The kind of works is what matters. When the apostle makes clear he is speaking about he works of the law (Faith in yourself, your good hardheartedness, your understanding of scriptures, your kindness and compassion).
You cant ignore that he is speaking about the works of LAW, the acceptability of your life apart from the life of Christ Jesus alive in you.
Neither can you ignore James when he says Abraham was saved by works. We all know that their is only one way to be saved, by actively placing our faith in Gods finished so we might lay hold of it for ourselves.
The error on the right is working to make your own salvation
Romans 3:20 - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
The narrow path is working in faith to receive the promise of salvation.
Mathew 13:44 - The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Giving your all to possess it! Giving your all is the constant theme in these parables.
Fearfully and carefully and wholeheartedly working out your salvation into your life, possessing it and benefiting from it.
Philippians 2;15 - so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
The error on the left is to reject works of obedience to faith.
James 2:24 - You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
In Abraham faith and works together shows us what it means to believe God. Shows us how to lay hold of salvation and be attributed righteousness.
DO NOT SUFFER LOSS IN REGARDS TO YOUR SALVATION.
1 Cor 3:15 - Your works in Faith will be tested by fire
Leave nothing on the table, avail yourself of it all.
Satan would have you believe that giving yourself over to working hard in faith, giving it everything you have is somehow making your own way into heaven rather then real belief in God and Jesus. It is no wonder the church is just as sinful if not worse then the world.
We do not have the fullness of salvation in the stature of Christ Jesus because we do not ask for it or we don't actually believe it is our birthright.
We clearly have our part to play in the laying hold of salvation and the working of it out into our lives.
It is a new life and it is beyond your ability make it happen, but God can do what we can not.
But it will cost you your old life in order to posses it.
Are you working in faith to have it all?
Our salvation is Christ in you, God in you.
How great a salvation we have!
How much of it will we lay hold of and how much of it will we neglect?
Time is short...
