Ephesians 2 is not preaching faith alone.
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We are a new creation designed for good works.
We are only saved by the grace of Jesus Christ from start to finish.
We stand in grace.
And saved by saved completed by works. You can't just ignore the parts you don't like
Understood. The main point of the OP is that Eph 2:8-9 does not refer to faith alone without works, but only to faith with works, whether to boast of, or bring glory to God. The faith with works that man can boast of, is rejected by Scripture. Only the faith with works done through God can save the soul.
Eph 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
By continuing with Eph 2:10, we establish that the only saving faith from God, is with good works done through Jesus Christ.
Thanks.
What exactly do you mean by this? Do you mean trusting in Jesus' sacrifice alone for salvation? Because if we do that then we are ignoring what Jesus said about how we should live.
In Romans 4 Paul is explaining that salvation is not only to workers of the law: that's the context of works in this passage (this is made clear if you start at the end of Romans 3). He goes on to say:
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Abraham followed through on the words of God. His faith was imputed to him for righteousness, because he was fully persuaded that what God promised he was also able to perform. Paul says "now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead". I think what Paul is saying here is that Jesus was given words to speak by God and that we are to believe God's words. Jesus taught us explicitly how we should live, I think it's vital to follow through on Jesus' words if we are to have eternal life. The "faith alone" message is void of the necessity of living out Jesus' commands. Someone can believe totally in Jesus' sacrifice for their sins, but they're still not living in accordance with what Jesus taught if they stop short there.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. If you mean trusts in his words, then yes I think I might agree with you. If you mean trusts alone in his sacrifice, then I think you're missing out on what he taught, which I believe is a necessity to understand.
Rom 4:1-2
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
No man is justified by works pertaining to the flesh.
Jas 2:21,4
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
A man is justified by works pertaining to God.
Rom 4 does not state that no man is justified by any works at all. James 2 states that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
False teachers of justification by faith-alone without works, take Scripture out of context in Rom 4, and take away from Scripture in James 2.
Rom 4 does not state that a man is justified by no works at all.
Rom 4:1-2
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
No man is justified by works, that glory in the flesh.
Eph 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:8-9 confirms Rom 4:12, that no man is saved nor justified by works, that man can boast of.
Jas 2:21,4
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:21-4 confirms that a man is only justified by works, that only glorify God.
Gal 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Phl 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I am not ignoring it at all.
Good works and more importantly a Christian life led by the Holy Spirit, is critical.
But our salvation is a gift given to those that believe in Jesus Christ, fact.
Salvation is always a free gift by the grace of God.
Our Spirit led life does not contribute to Christ's reconcilition and never will.
Salvation is by Jesus, in Jesus, and through Jesus alone!!!!
Good works matter but they are not the cause of salvation.
No. Man cannot justify himself in any sense by any of his works (see Rom 3:20 - 23 below). Justification is only by the God's grace through Jesus Christ the Savior (see Rom v3:24 below).
[Rom 3:20-24 KJV]
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
The "pertaining to the flesh" of Rom 4:2 means that being of the flesh, Abraham could not justify himself by his works. Verse 4:2 does not make distinction between types of works but that by none of his works could/would he be able to justify himself.
[Rom 8:30 KJV]
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
[1Co 6:11 KJV] 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.
[Gal 2:16 KJV] 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
[Tit 3:7 KJV] 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
No. We are saved only by the completed works of Christ not by our works. For man, our good works come as the result of salvation, they are not its cause.
[Tit 3:4-7 KJV]
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
I agree that we can't justify ourselves by our works; we can't save someone from a burning building and think we will go to heaven. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus which leads to doing the words of Jesus because we believe he told the truth. In that sense though we are justified by our works, which I think might be what James was talking about when he wrote "you see then how a man is justified by works and not by faith alone". There's just nuance in what is meant by "works don't justify" and "a man is justified by works", both things are true. No amount of good works will save someone, but that's not to say we aren't meant to do the works Jesus instructs his followers to do in order to be saved. We are saved by our faith in Jesus, and we are justified by our faith in Jesus, but we are also justified by the works we do as believers in Jesus.
Once again. That's their problem. It has nothing to do with being justified as Abraham, by works of faith toward God, not by works in the flesh by law.
You mean the quoted Scripture? Or, the teaching from the quoted Scriptures?
Neither Scriptures nor teaching of Scriptures are trash, except to them that disbelieve and obey not the truth:
Rom 10:16
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report…For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written,
And so, whether SDA or Protestant Christianity, if they preach justification by works of law, or justification by no works at all, both are false gospels of another christ:
Gal 1:6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
It's because of Jesus' death for sins on the cross, and by His resurrection from the dead, that He can grant repentance unto salvation from sinning, and justification with righteous works of God.
Mat 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
1 John{3:7}
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that is doing righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Justifiers by faith-alone without works are denying repentance from sinning against Him, that died for our sins.
And denying what exactly the Bible is saying elsewhere.
Mar 7:13
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Of all people, Christians ought know from the unbelieving Jews that crucified Jesus Christ, that traditions of men are not necessarily Scripture of God.
Christian traditions today still teach people sinning against God, and crucifying Jesus to themselves daily.
If you don't see this by being educated as a Protestant Christian, Scripture is just now telling you and trying to wake you up.
Mark{1:15}
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
It certainly isn't saying you disagree, having found no way to disagree.
Correct. I'm not looking at works as a Protestant Christian sinner.
I only look at works in Scripture of a Christian holy saint:
1 Peter{1:14}
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
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 therefore anyone can only conclude that you are not a holy Christian saint, and that's your problem. You can stick with whatever you want to believe while sinning against God, but you cannot get away with it. And God will not let you get away with trying to insert your sinful gospel into established Scriptures, that are believed and obeyed by all the church and body of Jesus Christ, since His death, burial, and resurrection unto life.
Rom 2:3
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Gal 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man is sowing, that shall he also reap. For he that is sowing to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sowing to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting…For there is no respect of persons with God.
The main problem with faith-alone justification without works, is you believe eternal life is just about doctrine, and not about works we do. While doctrine of Christ is all about works we do:
2Co 5:9
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 they be good or bad.
1 Peter {1:15}
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
It's our works that are judged, not our doctrine alone.
Obviously. Preaching a gospel of justification by faith alone with continued sinning, misleads many people into continued sinning by their faith alone.
How can preaching doing righteousness at all times by faith toward God, mislead anyone into continued sinning?
Psa 106:3
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that is doing righteousness at all times.
Scripture does not mislead anyone into continued sinning, whether with or without faith.
Works of unrighteousness only reward us condemnation.
2Ti 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Pe 2:13
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time.
Works of righteousness inherits resurrection from the dead.
Collosians{3:23}
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Works of ministry in righteousness receives cities of reward, to rule during Jesus Christ's Millennium on earth.
Luk 19:16
Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
I believe that salvation starts and ends exclusively with God through Jesus Christ, the Savior, with faith/ belief as a gift and result of that, but not the cause of it. Titus 3:4 - 7 makes clear there no requirement imposed upon those whom God saves in order to become saved (besides of having been chosen by God for salvation), which also excludes any requirement of first having faith to become saved: a spiritually dead person, which we all were prior to salvation, is unable to give faith to himself, but is totally helpless and (whether realized or not) they are completely dependent upon God's mercy. We are justified solely and totally by Christ, not ourselves
It's important to remember though that James writes we are justified by works too, not just faith. The works perfect the faith we have. In the case of Jesus he has taught us certain things, if we are to believe him we should follow through on his teachings. In this way our faith is perfected through our works.
That's a complicated subject and difficult to explain briefly, but I believe the works we are justified by, per James, are actually Christ's works not ours. Christ's works and faith were manifested and demonstrated by His ministry on earth. IOW, according to James, faith must have works as a part of it, or it IS dead. So, works, therefore, must be an integral part of faith, not produced from faith, for it to be an alive faith. Only Christ's faith has His works being central to His faith, along with His righteousness also being central to His faith - it is all one thing( and which He freely imputes unto those whom He saves). It is not possible that James intended we can be justified by our works, as Christ alone is the Savior and is also the Justifier, so the works James is referring to must be Christ's, not man's.
@LeeLoving
I want to be clear however that I did not mean to imply those saved don't produce good works because they should and do, but it isn't by those works they are justified.
False teachers who promote salvation by works take Scripture out of context in James 2 and take away from Scripture in Romans 4:2-6.
In James 2:21, notice closely that James does not say that Abraham's work of offering up Isaac resulted in God accounting Abraham as righteous. The accounting of Abraham's faith as righteousness was made in Genesis 15:6, (also see Romans 4:2-3) many years before his work of offering up Isaac recorded in Genesis 22.
The work of Abraham did not have some kind of intrinsic merit to account him as righteous, but it showed or manifested the genuineness of his faith. (James 2:18) That is the "sense" in which Abraham was "justified by works." (James 2:21) He was shown to be righteous.
James is not using the word "justified" in James 2:24 to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3)
Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9)
*It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24). *Perfect Harmony*