Here is yet another passage of scripture that works-salvationists use in a vain effort to try and support salvation by works. Romans 16:26 - but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for
obedience to the faith. Also, in Romans 1:5, we read - Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for
obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.
Now although Paul can speak of people’s initial response of
choosing to believe the gospel as an
act of obedience, in which he describes it as
"obeying the gospel" (Romans 10:16; 1:16), the purpose of Paul’s apostleship was not merely to bring people to conversion but also to bring about transformed lives that were obedient to God.
*Notice that Paul said they
HAVE (already) received grace and apostleship
FOR/UNTO obedience to the faith. Just as in Ephesians 2:10, Paul said that we are created in Christ Jesus
FOR/UNTO good works. We are clearly saved
FOR good works and
NOT BY good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). Paul did not say that they did not receive grace and apostleship until they produced obedience afterwards. We have
access by faith into grace.. (Romans 5:2) not faith
"and obedience/works." We are
saved through faith in Christ first, then "unto" obedience/works.
You have the tail wagging the dog, the cart before the horse.
