and I supply them for you. You then ask why I did not use the verses above which use "for"??

Do you not see the silliness of your statement?

I still do not understand your issue with "for" vs. "of". BTW there are many more examples of the use of the word "of" besides the one I presented.

You suggest taking aspirin so that they will have remission of their headache. Same difference.

Now supply me with a list of Bible verses that say "baptized "because of" the remission of sins".

I await your answer. Remember I supplied your request.
 

timemeddler

Active member
Jul 13, 2023
354
143
43
Correct. So, have you confessed your sins and forsaken them? Apparently not, according to what you have been saying. Willful sin defiles you and you won't inherit God's kingdom that way. It's the Saints who go marching in, not sinners.
Question just for clarity, since we'd have to know we sinned to repent and confess, then in your view is willful sin repent-able and forgivable? Does that mean if you don't know you sinned, it's automatically covered under Christ? I'm still trying to wrap my head around the verse about confessing our sins and forgiving if the only kind that is forgiven is something you didn't know about.
 

Lamar

Active member
May 21, 2023
470
65
28
"Saved by faith" is an abbreviation of the doctrine below.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Thus, no one can ever claim to be saved by any other instrument, than Christ alone.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Keep repeating this verse, over and over, again, until it is locked in.

Salvation is a gift from God to us, by grace through faith.
I don't need to chant it, I already believe it.

Now you repeat:

To love God is to obey His commands.

To love God is to obey His commands.

Keep repeating this verse, over and over, again, until it is locked in.

To love God is to obey His command and His commands are light.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,351
722
113
I don't need to chant it, I already believe it.

Now you repeat:

To love God is to obey His commands.

To love God is to obey His commands.

Keep repeating this verse, over and over, again, until it is locked in.

To love God is to obey His command and His commands are light.
True, but that is secondary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The foundation on which we stand, the gospel is decribed below.

Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

The commandment to love others as Christ has loved us, is the Christian walk.

The saved walk in love of course.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,598
13,017
113
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the verse about confessing our sins and forgiving if the only kind that is forgiven is something you didn't know about.
You can always ask God to show you the sins which you were not aware of. No need to complicate matters.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
6,024
1,729
113
I accept scripture as written:
"Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 3:20-21
If you accept scripture as written, please note:
Noting that "eight souls were saved by water," does not say, "eight souls were saved by baptism," it is your position that water is synonymous with baptism. And I suppose you've derived this from the following verse where, "The like figure" refers back to water, which is the like figure that figures, baptism, whereunto doth also, as water did them in like figure, now save us, but it is apparent that there is a distinct differentiation, or otherwise the terms would be interchangeable, and nothing would be lost of the meaning.
However, if the terms water and baptism were synonymous, then you could say that baptism is the like figure of water. And that is clearly not the case at all.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
6,024
1,729
113
You can always ask God to show you the sins which you were not aware of. No need to complicate matters.
Exactly, ...
actually I was trying to better understand the posters position on the matter.
... especially considering that one of the primary functions of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of sin, why would He leave us ignorant of the 'lesser' transgressions? because they're boring? :unsure:
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,069
13,082
113
58
Actually I am obsessed with sharing God's word, and that includes the necessity of obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.
You are obsessed with water baptism. It's about the only thing you talk about. Your biased interpretation of Acts 2:38 is not in harmony with (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) and it's also not in harmony with (John 3:18; Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Ever considered why the enemy has fought tooth and nail, throughout church history, against people accepting the truth about water baptism?
The enemy fights tooth and nail to keep people blind to the truth that salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) The enemy knows that as long as he can keep you from trusting in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of your salvation (John 1:12; 3:18; 10:9; 14:6; Acts 4:12) he has you right where he wants you! Christ's finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers. No supplements needed. (Romans 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2)

It's because according to the word, an individual's sins are washed away upon submitting to water baptism IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. (Luke 24:47, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38...)
That sounds like an argument from Oneness Pentecostals - "must be water baptized using the specific formula "in Jesus name" or else you will perish." According to your false gospel, if a believer is water baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they will perish. *NOWHERE does the Bible say water baptized or condemned. As explained to you many times before, the phrase, “in Jesus name,” is not a reference to a salvation baptismal formula but a reference to authority. The proper way to baptize in Jesus name/by the authority of Jesus is to say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) Oneness Pentecostal folks are simply in error.

https://carm.org/oneness-pentecostal/must-baptism-be-in-jesus-name-baptize/

Luke 24:47 doesn't even mention baptism. Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:38 have already been explained to you multiple times.

See posts #522 and #533 from the link below:

Born Again Speaking in Tongues - Christian Chat Rooms & Forums

Also see posts #306 #307 324 #325 from the link below:

"What must I do to be saved?" - Christian Chat Rooms & Forums

Also see posts #228 and #235 from the "Saved by faith alone" thread.

Saved by faith alone? - Christian Chat Rooms & Forums

*BTW you never did answer my question from post #235. "Since your pet verses on baptism "on the surface" merely "appear" to teach what you claim, should we also interpret John 6:54-56 to mean that we literally eat Jesus' flesh and literally drink His blood when we partake of the Lord's supper?" Do you believe in the false Roman Catholic doctrine of "transubstantiation?"

In addition, scripture reveals without belief in Jesus' sacrifice, repentance, and being indwelt with the Holy Ghost a person hasn't experienced the NT rebirth. Belief requires accepting it all, not just part of the message.
Your belief is not in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-SUFFICIENT means of your salvation which demonstrates that you have not yet repented (changed your mind) and believed the gospel. (Acts 11:17,18; 20:21; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Your belief is primarily in water baptism using the specific formula "in Jesus name" as the means of your salvation. You have a misplaced faith.

In Acts 10:43-47, we see that these Gentiles believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (spiritual gift which is ONLY for the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12) and were saved BEFORE receiving water baptism. This is known as repentance unto life. (Acts 11:17,18) *Hermeneutics.

I share in the hope that others will study the scriptures and see for themselves.
I share in that same hope and I also hope these same people will not be deceived by false teachers who preach a false gospel. (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4)
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,069
13,082
113
58
"Saved by faith" is an abbreviation of the doctrine below.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Thus, no one can ever claim to be saved by any other instrument, than Christ alone.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Salvation is a gift from God to us.

Keep repeating this verse, over and over, again, until it is locked in.

Salvation is a gift from God to us, by grace through faith.
Amen! Well said. Paul clearly states that we are saved through faith "apart from additions or modifications" (hence, faith alone) and not by works. Paul did not need to specifically add the word "alone" next to faith in Ephesians 2:8 in order for us to figure that out. The word faith here in Ephesians 2:8 stands alone in connection with have been saved. This is not rocket science.

If you tell someone that you are going to give them $20 does that mean you are going to give them $20 alone or $20 and a bag of potato chips? Obviously $20 alone, even though you did not specifically spell out the word "alone" to them when you told them you are going to give them $20. Plain and simple.

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works-salvationists to ACCEPT. It's a shame that human pride will not allow works-salvationists to place their faith in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Their hands are full of their works, and they will not let go in order to receive Christ through faith.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
4,832
1,041
113
A Pentecostal pastor about 1958 from Sacramento CA could be heard often speaking in tongues but what many did not know he was having an affair with the married piano player . Third generation of pentecostals here . I know plenty of Christians who do not speak in tongues . Also many who speak in tongues who do not bare Godly fruit.
Your comments have no bearing on the points referenced regarding the biblical record. The actions of carnal men do not change God's truth.