How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

[HealthAndHappiness]

How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

The two words you are asking about are "dead faith" that the rest of us have to look up to define the context.
The question is leading to imply that the lack of dead faith, hence James 2, is a salvation requirement for eternal life, if I understand you correctly. It would be easier if you clarified your intent. This sounds like either a trick question or misunderstanding.

Context:
Written to Brethren of James.
I am saved, so I'll use myself for an example.
Have I have exercised dead faith on occasion? There were doubtless times I've had the means to help a fellow brother or sister and should have, but didn't. I can't think of specific examples, but do recall feeling regret for not stepping up and helping someone in hindsight.
PS: I do remember the worse thing was when I put off leading someone to Christ and didn't know that was my last opportunity when I went back to finish the next week. They had died.

Believers are a work in progress.
None of us are perfect before or after salvation. We were not justified before God by our works as we are men. Nor do we lose our salvation by failure, albeit there are earthly consequences and discipline at times when our Father sees fit.

We go through suffering and tests and hopeful are motivated to the Word of God to sanctify us. John 17:17

Dead faith is what believers are guilty of committing.

When unbelievers put faith in obeying all the commandments of God, including the misapplied James 2, they remain lost and condemned. You cannot mix faith in Christ with faith in your deeds of righteousness to receive the gift.

4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

In James Christians are taught to work. Many commands are given and the example in James 2.
This exercise of faith may save (temporally) some. Good grief, we aren't taking it with us in this short life. If we are able, there's money and many skills that we can contribute to help someone out. That's why we are all so different.
Ie. You can do things that she can't and she is capable of contributing amazing value to your life in many ways you can't.

I can give examples of Christians here who blessed me when I was facing setbacks that were going to cost me everything. That did more for my health than any hospital could have. They prayed for me and showed their faith by their works. I want to bless them as well and be available to help in different ways that I am able.
That doesn't determine whether or not Heaven is our home though. These are opportunities to express love in actions. In Heaven, this will be the icing on the cake, the things that eye has not seen here will be extra special riches in glory.

However, the lost are not told anything about dead faith.
They are simply commanded to make Jesus Christ the Object of their faith.

John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

[Solitude]

The two words you are asking about are "dead faith" that the rest of us have to look up to define the context.
The question is leading to imply that the lack of dead faith, hence James 2, is a salvation requirement for eternal life, if I understand you correctly. It would be easier if you clarified your intent. This sounds like either a trick question or misunderstanding.

Context:
Written to Brethren of James.
I am saved, so I'll use myself for an example.
Have I have exercised dead faith on occasion? There were doubtless times I've had the means to help a fellow brother or sister and should have, but didn't. I can't think of specific examples, but do recall feeling regret for not stepping up and helping someone in hindsight.
PS: I do remember the worse thing was when I put off leading someone to Christ and didn't know that was my last opportunity when I went back to finish the next week. They had died.

Believers are a work in progress.
None of us are perfect before or after salvation. We were not justified before God by our works as we are men. Nor do we lose our salvation by failure, albeit there are earthly consequences and discipline at times when our Father sees fit.

We go through suffering and tests and hopeful are motivated to the Word of God to sanctify us. John 17:17

Dead faith is what believers are guilty of committing.

When unbelievers put faith in obeying all the commandments of God, including the misapplied James 2, they remain lost and condemned. You cannot mix faith in Christ with faith in your deeds of righteousness to receive the gift.

4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

In James Christians are taught to work. Many commands are given and the example in James 2.
This exercise of faith may save (temporally) some. Good grief, we aren't taking it with us in this short life. If we are able, there's money and many skills that we can contribute to help someone out. That's why we are all so different.
Ie. You can do things that she can't and she is capable of contributing amazing value to your life in many ways you can't.

I can give examples of Christians here who blessed me when I was facing setbacks that were going to cost me everything. That did more for my health than any hospital could have. They prayed for me and showed their faith by their works. I want to bless them as well and be available to help in different ways that I am able.
That doesn't determine whether or not Heaven is our home though. These are opportunities to express love in actions. In Heaven, this will be the icing on the cake, the things that eye has not seen here will be extra special riches in glory.

However, the lost are not told anything about dead faith.
They are simply commanded to make Jesus Christ the Object of their faith.

John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Do you believe salvation for those who have dead faith is a one time event?

 

[HeIsHere]

Do you believe salvation for those who have dead faith is a one time event?

I am thinking that you know that is not what @HealthAndHappiness stated.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Do you believe salvation for those who have dead faith is a one time event?

That's a foolish question.

I have explained as clearly as I can in writing on the definition of faith vs dead faith as it is used in the Bible.
I've also applied it to the context which God's Word uses them.

 

[Gideon300]

How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

"Dead" faith does not mean that the individual is spiritually dead. It means that their words do not match what they do. All Christians are at different places in their walk with God. Some are fearful and timid, living below the place that they should be in Christ. Others are presumptuous, acting as if they were more spiritual than they are in reality.

God allows circumstances to arise that are a reality check. God only expects us to walk in the light that we have received. For example, I used to hate speaking to a group of people. One time, the Lord told me that I had nothing to fear. The people i was talking to would be more nervous than I was in the same situation! So I swallowed my fear and started to share what the Lord had given me. Fast forward 40 years, and I had to speak at a secular conference of around 300 people. I knew none of them. I was a little tense, but not with the paralysing fear I used to suffer.

Some imagine that presumption is faith. The apostle Peter was sure that he would not deny Lord Jesus. How soon that bubble was burst. I knew someone who boasted about how much he would get for the house he was selling. He lost a pile of money. To add insult to injury, the place has become trendy now and attracts a premium. God has a way of getting us to sober up.

Faith is always tested. Someone may quote the verse, "The Lord loves a cheerful giver". Sounds impressive. But if that person baulks at meeting a need when they could, it's just words with no power. In other words, dead.

No one is saved one minute and dead the next. Either we are born again with eternal life, or we remain dead in trespass and sin. We all vary in the degree to which we express our salvation. That is the work that the Holy Spirit does after we are born again.

 

[Ceph]

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3

The gift of salvation/ Everlasting Life is just that, it is everlasting. Those trusting James epistle's commands for believers need to repent (change their minds).
All those works won't save anyone.
The requirement is to believe/ faith in Jesus Christ without our works of righteousness.
That's saving faith.

Dead faith is the useless faith that the saved are often guilty of.
There are times we can and should help our brothers and sisters, but we don't. That's dead faith.

See Ephesians 2:8,9

I forgot.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I forgot.

What did you forget friend?

 

[Ceph]

What did you forget friend?

That I'm saved

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

That I'm saved

Thats so good to hear!
What did you do to get saved, Ceph?

 

[DavidLamb]

How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

Why "those of dead faith?" Why not any unsaved sinner? Are you suggesting that the answer might be different for someone who claims to have faith, but that faith is not a living faith, when compared to somebody with no faith?

 

[GWH]

How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

An atheist can repent and accept Christ and be saved and receive the Holy Spirit only once. If the saved person then repents of his saving faith and rejects Christ and blasphemes the HS such apostasy indicates total depravity or a completely callous heart that will never again genuinely repent, so their opportunity to be saved was wasted and judgment day awaits them.

 

[Ouch]

What must a man, woman or child do to be saved?

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

This was that message.

Acts 2:38-39
38 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.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

[Ouch]

How many times can those of dead faith choose to accept Jesus and be saved?

If you have dead faith you will never be saved, you will die in your sins.

No verse backs up accept JESUS and your saved.

 

[Ceph]

Thats so good to hear!
What did you do to get saved, Ceph?

I remember that I've beleived in Jesus for longer than I remember. The first time I read the Gospels, I rejoiced to have understood His word and be saved. Then I used to love God so much with my mind, but then I got so caught up with the suspicion that I'm evil, I fell down. But I've been saved ever since I first beleived.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I remember that I've beleived in Jesus for longer than I remember. The first time I read the Gospels, I rejoiced to have understood His word and be saved. Then I used to love God so much with my mind, but then I got so caught up with the suspicion that I'm evil, I fell down. But I've been saved ever since I first beleived.

I'm so glad to hear that my brother!

11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I John 5

 

[mailmandan]

In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.

 

[Ouch]

In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.

James 2:14-26
King James Version
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

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?

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

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

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

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

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

23 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.

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

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

[mailmandan]

James 2:14-26
King James Version
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

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?

Take special note of "says/claims" to have faith but has no works in verse 14. James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

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

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Faith being alone/produces no works is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith. In contrast to faith that is alive in Christ and results in producing good works. (Ephesians 2:5-10) We show our faith by our works, but we do not establish it.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The demons believe "mental assent" that "there is one God," but they do not believe in/have faith in/trust in/reliance in Jesus Christ for salvation. In other words, they do not believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and are not saved. Big difference! Their trust and reliance are in Satan (and not in Jesus Christ) as demonstrated by their rebellion in heaven and continuous evil works.

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

In regard to "faith without works is dead," James does not mean that faith is dead until it produces works and then it becomes a living faith or that works are the source of life in faith or that we are saved by works. That would be like saying that a tree is dead until it produces fruit and then it becomes a living tree, and the fruit is the source of life in the tree. James is simply saying faith that is not accompanied by evidential works demonstrates that it's dead. If someone merely says-claims they have faith, but lack resulting evidential works, then they demonstrate that they have an empty profession of faith/dead faith and not authentic faith. (James 2:14)

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

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.

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

Faith made perfect or complete by works means bring to maturity, to complete like love in 1 John 4:18. It doesn't mean that Abraham was finally saved based on merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

23 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.

The scripture was fulfilled in vindicating or demonstrating that Abraham believed God and was accounted as righteous. Abraham was accounted as righteous based on his faith (Genesis 15:6) not his works (Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22.

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

James is not using the term "justified" here 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)

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

Rahab believed in the Lord with authentic faith (Joshua 2:9-13), requested "kindness" (2:12), received the promise of kindness (2:14), and hung out the "scarlet line" (2:21), as the demonstration of her authentic faith. She showed that her faith in God was not a dead faith by her works, just as all genuine believers show theirs.

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The comparison of the human spirit and faith converge around their modes of operation. The spirit (Greek pneuma) may also be translated "breath." As a breathless body exhibits no indication of life, so fruitless faith exhibits no indication of life. The source of the life in faith is not works; rather, life in faith is the source of works. (Ephesians 2:5-10)

 

[Ouch]

Take special note of "says/claims" to have faith but has no works in verse 14. James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

Faith being alone/produces no works is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith. In contrast to faith that is alive in Christ and results in producing good works. (Ephesians 2:5-10) We show our faith by our works, but we do not establish it.

The demons believe "mental assent" that "there is one God," but they do not believe in/have faith in/trust in/reliance in Jesus Christ for salvation. In other words, they do not believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and are not saved. Big difference! Their trust and reliance are in Satan (and not in Jesus Christ) as demonstrated by their rebellion in heaven and continuous evil works.

In regard to "faith without works is dead," James does not mean that faith is dead until it produces works and then it becomes a living faith or that works are the source of life in faith or that we are saved by works. That would be like saying that a tree is dead until it produces fruit and then it becomes a living tree, and the fruit is the source of life in the tree. James is simply saying faith that is not accompanied by evidential works demonstrates that it's dead. If someone merely says-claims they have faith, but lack resulting evidential works, then they demonstrate that they have an empty profession of faith/dead faith and not authentic faith. (James 2:14)

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.

Faith made perfect or complete by works means bring to maturity, to complete like love in 1 John 4:18. It doesn't mean that Abraham was finally saved based on merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

The scripture was fulfilled in vindicating or demonstrating that Abraham believed God and was accounted as righteous. Abraham was accounted as righteous based on his faith (Genesis 15:6) not his works (Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22.

James is not using the term "justified" here 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)

Rahab believed in the Lord with authentic faith (Joshua 2:9-13), requested "kindness" (2:12), received the promise of kindness (2:14), and hung out the "scarlet line" (2:21), as the demonstration of her authentic faith. She showed that her faith in God was not a dead faith by her works, just as all genuine believers show theirs.

The comparison of the human spirit and faith converge around their modes of operation. The spirit (Greek pneuma) may also be translated "breath." As a breathless body exhibits no indication of life, so fruitless faith exhibits no indication of life. The source of the life in faith is not works; rather, life in faith is the source of works. (Ephesians 2:5-10)

Can sin enter Heaven?

How do we get rid of it?

Scripure please, which states faith removes our sins.

JESUS said in John 3:5 can't enter with out water or spirit.

Scripture where faith gives you the Holy GHost as well.

Convince me you are right.

 

[GWH]

Can sin enter Heaven?

How do we get rid of it?

Scripure please, which states faith removes our sins.

JESUS said in John 3:5 can't enter with out water or spirit.

Scripture where faith gives you the Holy GHost as well.

Convince me you are right.

Well, for one thing there will no physical marriage in heaven and thus no reason for our heavenly bodies to have sexuality. That should help eliminate a lot of sins right there!