mailmandan
Well-Known Member
We are saved FOR good works and NOT BY good works. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
WE ARE NOT SAVED BY WORKS...WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
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I'm sure that is simply metaphorical words. I have another point of view for that phrase. The phrase intend to make us humble. How great we are we may get failed. And it doesn't mean we don't work at all.
Even if get work there is no guarantee we will get save, just imagine if we don't work at all.
• Works are required for salvation—but Scripture is clear that those works are Christ’s, not ours. Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). In fact, “the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross reconciled us to God (Romans 5:10), and as He died, Jesus proclaimed that the work was finished (John 19:30). Now we are invited to enter into God’s rest by faith: “Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works” (Hebrews 4:10).
• Our works do nothing to earn or maintain salvation. It was the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ that justifies sinners (Romans 3:24). “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, . . . because by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). We begin by faith, and we continue in faith: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2–3).
• Our works do nothing to earn or maintain salvation. It was the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ that justifies sinners (Romans 3:24). “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, . . . because by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). We begin by faith, and we continue in faith: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2–3).
Unless you are incapable of getting off the couch due to disabilities. At any rate, it's your faith that saves you, not whatever works your faith produces. Saying a decision is a work is absurd. The Bible makes a clear distinction between faith and works. Lots of people have been saved and never had the opportunity to do anything physically for God before going to meet him.
I believe it tells us we can't simply do good and be saved. We must be born again. Repenting, leaving that shell and spirit of our worldly self and ways in the grave.
To resurrect from that death of old self in the new birth as a new spectacular creation blessed and redeemed by God.
"If you have pain he's the pain taker. If you have chains he's the chain breaker." Praise the Lord and his mercies. :)
Among Christians yes. However, I think what is priority is what does it say in God's own words?
Ephesians 2
Phillipians 2:13
Your defining a word from the Bruno Dictionary. Which I am sure it is a good Dictionary but has nothing to do with the Bible.
Works in relation to observing a religious process or rules is used in the Bible. Paul talks about the the Law and works of the Law.
The Law was the Mosaic Law, 613 Laws which did in fact rule thought and praise and pray. So a religious decision by definition on the subject that Paul was talking about is considered works.
If you want to put it in a modern dictionary context, how may people make a living by working with their minds.
Sorry about your mom.
Salvation is a gift. Thank for your testimony about Yeshua on the cross...no "J's" in that time period.
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I am sorry to hear about your mom brother yet, joyful that she responded to Christ before her last breath, may God comfort you and yours.
He turns on the TV, comes across someone preaching salvation, and since faith comes from hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17, he now has enough faith to make the choice to either receive Jesus and become a child of God, John 1:12, or reject Jesus, as His own, that He came for, did in John 1:11.
And he has the choice to repent of his sins so they are forgiven, Acts 3:19, or not repent, as that tv preachers sermon informed him that he needs to do.
As to works, Most people have zero clue about works, or what the term means to Paul.
When Paul said we are saved by grace, via faith, not by works, he was specifically talking about works of the law of Moses.
Anytime in his epistles Paul mentions the law, it’s always about the body of law with its 613 regulations, called the law of Moses.
We’re not saved by works of the law of Moses, therefore we don’t have to eat kosher foods, sacrifice animals, or any of the other 611 rules that are in it.
People ignorantly think anything a believer must do is a work, then cite Ephesians 2:8-9 and claim there’s nothing at all a believer is required to do.
James on the other hand, talks about works, but not works of the law of Moses.
That there are two different kinds of works explains the apparent contradiction between Paul writing that Abraham was justified apart from works, and James writing that Abraham WAS justified by works, as are ALL MEN.
In fact works were part of Abraham’s justification and perfected his faith.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by WORKS WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT?
Jas 2:23 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.
Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED and NOT by faith ONLY.
Jas 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Above, it states that though Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him as righteousness, his works of obedience in sacrificing his son Isaac (as a test, before God stopped him), was an integral part of his justification, and his works perfected his faith.
There are works of obedience we are to do, as believers, (apart from the law of Moses), as part of justification.
Ronald David Bruno
Well-Known Member
Taodeching
Active Member
Well Works talked about in the verse is the law, but if you explained better than I would have known what your talking about. To me none of that would be valid but maybe for evangelicals it is. Billy needs to go to Church when he decides to repent, he would get baptized, then be confirmed to receive the Holy Spirit and that is it. Billy than starts his salvation journey only to be complete upon death. Then Billy can partake of the elements when they are consecrated by the Priest.
Taodeching
Active Member
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