Research: Majority of Americans Believe Works Are the Key to Salvation
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Well, we know Jesus is excepted, even though Paul says all. St. Paul is speaking of himself and his readers. Now, compare:
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10). All those faithful unto death receive a "crown of life" in Heaven.
But Mary receives more. She receives a Crown of 12 Stars. In my opinion, that is God's Reward for a sinless life. Recall that Mary stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:25), when all His Apostles had fled (Mk 14:50). And yet if even they who forsook and fled were promised a reward in Heaven (Mat 19:28), how much more will Mary, who was steadfastly faithful to her divine Son, have a greater reward for her fidelity? All of the Apostles who fled sinned that day on Calvary, but Mary did not. She remained faithful to her Son and God.
"A great sign appeared in heaven: a Woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head." (Rev 12:1)
Regarding Priestly Celibacy, that's a complex matter and a whole another issue. Suffice to say that as Christ, the Great High Priest was celibate, it clearly is not forbidden to be celibate. Even St. Paul was celibate and counselled it to those who can accept it in 1 Cor 7.
1 Cor 7:
"32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."
God Bless.
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev 2:10). All those faithful unto death receive a "crown of life" in Heaven.
But Mary receives more. She receives a Crown of 12 Stars. In my opinion, that is God's Reward for a sinless life. Recall that Mary stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:25), when all His Apostles had fled (Mk 14:50). And yet if even they who forsook and fled were promised a reward in Heaven (Mat 19:28), how much more will Mary, who was steadfastly faithful to her divine Son, have a greater reward for her fidelity? All of the Apostles who fled sinned that day on Calvary, but Mary did not. She remained faithful to her Son and God.
"A great sign appeared in heaven: a Woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head." (Rev 12:1)
Regarding Priestly Celibacy, that's a complex matter and a whole another issue. Suffice to say that as Christ, the Great High Priest was celibate, it clearly is not forbidden to be celibate. Even St. Paul was celibate and counselled it to those who can accept it in 1 Cor 7.
1 Cor 7:
"32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord."
God Bless.
Agreed!
James didn't teach that. Faith in Christ saves. Lifestyle doesn't help. Which is your point.
The angels harvest the saved and the unsaved. Lifestyle NEVER SAVES.
If it did, a whole lot of verses would have been written differently.
You may want to begin your study with Acts 16:31. Oh, and read ALL of the gospel of John.
James didn't teach that. Faith in Christ saves. Lifestyle doesn't help. Which is your point.
The angels harvest the saved and the unsaved. Lifestyle NEVER SAVES.
If it did, a whole lot of verses would have been written differently.
You may want to begin your study with Acts 16:31. Oh, and read ALL of the gospel of John.
I'll tried, and No, I couldn't. This is as close as I got.
Under the OT there were statutes and ordinances and rituals that had to be done to receive forgiveness (go get your best animal, bring it to the temple, cut its neck, bleed it out, etc. Those now 'dead' works had to be done to be forgiven for sin)
They are 'dead' because the Old Covenant has been done away with and the new one brought in.
The once PHYSICAL rituals are now of a SPIRITUAL NATURE, of the HEART AND MIND.
The GIFT OF SALVATION comes at the beginning, THERE ARE NO WORKS we can do to attain it. CHRIST JESUS did the WORK when He died for our sins.
BUT SALVATION and the gift of it, DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WORKS OF ANY KIND.
DEAD WORKS HAVE TO DO WITH THE FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE.
THIS PROBLEM IS one created by man in bringing in doctrines of his own, this one being OSAS. Once he created THAT doctrine, (teaching Gods words by the conclusions of man instead of precept on precept...) it created the problems that we see today and one of them is the 'works salvation' issue, CALLING works into question.
OSASed CALLS INTO QUESTION all WORKS and their END intent but Christians do works OUT OF LOVE OF THE FATHER and and having already received salvation, SO, there can only be one reason for THAT and that is ALL THE 'IFS' that OSASed can't abide with, and so it works out that problem with the WORKS SALVATION thing, also not taught. (At least I have never seen it written). So, there are no DEAD WORKS when going about the business of GOD.
Another problem, everyone debating and discussing things that AREN'T written, like they were, and wasting tons of precious time. The spill over is the little ewes, all new and excited, doing what once would have only caused joy, to stop and question their own motives because of a doctrine of man. HOW INSANE IS THAT?
Heb 5 (interlinear/greek)
12 Even for you ought to be teachers by the time again need of you have [one] to teach you what the principles of the beginning of the oracles of God and you have become need having of milk and not of solid food
13 Everyone for partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in [the] word of righteousness an infant for he is
14 mature however is solid food the [ones] by constant use the senses training having for distinguishing good both and evil
6
1 Therefore having left the beginning of the Christ teaching
to maturity we should go on
not again, a foundation laying
of repentance from dead works and faith in God
WHAT is the foundation for repentance and the forgiveness of sin? The OLD COVENANT. Something the HEBREWS knew well, all the workings done in the temple, of the priests, the statutes, ordinances, rituals, the slaying of animals and the offerings to god, etc.
Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood HE entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
As for works? THEY ARE GREAT. They follow us. They are rewarded. The more the merrier.
James 2
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.
Certainly all works are NOT good.
Did I just repeat the same thing again? If so, apologies to you too.
Under the OT there were statutes and ordinances and rituals that had to be done to receive forgiveness (go get your best animal, bring it to the temple, cut its neck, bleed it out, etc. Those now 'dead' works had to be done to be forgiven for sin)
They are 'dead' because the Old Covenant has been done away with and the new one brought in.
The once PHYSICAL rituals are now of a SPIRITUAL NATURE, of the HEART AND MIND.
The GIFT OF SALVATION comes at the beginning, THERE ARE NO WORKS we can do to attain it. CHRIST JESUS did the WORK when He died for our sins.
BUT SALVATION and the gift of it, DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WORKS OF ANY KIND.
DEAD WORKS HAVE TO DO WITH THE FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE.
THIS PROBLEM IS one created by man in bringing in doctrines of his own, this one being OSAS. Once he created THAT doctrine, (teaching Gods words by the conclusions of man instead of precept on precept...) it created the problems that we see today and one of them is the 'works salvation' issue, CALLING works into question.
OSASed CALLS INTO QUESTION all WORKS and their END intent but Christians do works OUT OF LOVE OF THE FATHER and and having already received salvation, SO, there can only be one reason for THAT and that is ALL THE 'IFS' that OSASed can't abide with, and so it works out that problem with the WORKS SALVATION thing, also not taught. (At least I have never seen it written). So, there are no DEAD WORKS when going about the business of GOD.
Another problem, everyone debating and discussing things that AREN'T written, like they were, and wasting tons of precious time. The spill over is the little ewes, all new and excited, doing what once would have only caused joy, to stop and question their own motives because of a doctrine of man. HOW INSANE IS THAT?
Heb 5 (interlinear/greek)
12 Even for you ought to be teachers by the time again need of you have [one] to teach you what the principles of the beginning of the oracles of God and you have become need having of milk and not of solid food
13 Everyone for partaking of milk [is] inexperienced in [the] word of righteousness an infant for he is
14 mature however is solid food the [ones] by constant use the senses training having for distinguishing good both and evil
6
1 Therefore having left the beginning of the Christ teaching
to maturity we should go on
not again, a foundation laying
of repentance from dead works and faith in God
WHAT is the foundation for repentance and the forgiveness of sin? The OLD COVENANT. Something the HEBREWS knew well, all the workings done in the temple, of the priests, the statutes, ordinances, rituals, the slaying of animals and the offerings to god, etc.
Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood HE entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
As for works? THEY ARE GREAT. They follow us. They are rewarded. The more the merrier.
James 2
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.
Certainly all works are NOT good.
Did I just repeat the same thing again? If so, apologies to you too.
I never looked up the original words used before, and thought if you hadn't, you mind find them interesting also. Hope so.
1754. energeó ►
Strong's Concordance
energeó: to be at work, to work, to do
Original Word: ἐνεργέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: energeó
Phonetic Spelling: (en-erg-eh'-o)
Definition: to be at work, to work, to do
Usage: I work, am operative, am at work, am made to work, accomplish; mid: I work, display activity.
HELPS Word-studies
1754 energéō (from 1722 /en, "engaged in," which intensifies 2041 /érgon, "work") – properly, energize, working in a situation which brings it from one stage (point) to the next, like an electrical current energizing a wire, bringing it to a shining light bulb.
2309. theló ►
Strong's Concordance
theló: to will, wish
Original Word: θέλω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: theló
Phonetic Spelling: ( eth-el'-o,)
Definition: to will, wish
Usage: I will, wish, desire, am willing, intend, design.
HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 2309 thélō (a primitive verb, NAS dictionary) – to desire (wish, will), wanting what is best (optimal) because someone is ready and willing to act.
2309 /thélō ("to desire, wish") is commonly used of the Lord extending His "best-offer" to the believer – wanting (desiring) to birth His persuasion (faith) in them which also empowers, manifests His presence etc. See 2307 (thelēma).
[Note the close connection between faith (4102 /pístis, "God's inbirthed persuasion") and this root (thel-, 2307 /thélēma); cf. 2 Cor 8:5-7 and Heb 10:36-39).]
1754. energeó ►
Strong's Concordance
energeó: to be at work, to work, to do
Original Word: ἐνεργέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: energeó
Phonetic Spelling: (en-erg-eh'-o)
Definition: to be at work, to work, to do
Usage: I work, am operative, am at work, am made to work, accomplish; mid: I work, display activity.
HELPS Word-studies
1754 energéō (from 1722 /en, "engaged in," which intensifies 2041 /érgon, "work") – properly, energize, working in a situation which brings it from one stage (point) to the next, like an electrical current energizing a wire, bringing it to a shining light bulb.
2309. theló ►
Strong's Concordance
theló: to will, wish
Original Word: θέλω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: theló
Phonetic Spelling: ( eth-el'-o,)
Definition: to will, wish
Usage: I will, wish, desire, am willing, intend, design.
HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 2309 thélō (a primitive verb, NAS dictionary) – to desire (wish, will), wanting what is best (optimal) because someone is ready and willing to act.
2309 /thélō ("to desire, wish") is commonly used of the Lord extending His "best-offer" to the believer – wanting (desiring) to birth His persuasion (faith) in them which also empowers, manifests His presence etc. See 2307 (thelēma).
[Note the close connection between faith (4102 /pístis, "God's inbirthed persuasion") and this root (thel-, 2307 /thélēma); cf. 2 Cor 8:5-7 and Heb 10:36-39).]
You know the parable of the sower and the next one are connected, right? Satan didn’t just pick up the seeds on the road, he planted his own seeds of deception in the field. If the wheat doesn’t grow, then the tares probably will, for nature abhors vacuum. Don’t tell me that’s just a “metaphor”, that’s a real harvest of souls, and it will come to pass in Matt. 3:12 and Rev. 14:15-16. So again, if the “wheats” from the second and third kinds of soil are still fruitless, what’s there to reap?
A rather dubious post.
Jesus commented on celibacy.
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.
Celibacy is a valid choice for any serving soldier.
That part of your post was valid.
This part of your post is the dubious part.
You neglected to state that the apostles went to their deaths proclaiming the gospel. I found no evidence that Mary preached the gospel or went to her death proclaiming the Christ, within the scripture.
Your interpretation below is also invalid.
The woman is the church and that bride is radiant with the righteousness of the Christ. The apostles are the crown on the brides head and shine like stars.
Jesus commented on celibacy.
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.
Celibacy is a valid choice for any serving soldier.
That part of your post was valid.
This part of your post is the dubious part.
You neglected to state that the apostles went to their deaths proclaiming the gospel. I found no evidence that Mary preached the gospel or went to her death proclaiming the Christ, within the scripture.
Your interpretation below is also invalid.
The woman is the church and that bride is radiant with the righteousness of the Christ. The apostles are the crown on the brides head and shine like stars.
FreeGrace2 said:
The angels harvest the saved and the unsaved. Lifestyle NEVER SAVES.
If it did, a whole lot of verses would have been written differently.
You may want to begin your study with Acts 16:31. Oh, and read ALL of the gospel of John.
Why are you changing the subject? You ignored my comments above. Why? Your view is about lifestyle for salvation. I've given you verses that refute your claim.
Regarding parable of sower, which gospel are you referring to? In Luke, there isn't another parable after the sower.
Why are you ADDING to God's Word? No gospel account says this. Quit making up stuff.
Presumption. Give me Scripture.
The angels harvest the saved and the unsaved. Lifestyle NEVER SAVES.
If it did, a whole lot of verses would have been written differently.
You may want to begin your study with Acts 16:31. Oh, and read ALL of the gospel of John.
Why are you changing the subject? You ignored my comments above. Why? Your view is about lifestyle for salvation. I've given you verses that refute your claim.
Regarding parable of sower, which gospel are you referring to? In Luke, there isn't another parable after the sower.
Why are you ADDING to God's Word? No gospel account says this. Quit making up stuff.
Presumption. Give me Scripture.
Even more scripture.
Read the following paragraph; it is a long one and I am sorry about that.
Matthew 25:1
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; 4 but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. 5 Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.
Is it possible to exclude the obvious and cling to once saved always saved, regardless of the lifestyle?
Read the following paragraph; it is a long one and I am sorry about that.
Matthew 25:1
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; 4 but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. 5 Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.
Is it possible to exclude the obvious and cling to once saved always saved, regardless of the lifestyle?
The point of parables was to give the truth to those who weren't paying attention anyway. So don't you play dumb.
Those who base their doctrines on parables are on shaky ground. A person can say nearly anything about what a parable is about and no one can challenge that because they could be taken a number of ways.
In fact, Jesus had to explain His parables to His own disciples, because even they couldn't understand them.
Those who base their doctrines on parables are on shaky ground. A person can say nearly anything about what a parable is about and no one can challenge that because they could be taken a number of ways.
In fact, Jesus had to explain His parables to His own disciples, because even they couldn't understand them.
I see two things.
1. the author was referring to no one else will see the Lord through your life if you don't pursue peace/holiness.
2. the believer who doesn't pursue peace/holiness will be out of fellowship with the Lord.
Both are true.
Your question suggests strongly that one's efforts in lifestyle are saves. Is that really your view?
Do you believe that everyone receives the gift of eternal life when they believe? Or this there some time frame after initial saving faith that one receives eternal life?
Do you believe that everyone who receives eternal life will not perish?
1. the author was referring to no one else will see the Lord through your life if you don't pursue peace/holiness.
2. the believer who doesn't pursue peace/holiness will be out of fellowship with the Lord.
Both are true.
Your question suggests strongly that one's efforts in lifestyle are saves. Is that really your view?
Do you believe that everyone receives the gift of eternal life when they believe? Or this there some time frame after initial saving faith that one receives eternal life?
Do you believe that everyone who receives eternal life will not perish?