Ephesians 2 is not preaching faith alone.

[mailmandan]

Justified vs. Saved?

A person who is justified before God is saved, is this not true?

James 2:24 The Living Bible

"So you see, a man is saved by what he does, as well as by what he believes."

James 2:24 (Living Bible) states: "So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone." This verse emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through actions and deeds, rather than just belief in God.

Are you implying the saved are not justified

or

that the justified are not saved.

It seems your theology is forcing this distinction.

It's your theology (salvation by works) that is forcing this contradiction. See post #794. You may have missed it.

The AMP version sums it up - You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience a born-again believer reveals his faith]. The NLT says - So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Also, the TLV says - You see that a man is proved righteous by works and not by faith alone.

Saved by works is an incorrect translation which is also in contradiction to Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted 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:

Elsewhere, we see saved by grace through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.. (Titus 3:5) God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works.. (2 Timothy 1:9) So, saved by works is a misinterpretation of James 2:24, unless you like contradictions.

We are justified "accounted as righteous" by faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6) and justified "shown to be righteous" by works. (James 2:21,24) The Greek word for justified has more than one meaning, depending on the context.

The Greek word for justified is "dikaioo":

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered - fits the context of James 2:24.
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

Strongs's #1344: dikaioo - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

 

[legion]

So, you acknowledge you argued against Scripture. It's a good start.



Not unrighteous works of the flesh. Only good works toward God and man.

1 John{3:7}
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that is doing righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

3 John{1:11}
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that is doing good is of God: but he that is doing evil hath not seen God.




And there are Scriptures of salvation and justification without grace. So grace is not part of salvation.

The word of God is one word. Faith in His word is altogether, not isolated and torn apart.

2Pe 3:15
Which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

God does not have a salvation 'process', but is complete and instant with sanctification and justification by repentance from dead works.

1Co 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Only half-hearted repenters have a sanctification 'process' by their own faith-alone.

Of course. It's the many that are called unto repentance, but only the few that repent.



The crown of life is one for all that do righteousness, and is not recieved by anyone doing evil.

The cities of reward are for ministerial works, not for the same commanded righteousness to all.

Luk 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.


There is no conundrum in Scripture between faith and faith with works, but only with people seeking to be justified by their faith-alone, and not with works of faith.

People who separate their works from their justification by faith, is really just a matter of justification by faith-alone apart from works hypocrisy.





It's purposed to see who takes every word of God as true, or just the ones people want to hear.

Most of the OT is about works, so was faith unnecessary to be justified with Christ? No.

Most of the NT is about faith, so is work unnecessary to be justified with Christ? No.

No one needs to dig deep into the Bible to see both faith and works are necessary to be justified with Christ in the old and the new testaments.

The deep digging needs to be in one's own heart, whether to believe and do God's word, or only what like to hear:

James{1:22}
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Isa 30:9
That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.


It's not the Bible that needs to be 'dug' into more, in order to know justification is not by faith-alone, and no man doing unrighteousness shall inherit the kingdom of God.



Right. Scripture of faith with works only 'seems' to be faith with works.

'Simply' faith meaning faith-alone without works.

Eph 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:


Water baptism is no more a part of salvation than is outward circumcision.

The baptism and circumcision of the Spirit instantly saves and sanctifies them that repent of dead works for Jesus' sake.


When you know you're saved, sanctified, and justified with Jesus Christ by repentance from dead works, and only doing His good by His race and faith, let me know.

Otherwise, your partiality with Scripture is going hand in hand with your equivocation of loving God and others.



If you think that works is anything other than faith toward God and love of neighbor, then you have departed from the Scriptures of Jesus Christ.

Men's perspectives, like opinions and faith-alone, are worthless to God's justification and neighbors in need.


Agreed.

What that has to do with God's justification by works, and not by faith alone, I don't know nor care.

Well your last question is easy to answer Heber roots in SDA believe the Mosaic law is the work that you're supposed to do as a Christian

But as for all this other trash you're talking about is Protestant Christianity works are not part of the Salvation process only evidence of it.

If you are trying to say anything beyond that as it relates to work doing anything you are denying the work of Jesus on the cross on our behalf in essence you are preaching another gospel or in general a heresy if you are a Protestant Christian

This is not my view this is Doctrine for Protestant Christianity that has evolved over 2,000 years of people studying and researching what exactly the Bible is saying

If you don't see this then you are either not being educated as a Protestant Christian for God is just now telling you and trying to wake you up

As for your first blurb my saying okay is simply telling you I read what you said it is not agreeing with what you said

you're not looking at works as a Protestant Christian and therefore I can only assume that you are not and that's okay you can stick with whatever you want to believe but you cannot get away with and I will not let you get away with trying to insert heresy into a well-established belief shared by the church since the first century.

Perhaps your Church of Christ or Catholic or Greek Orthodox I don't care what I care about is misleading people and just thinking that works gives us anything beyond what the Bible tells us as Rewards for good works not salvation

 

[legion]

What you believe is decidedly no part of 2000 yrs of church history. That's a lie you tell yourself.

I gave you the scripture and you ignore it. In the final analysis I don't care what you believe because your understanding of Scripture is flawed and you just ignore the stuff you don't like.

Ok fine here...


Salvation by grace alone (Sola Gratia) is the Protestant doctrine that God saves sinners through his free, unmerited favor, not by human effort, merit, or good works. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely God’s initiative, a gift of mercy allowing sinners to be justified and made alive in Christ, leaving no room for human boasting. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Verse References:

• Ephesians 2:8–9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast".
• Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy...".
• Romans 11:6: "...if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace".
• Galatians 2:21: "...for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose".
• Acts 15:11: "But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus...". [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Aspects of the Doctrine:

• Monergistic Saving: Regeneration is solely the work of God, not a joint effort between God and man.
• Faith as a Gift: Even the faith required to receive this grace is considered a gift from God, not a work produced by humans.
• Context of Works: While salvation is not by works, it is for good works, which are the evidence of saved life (Ephesians 2:10). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Common Synonyms/Related Terms:

• Sola Gratia: Latin for "grace alone".
• Unmerited Favor: Emphasizes that grace is freely given to the undeserving.
• The Gift of God: Highlights the non-earning nature of salvation.
• Monergistic Regeneration: Refers to God alone initiating new life

there... does that satisfy your verse reference problem what you need to do now is go through and pick apart everything that I just posted to prove your point.

But I'll send you some time all you will be doing is prove that you do not understand scripture because you'll be contradicting it

 

[Roger316]

We are justified (accounted as righteous) by faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6) and justified (shown to be righteous) by works. (James 2:21,24) The Greek word for justified has more than one meaning, depending on the context.

The Greek word for justified is "dikaioo":

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered - fits the context of James 2:24.
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

Strongs's #1344: dikaioo - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

Paul typically means that one is "in the right with God" if one believes what he says.

 

[Nedsk]

We are justified (accounted as righteous) by faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6) and justified (shown to be righteous) by works. (James 2:21,24) The Greek word for justified has more than one meaning, depending on the context.

The Greek word for justified is "dikaioo":

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered - fits the context of James 2:24.
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

Strongs's #1344: dikaioo - Greek/Hebrew Definitions - Bible Tools

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

It's all about salvation brother. You've at least wised up enough not to argue Scripture any longer

 

[Nedsk]

Ok fine here...


Salvation by grace alone (Sola Gratia) is the Protestant doctrine that God saves sinners through his free, unmerited favor, not by human effort, merit, or good works. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely God’s initiative, a gift of mercy allowing sinners to be justified and made alive in Christ, leaving no room for human boasting. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Verse References:

• Ephesians 2:8–9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast".
• Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy...".
• Romans 11:6: "...if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace".
• Galatians 2:21: "...for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose".
• Acts 15:11: "But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus...". [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Aspects of the Doctrine:

• Monergistic Saving: Regeneration is solely the work of God, not a joint effort between God and man.
• Faith as a Gift: Even the faith required to receive this grace is considered a gift from God, not a work produced by humans.
• Context of Works: While salvation is not by works, it is for good works, which are the evidence of saved life (Ephesians 2:10). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Common Synonyms/Related Terms:

• Sola Gratia: Latin for "grace alone".
• Unmerited Favor: Emphasizes that grace is freely given to the undeserving.
• The Gift of God: Highlights the non-earning nature of salvation.
• Monergistic Regeneration: Refers to God alone initiating new life

there... does that satisfy your verse reference problem what you need to do now is go through and pick apart everything that I just posted to prove your point.

But I'll send you some time all you will be doing is prove that you do not understand scripture because you'll be contradicting it

Yes all true but your problem is scripture says works complete faith and if alone was sufficient it wouldnt need completion. Besides Matt 7:21 tells us just flapping ones jaw is meaningless. You arent arguing with me friend.

 

[ATG]

ATG said:
James{2:21}
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Abraham did not sacrifice his son.

This is an example of the serpent's ongoing subtilty to deceive the simple and change the plain truth of Scripture into a lie.

Rather than honestly contradict the Scripture, and declare that Abraham was not justified by works, the serpent subtly changes the context of the Scripture, in order to nullify what the Scripture plainly says: Abraham our faith was justified by works.

The work justifying Abraham was offering up Isaac upon an altar of sacrifice. The justifying work was not sacrificing Isaac.

Therefore, by stating the truth, that Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac, a lie is made against the Scripture of truth, that Abraham was justified by the work of offering up Isaac upon an altar of sacrifice, not by sacrificing him thereon...

Rom 1:24
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rejection of being justified with God by works, is of course for sinners still lusting and sinning against God.

 

[Nedsk]

Paul typically means that one is "in the right with God" if one believes what he says.

Typically means....???? Based on what? Who? Who is "he" referring to in the 2nd sentence?

 

[Roger316]

Typically means....???? Based on what? Who? Who is "he" referring to in the 2nd sentence?

I say "typically" because the word "δικαιοσύνη:the state of being in the right" can mean one of three things:

1. Moral Righteousness
2. Forensic - Legal Righteousness
3. Covenant faithfulness

The context determines which one is meant.

When Paul says “we are justified by faith,” he is speaking in the forensic sense of δικαιοσύνη.

In Paul’s usage, δικαιόω (dikaioō) — to justify — is a courtroom verb.

It means:

• to declare someone “in the right”
• to render a verdict of acquittal
• to grant a new legal standing before God

It does not mean:

• to make someone morally righteous (that’s sanctification)
• to describe someone’s character

 

[Nedsk]

I say "typically" because the word "δικαιοσύνη:the state of being in the right" can mean one of three things:

1. Moral Righteousness
2. Forensic - Legal Righteousness
3. Covenant faithfulness

The context determines which one is meant.

When Paul says “we are justified by faith,” he is speaking in the forensic sense of δικαιοσύνη.

In Paul’s usage, δικαιόω (dikaioō) — to justify — is a courtroom verb.

It means:

• to declare someone “in the right”
• to render a verdict of acquittal
• to grant a new legal standing before God

It does not mean:

• to make someone morally righteous (that’s sanctification)
• to describe someone’s character

What do you think James meant when he wrote: You can see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[ATG]

You repent of all your sin before Jesus forgives you of what exactly?

We repent of all our sin when God grants it with forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts{11:18}
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Cor {7:10}
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:

Your subtle way of misframing the gospel is getting too obvious. I believe it's called 'gaslighting.' I prefer what Scripture calls it:

Gen 3:1
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.

How can Jesus forgive your sinful ways if you have already repented of all sin?

How can Jesus forgive your sinful ways, if you have not repented of all sin?

That is a perfect, personal sanctification before the divine atonement is applied to you?

This is the perfect, personal sanctification when divine atonement is recieved by repentance from all sin for Jesus' sake.

1Co 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Complete salvation, washing, sanctification, and justification is immediately when any man does what God commands, and repents of all past works of unrighteousness.

Only by repentance from unrighteous works, can them which did such things, become them which were doing such things.

Only by repentance for Jesus' sake can any man receive the atonement of righteousness through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lamb of God.

 

[LeeLoving]

Only those who are already saved act on the words of Jesus, does them, puts them into practice after hearing them (Matthew 7:24) which is God's will for us after we have been saved. Becoming saved is through believing in Him (John 6:40) and is not by works. (Romans 4:5-6) So, those who will enter the kingdom (believers) are described as putting the words of Jesus into practice and building their house on the rock. In contrast with (unbelievers/make believers) who hear the words of Jesus and do not put them into practice and are described as a foolish man who built his house on sand, and it fell with a great crash.

I read John 6:40 carefully. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. Crystal clear. You are trying to "shoehorn" works "into" believes in Him, which also would include believes in self.

Hmm.. Scripture says otherwise. (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31; Romans 1:16; 4:5; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 15:1-4; 1 John 5:13 etc..). Believing in Jesus goes beyond merely believing that He exists but also includes trust and reliance in Jesus for salvation. Sadly, many trust in works instead.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, we read - Do you not know that the unrighteous (key word) will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. *Notice the contrast between the unrighteous and the righteous.
In Galatians 5:21, the apostle Paul gives a similar list of sins and goes on to say those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

What you teach is basically what I was taught prior to my conversion while still attending the Roman Catholic church. They basically teach that we are saved by faith "infused" with works and then those works become meritorious towards receiving salvation. They would say things like faith is not simply believing but also includes water baptism, partaking of the Lord's supper during Mass, obeying the 10 commandments, doing God's will etc.. which culminates in salvation by works/works righteousness.

Rewarded according to our deeds does not mean receive eternal life based on the merits of our deeds. Now if one reads Romans 2:6-11 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’s critical to keep in mind that these verses do not describe how one becomes saved, but the way the saved conduct their lives. These good works done are the result of, not the means or basis of receiving eternal life.

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). 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 by which we receive eternal life, but the type of deeds expose our hearts.

These good deeds done out of faith are the fruit, but not the root of 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 and that we are justified by faith and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. *Also see (Romans 3:24-28; 4:4-6; 11:6; Philippians 3:9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

You make a lot of reasonable points, I just think it's important to understand that Jesus puts the onus on us to do the will of the Father in Matthew 7:21 or we won't enter into the kingdom of heaven. Belief in Jesus saves, but this belief must also include a willingness to follow through on his words. I think justification comes through faith, God sees us as righteous if we believe, but this belief must include a willingness to follow through on Jesus' words or we won't accomplish the will of the Father as Jesus talks about in Matthew 7:21. This will has to do with the sayings he preached in the sermon on the mount as is evidenced in Matthew 7:24.

It's tricky to understand because someone could think they believe in Jesus and they're justified and so therefore they're saved without any works necessary, but Jesus says you must do the will of the Father, so justification is not the only component of salvation. We're justified by faith but this has to be a faith unto the works Jesus instructs us to do or we simply won't be saved.

John 8:51 King James Version
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

From this verse it is clear that Jesus is staking eternal life on our willingness to follow his words. Believing in Jesus is not simply believing in Jesus, it's believing his words too, which means following through on the things he said.

 

[Cameron143]

You make a lot of reasonable points, I just think it's important to understand that Jesus puts the onus on us to do the will of the Father in Matthew 7:21 or we won't enter into the kingdom of heaven. Belief in Jesus saves, but this belief must also include a willingness to follow through on his words. I think justification comes through faith, God sees us as righteous if we believe, but this belief must include a willingness to follow through on Jesus' words or we won't accomplish the will of the Father as Jesus talks about in Matthew 7:21. This will has to do with the sayings he preached in the sermon on the mount as is evidenced in Matthew 7:24.

It's tricky to understand because someone could think they believe in Jesus and they're justified and so therefore they're saved without any works necessary, but Jesus says you must do the will of the Father, so justification is not the only component of salvation. We're justified by faith but this has to be a faith unto the works Jesus instructs us to do or we simply won't be saved.

John 8:51 King James Version
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

From this verse it is clear that Jesus is staking eternal life on our willingness to follow his words. Believing in Jesus is not simply believing in Jesus, it's believing his words too, which means following through on the things he said.

And he doesn't see death because he possesses eternal life. So...

...is it the possession of eternal life that results in obedience? or...
...is it obedience that leads to eternal life?

What does Ezekiel 36:26-27 teach?

 

[Nedsk]

And he doesn't see death because he possesses eternal life. So...

...is it the possession of eternal life that results in obedience? or...
...is it obedience that leads to eternal life?

What does Ezekiel 36:26-27 teach?

According to that passage it seems as though we have no choice but to do the will of God as it says the new spirit God places in us "causes" us to walk in his his statutes and carefully obey his rules. But I wonder then how we can be judged according to our actions or inactions.

 

[Cameron143]

According to that passage it seems as though we have no choice but to do the will of God as it says the new spirit God places in us "causes" us to walk in his his statutes and carefully obey his rules. But I wonder then how we can be judged according to our actions or inactions.

Because we cooperate with God or not...Philippians 2:12-13. Is it not you, like Paul, who is able to say...I live, yet not I; Christ lives in me?

 

[LeeLoving]

And he doesn't see death because he possesses eternal life. So...

...is it the possession of eternal life that results in obedience? or...
...is it obedience that leads to eternal life?

What does Ezekiel 36:26-27 teach?

Well, I think it's belief in Jesus that leads to both things, eternal life and obedience. Furthermore, we're given the Spirit upon belief in Jesus and we are regenerated.

 

[Inquisitor]

ATG said:
James{2:21}
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

This is an example of the serpent's ongoing subtilty to deceive the simple and change the plain truth of Scripture into a lie.

Rather than honestly contradict the Scripture, and declare that Abraham was not justified by works, the serpent subtly changes the context of the Scripture, in order to nullify what the Scripture plainly says: Abraham our faith was justified by works.

The work justifying Abraham was offering up Isaac upon an altar of sacrifice. The justifying work was not sacrificing Isaac.

Therefore, by stating the truth, that Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac, a lie is made against the Scripture of truth, that Abraham was justified by the work of offering up Isaac upon an altar of sacrifice, not by sacrificing him thereon...

Rom 1:24
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rejection of being justified with God by works, is of course for sinners still lusting and sinning against God.

Th punchline in Genesis 22, is not so much about works but about a deep faith, that Abraham had learned
to rely on. During a series of previous events where Abraham had doubted God a number of painful times.

Abraham had learned the hard way not to doubt the Lord's power to deliver on His promises.

Genesis 22:7
Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.”
And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Abraham knew full well by this stage in his life that the Lord would deliver that divine sacrifice.

Abraham knew from episodes of his own lack of faith that the Lord would intervene.

Genesis 22:8
Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of
them walked on together.

So by faith Abraham did what he was told to do.

One of the greatest acts of faith in the Lord that I have ever seen in the scripture.

Hebrews 11:17
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering
up his only begotten son.

Surely you can see what the scripture is declaring?

 

[Roger316]

What do you think James meant when he wrote: You can see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

He was reacting to folks who claimed to have faith but didn't act like it. James’s concern with “works” is not generic moral effort but the concrete, relational failures that reveal whether faith is alive. He names a series of specific problems: showing favoritism to the rich while dishonoring the poor, neglecting orphans and widows, using the tongue to wound or curse, allowing anger and quarrels to fracture relationships, presuming on the future with arrogant self‑reliance, exploiting workers, slandering or judging fellow believers, and failing to pray or to do the good one knows to do. Taken together, these examples show that for James, “works” are the visible expressions of love, mercy, humility, and justice — the lived embodiment of faith in everyday relationships.

 

[Cameron143]

Well, I think it's belief in Jesus that leads to both things, eternal life and obedience. Furthermore, we're given the Spirit upon belief in Jesus and we are regenerated.

Let's explore your assertion. What does the Bible say concerning coming to faith. Let's use Ephesians 1:19-2:10 as a point of reference.

In Ephesians 1:19-21, scripture establishes that it was God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead physically. It also establishes that God employs this same power in believers to raise them from spiritual deadness.

When does scripture say this occurs? Both verse 2:1 and 2:5 say this quickening comes when we are still dead in trespasses and sins. Thus, God exercises power in individuals while they are still dead and unbelieving. The very first thing that occurs in salvation is quickening, or being made alive. And in making us alive, God imparts to us new hearts and places His Spirit within us. This is eternal life and what leads us to faith in Christ and obedience.

Without the impartation of life, we would remain as we were...dead, dominated, and doomed...according to Ephesians 2:1-3.

Salvation is accomplished by God in an individual, and the individual's responses are those of one who has been changed on the inside. Otherwise, the dead individual would never respond.

 

[Nedsk]

Because we cooperate with God or not...Philippians 2:12-13. Is it not you, like Paul, who is able to say...I live, yet not I; Christ lives in me?

Is living according to God's will a choice?