In regard to John 5:28-29, Jesus is
describing those who did good deeds (believers) and will receive a resurrection of life. Jesus is not saying that these believers were saved based on the merits of their good deeds. What did Jesus say was the
basis or means of receiving eternal life in
John 3:15,
16,
18;
5:24;
6:29,
40,
47;
11:25,
26? *Not good deeds. What did Paul say in
Ephesians 2:8,
9;
Titus 3:5;
2 Timothy 1:9? *Not good deeds either. Jesus goes on to
describe those who committed evil deeds (unbelievers) to a resurrection of judgment.
*We see the same
descriptive language in Romans 2:5-8. These good deeds done are the result of, not the means or basis of receiving eternal life.
Typical of those that want t distort scripture.
Here is the scripture again....you're adding to it,,,as usual.
John 5:28-29
28 Do not be amazed at this; for [l]a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
29 and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
Romans 2:5-8
5 But [f]because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
6 who will repay each person according to his deeds:
7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life;
8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.
Those who wish to obey Jesus read the above and understand it.
Those who want to twist the words of Jesus, for whatever reason,,,will not understand it and they will add their own words to what Jesus has stated.
Jesus needs no help from you.
He was a good communicator and we should heed what HE taught.
Instead of carpet bombing (difficult to break old habits)
why not EXPLAIN, with scripture,
why we should listen to YOU instead of Jesus when His words are plain?
Where is the word MERIT in what Jesus stated, for example?
I don't see it.
You do.
Why?
So patient continuance in well doing, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality; (vs. 7) is not at all set forth as the means of their procuring eternal life, but as a description of those to whom God does render life eternal.
Right.
God gives eternal life to those that continue in doing well.
He is describing those that WILL RECEIVE eternal life.
They will CONTINUE in DOING WELL.
*Notice that ALL who receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does good (vs. 10). Good deeds flow from a heart that is saved and evil deeds flow from a heart that is unsaved. Verse 8 - but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath.
Right again.
Those that are unrighteous - not right with God - will receive indignation and wrath.
Who are the unrighteous?
The lawless...those that do not follow the Law of Christ.....His commandments.
Jesus warned about hypocrites...those that SAY but DO NOT DO.
Jesus wants us TO DO.
He wants us to ACT ON HIS WORDS.
Matthew 23:3
3 Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and [a]comply with it all, but do not do [b]as they do; for they say things and do not do them.
*Notice that
ALL who do not receive eternal life are
described as such,
everyone who does evil (vs. 9). What those passages convey is that though our deeds are judged by God, it's not the good deeds themselves which are the basis or means by which we receive eternal life, but the type of deeds expose our heart condition and salvation status.
These good deeds done out of faith are the fruit of, but not the root of salvation. If Paul wanted to teach that we are saved by works, then he would have clearly stated that we are saved through faith
and works in Ephesians 2:8 and that we are justified by faith
and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. *Also see (Romans 3:24-28; 4:4-6; 11:6; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).
In regard to Matthew 7:23, ALL unbelievers are considered lawless in the eyes of God apart from authentic faith in Jesus Christ, the blood of Jesus Christ to wash away our sins and the imputed righteousness of God. So, you can't get away from the truth. Scripture must harmonize with scripture.[/QUOTE]