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Jghorton, on another thread you quoted John 12:48 which may be even more appropriate here:
"There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words, that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day." (weren't His words frequently about works?)
Jesus spoke of both faith AND works. The faith only people are IMO primarily interested in escaping responsibility for being an obedient servant (works are "good", but I've got my ticket to heaven), while the works only people seek to "earn" their salvation. Both faith and works are a two-sided coin that Jesus spoke of and demonstrated during His sojourn among us.
Blessings
That's what throws me off a bit,your last paragraph.
Also,I'm thinking of the thief next to Jesus,whom told the theif he will be in Paradise,because he beileved.
I'm sure he didn't perform any works,since of course he died.
That's what throws me off a bit,your last paragraph.
Also,I'm thinking of the thief next to Jesus,whom told the theif he will be in Paradise,because he beileved.
I'm sure he didn't perform any works,since of course he died.
Don't get confused, the works are not a requirement for salvation, they are the evidence of the change in attitude and intention that constitutes faith in who Christ said He IS. The theif demonstrated that attitude by telling the other thief to back off.
we should want to do good works. that should be done regardless of your faith. There is no formula is true. The good works we do are not to earn favor with God. it is because He has prepared those good works for us to walk in.
It is just sad when non believers do more good works than churchgoers. There is no need to go to church to have faith in God. Going to church is not considered a good vs bad works thing. it is just going church. some go to church for all the wrong reasons. others do not. either way, it should not be considered a work.
I don't go to church nor will I return to church. I am at peace with God and I no longer need church. some need it, and that is fine. they will not be able to walk in faith if they did not have church.
Have faith in Christ, and His completed work on the cross. Do good things because it is just the right thing to do.
Well said. I am very much like you in that I could not ever return to a church because they demand that I accept their "statement of faith" which contains all manner of things I don't believe. Jesus is my high priest.
That's what throws me off a bit,your last paragraph.
Also,I'm thinking of the thief next to Jesus,whom told the theif he will be in Paradise,because he beileved.
I'm sure he didn't perform any works,since of course he died.
Walking in faith will always be like balancing on a razor's edge. It is meant to be that way. We are being divided by the Word (Christ). There is no set "formula". No one can tell you the right answers. It's a journey.
IT says so in the book of St. James.
My idea of it is, if you are a true believer in Christ, we are called to be Christ like.
We are to, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, instruct the ignorant, etc.. And of course pray for those
who need it. Just because someone says they are Christian, doesn't mean anything unless you act it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerseygal4u
Someone,please,please explain that one to me.
Does it mean you can believe in God and his son Jesus Christ,and believe he can do anything,but if you don't go to church,or do other works like sharing the Word with your fellow man,you essentially are still in danger of annihilation?
I liked this thread and wanted to share a relevant passage that is worth reflection:
Quote:
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 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. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James ch.2
According to this passage, man is NOT justified by "faith only."
spelled out plainly in the Bible. I could never understand how Luther came up with "faith alone"
Luther was reacting to Catholic doctrines requiring essentially "works of Law" and ceremonial elements. Over-reaction is understandable if not well thought out.
Luther was reacting to Catholic doctrines requiring essentially "works of Law" and ceremonial elements. Over-reaction is understandable if not well thought out.
I was only just thinking this. Ok,so Luther saw that the scriptures not the priests had final authority,but his understanding of them was not that much more than the organization of that time he came out of. He had a glimmer of the flickering Light that begn to burn brighter again. Today the Lutheran church still looks to that glimmer of Light Luther had, and has organized around it and said this is all the truth there is,still preaching much of what the church he came out of, with all its threats and power over the gullible. . Luther walked in the Light he had( that was all he could do), those who today who walk in all that he had are hating the Light dawning today.
I was only just thinking this. Ok,so Luther saw that the scriptures not the priests had final authority,but his understanding of them was not that much more than the organization of that time he came out of. He had a glimmer of the flickering Light that begn to burn brighter again. Today the Lutheran church still looks to that glimmer of Light Luther had, and has organized around it and said this is all the truth there is,still preaching much of what the church he came out of, with all its threats and power over the gullible. . Luther walked in the Light he had( that was all he could do), those who today who walk in all that he had are hating the Light dawning today.
Could you clarify this last part, pcamps?
peace.
brian
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Well said. I am very much like you in that I could not ever return to a church because they demand that I accept their "statement of faith" which contains all manner of things I don't believe. Jesus is my high priest. 
