Okay, since I have clarified what I'm saying, don't ever call what I'm saying a works gospel or you will be lying.
Okay, then don't ever claim we teach grace is a license to sin.
Now, let me ask you,
must (not
will) a Christian have works to be saved?
The Bible says works are the measuring stick among men for anyone who claims salvation-James 2:18,24.
Bingo! We have a winner! They justify us before men, not before God! Glad to see you come around, Ralph!
No, unsaved people do not have works.
You are shown to have saving faith by what you do.
Can an unsaved person feed the poor? Care for the sick? Visit people in prison? Clothe the naked? Shelter the homeless?
It's you who keeps saying if one is saved they will demonstrate it by their good works, and we keep trying to explain to you, works are not the measuring stick.
Is Mother Teresa saved, Ralph? She had some
amazing good works, but she denied Jesus was the only way to heaven and encouraged people who were Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc., to be better Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.
But if we were to judge her by her works, as you would, we would have to say she was a stellar Christian.
You put your foot in it that time, Ralph.
What happened to your 'strive to live holy' line? (note, 'strive').
Now you're back to saying you don't have to live holy since your sins disappear? (it's a question, answer it, please).
We should. But not all will. I keep answering this question, and you keep ignoring the specifics.
I'll quote myself:
A believer may choose, based on his free will, to do little or nothing to serve the Lord. Those works are the ones that will be burned up as "hay and stubble" at the Judgment Seat, Yet, as the Bible says, he himself will remain saved.
Our works, before or after we believe, have nothing to do with our salvation. That is settled. And has been settled for over 2,000 years. It's a gift, unmerited in any way, shape, or form.
Mmm-kay?
That's making grace a license to sin.
Aaaaannnd we're back to that accusation again. (smh)
start by defining for us what making grace a license to sin is.
If I said, "Hey! Our sins are forgiven! Go out and murder, steal, lie, and pillage! Weeeeee!!!"
Not saying that, Ralph. Never did. No one here did.
Works show if you really have eternal life in you.
Yet again, even a charlatan can have exceptional works - and you would be fooled.
you are erroneously interpreting Paul to be saying the person who does NOT obey the commands of Jesus is saved despite his disobedience.
I swear, it's like pounding my head against a wall...
Okay, Ralph. You say we are to obey the commands of Jesus. Here's some:
"Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48)
Are you perfect, Ralph?
No? Well, here's how you can be! Jesus said if you want to be perfect, sell everything you have and give it to the poor. (Matthew 19:21)
I'm guessing you still have possessions - right, Ralph?
Should people pluck out their eyes, or hack off their hands? Jesus said to do that if they offend you. (Matthew 5:29-30)
I to assume you have both eyes and hands?
Do you pray in a closet? Jesus said to do that. (Matthew 6:5-8)
Jesus said to love the Lord thy God with ALL your heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)
Do you?
Jesus said if you have two coats to give one to the poor (Luke 3:11)
Do you own more than one coat, Ralph?
I could go on and on, but I hope you see the point. If you demand that we are to obey all of the commands of Jesus, you better get to work, pal.
Thankfully, Jesus summed them all up in this command: "Believe in the One He (the Father) has sent." (John 6:29)
That would be Jesus, Ralph. And we do. So our works are full up.
Paul said to compete as one trying to win.
That has nothing to do with pride.
I was teasing you, Ralph - trying to lighten the mood.