I am moved with the amount of confusion these days about the nature of our salvation. The answer to this question can be different depending on the denomination you attend, but I believe the Bible is clear if interpreted correctly. Salvation is a free gift, that is received through repentance and faith, and it was completely paid for by what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. All we are required to do is accept it by faith.
We are saved by faith.
But charity, love in action, is greater than faith, and faith works by love.
So no love then no faith.
Which Paul said he could have all faith as to remove mountains, but if he did not have charity then he is nothing.
And if any person preaches godliness is gain from such withdraw yourselves having food and clothing be content.
Which the love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law.
Which is a person goes by their wants with their money they have erred from the faith.
James said if they do not have charity, love in action, works, then their faith is dead.
Which a person is justified by works, and not faith alone, for love is greater than faith.
So Paul and James say the same thing.
We are not saved by works, but by faith when we first confess Christ for that is all we can do.
But when we receive the Spirit then we have to have works of love for our faith to be valid for salvation.
John said without charity then the love of God does not dwell in you.
So do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deeds, works, and in truth.
Which love is only valid if it is done in works.
The Bible says charity does not think an evil thought, and does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth to allow the Spirit to lead you to be Christlike.
Which a Spirit led person will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh so there is no excuse.
Which the Bible says the Lord knows them that are His having this seal that those that name the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
And if a person does not continue in the goodness of God they will be cut off.
And so not depart from the living God by the deceitfulness of sins.
Which some have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, and are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
The Bible says if any person thinks they stand take heed lest the fall.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling which we have a responsibility in our salvation for the Sprit will not lead us unless we allow it.
But many people do not allow the Spirit to lead them for they want to enjoy sin, and then say all they need is faith but that is not love so no faith.
We had to believe in God, repent of our sins, confess Christ, have love, have faith, study the word of God, keep ourselves unspotted from the world.
So our salvation is a free gift but we had to put in the effort to receive that free gift.
It seems some people say free gift to take responsibility away from themselves.
God calls things that have not happened yet, as though they already happened, for if it is a plan of God to happen in the future it is the same as if it happened in the past.
The Lamb was slain, the blood of the prophets slain, the kingdom prepared, all works were finished from the foundation of the world although they were future events.
Predestination of the saints means that God already had the plan of salvation to give to mankind before He laid down the foundation of the world, so it is the same as if they have salvation in the beginning.
And this salvation is to whoever wants this salvation.
God said He wants all people to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.
He is not willing that any perish that any perish, but that all come to repentance.
The Spirit and bride say Come, and anybody can have salvation.
What game are they playing but to say faith alone, and they cannot fall, so they can enjoy sin and believe they are alright.
