First, and thank you all who took the time to post a reply. I read every response and have finished follow-up study on several. There are a few more issues to research. The process has been helpful in my search for clarity. Again, Thanks!
Just a couple of my thoughts:
The need to define the differences between “Works” and “Obedience” quickly became apparent. Once established in my mind that works spring from human effort and obedience is our proper response to God’s call, things got a little easier to grasp.
The other issue that became central is the topic of prevenient grace. Briefly defined, prevenient grace means that before man can seek God, God must first have sought man. This concept was understood from the beginning. Once a man obediently begins to seek God, no matter how faltering or in which order he tries, his efforts cannot possibly be “works.”
With my limited capacities, these two issues answer most of the questions raised in my OP.
(Note: I avoid circular discussions such as “OSAS” and “Predetermination” as they have no resolution and only cause confusion.)
I am not sure that any Bible based Church can preach salvation by works; to whom would they preach? Those who come to the door are either practicing obedience or they are unregenerate sinners who will not listen to any message.
This also puts to rest, at least in my mind, the issue of whether or not the First Testament is “Works.”
But of course, there are to other views.
Just a couple of my thoughts:
The need to define the differences between “Works” and “Obedience” quickly became apparent. Once established in my mind that works spring from human effort and obedience is our proper response to God’s call, things got a little easier to grasp.
The other issue that became central is the topic of prevenient grace. Briefly defined, prevenient grace means that before man can seek God, God must first have sought man. This concept was understood from the beginning. Once a man obediently begins to seek God, no matter how faltering or in which order he tries, his efforts cannot possibly be “works.”
With my limited capacities, these two issues answer most of the questions raised in my OP.
(Note: I avoid circular discussions such as “OSAS” and “Predetermination” as they have no resolution and only cause confusion.)
I am not sure that any Bible based Church can preach salvation by works; to whom would they preach? Those who come to the door are either practicing obedience or they are unregenerate sinners who will not listen to any message.
This also puts to rest, at least in my mind, the issue of whether or not the First Testament is “Works.”
But of course, there are to other views.
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