Are all works bad?

[mailmandan]

Consider it done. You said, “ There are about 20 that speak of salvation through FAITH ALONE.” Not only does James 2:24 contradict that, but NOT ONE of those scriptures you gave have the word “alone” in them. You see, that’s where the mistake lies. No one argues that we are NOT saved by faith. What makes what you believe not true is ADDING the word “alone.” It’s not in any of those scriptures. That’s what you believe but the Bible does not teach that we are saved by faith alone. There is a HUGE difference between being saved by faith and being saved by faith alone.

The Bible makes it clear in many passages of scripture that man is saved through belief/faith - "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-14, 26; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus, baptism? Plus, works? NO. So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone.

*Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14-24)

Not only does God NOT teach that we are saved by faith alone, but God actually teaches AGAINST that in James 2:24.

James 2:24 is a major stumbling block for works-salvationists, including Roman Catholics, Mormons and Campbellites. How about a little context. In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

In regard to James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

You see that a man is justified (shown to be righteous) by works and not by an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone "barren of works." (James 2:14)

*Fits the context.

Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness. *Hermeneutics.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist. (Luke 7:29) This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet authentic faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-24).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[mailmandan]

I am not going to argue anything because, based on what the Bible says, you are painting faith as a work of God and if that is the case then, maybe you are in somewhat right, but I hope you understand that I personally do not care what Calvin said or any other man, I follow and believe what Bible say and that´s all. Let's put it this way, faith is the only work by which we can be saved because, if it is by some other work, then we are not understanding each other.

In John 6:29, Jesus said - "This is the work (singular) of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent," when He answered the Jews (who were taking a legalistic approach) when they asked, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works (plural) of God?" So, by Jesus' play on words here, He was not implying that believing is just "another" work in a series of works in a quest to receive salvation by works. Also, through believing, we are completely trusting in "Another's work," (Christ's finished work of redemption).

 

[mailmandan]

Yeap of course I read it. You said that the thief lived under the law and more things...
But for some weird reason he was forgiven by the grace of God through believing in Jesus. That's why I answered the example of the thief for second time and adding the example of the dying guy on the bed of an hospital.
As I said, believe whatever you want to believe. It is your right.

A common argument used by water-salvationists in an attempt to "get around" the thief on the cross being saved through faith "apart from water baptism" is, "the thief was not subject to baptism because he died under the Old Testament mandate. (Others may argue how do we know he was not already water baptized). I've heard it all.

So let's see, after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, in Acts 2:38, we read - "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.." and before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3, we read - John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

So, in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3, was this baptism of repentance FOR (in order to obtain) the remission of sins or was it or FOR (in regards to/on the basis of) the remission of sins received upon repentance? It would have to be the latter in order to agree with the Old Testament mandate argument from water-salvationists. In Matthew 3:11, we read: I baptize you with water FOR repentance.. If translated "in order to obtain" the verse does not make sense. I baptize you with water FOR (in order to obtain) repentance? or I baptize you with water FOR (in regards to/on the basis of) repentance? Obviously, the latter.

Whatever baptism is "for" in Acts 2:38, it's "for" in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3. Water baptism is "in regard to" remission of sins received upon repentance. So the water baptism is not necessary for salvation under the Old Testament mandate but is necessary for salvation under the New Testament mandate argument doesn't hold water.

Before AND after Pentecost, salvation is through belief/faith "apart from water baptism" (Luke 7:50; 8:12; John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43-47; 11:17-18; 13:39; 16:31; Romans 1:16; 3:22-28; 4:2-6; 5:1; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

In Matthew 27:39-44, we see that those who passed by, along with the chief priests scribes and elders blasphemed, mocked and shook their heads at Jesus and EVEN THE ROBBERS WHO WERE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM REVILED HIM WITH THE SAME THING. I certainly don't see being crucified as a thief, blaspheming, mocking and shaking your head at Jesus as being the fruit of repentance/faith. Yet, moments later, we see that the thief had a "change of mind" (repentance) placed his faith in Christ for salvation and was saved (Luke 23:40-43). Of course, he died before having the opportunity to be water baptized afterwards.

 

[mailmandan]

Jesus only needs to say something one time for it to be true; but there are at least 2 other scriptures that say that FAITH IS A WORK. . 1 Thess. 1:3 and 1 Thess. 1:11...

1 Thess. 1:11?

Notice the words "work of" faith, "labor of" love and "patience of" hope in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. These are the practical outworking of the Thessalonians' conversion. The "work" the Thessalonians do is a result or consequence of their faith. So too their "labor" flows from love and their "endurance" comes from hope. Work "of" faith does not mean that faith in essence is the work accomplished. Their work is a result or consequence "of" their faith. The work done is "of" faith or done "out of" faith. Faith was already established at conversion and then the work "followed" as a result or consequence "of" their faith. So, work "of" faith does not equate to work "is" faith. There is a distinction between faith “and” works. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

 

[j55]

While that verse is true, it in no way refutes or contradicts what I have posted about works. John 6:28-29 STILL says “believing “ is a WORK. And James 2:24 STILL says “by WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED ( Saved) and NOT by FAITH ONLY. So what do you think Acts 10:23 proves? Only that “faith” is one of The Works Of God that saves us!

I agree with you.
James chapter 2. Faith and works go together. Abraham demestrated both. And it pleased God. Hebrews chapter 6. Therefore leaving the principal of the doctrine of Christ, let us go into perfection, not laying up again the foundation of repentance form dead Works, and Faith towards God.

False brethren don't have holy Spirit. They are not convicted of Sin. Nekros in Greek means - destructive power, fatal.

Hebrews chapter 9
Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our conscience form sinful deed so that we can worship living God.

John chapter 13. Not everyone is clean , Jesus tells us to avoid Dead Works. James 2:20 , Faith with out works is dead.

Isaiah chapter 66

False brethren are empty religion. They despise Christian people Who have genuine worship.

I agree with you.

Peace.

 

[Derobo]

Faith and Deeds

James 2:14-26

14. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
15. Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.
16. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
17. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faithby my deeds.
19. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]?
21. Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22. You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e] and he was called God’s friend.
24. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
26. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Here is a commentary by the early church on these verses:

James 2:14 : What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

Faith Without Works

Augustine.
Persistent Evil:
In order to help them, God has put fear in the hearts of believers,
lest they think that they might be saved by faith alone, even if they continue to practice these evils.
On Continence 14.13.
[FC 16:228-29.]

Andreas.
Show Faith by Deeds:
If someone does not show by his deeds that he believes in God, his profession of faith is worthless. For it is not the one who just says that he is the Lord’s who is a believer, but the one who loves the Lord so much that he is prepared to risk even death because of his faith in him.
Catena.
[CEC 14.]

Oecumenius.
Faith Elicits Action:
Take note of what spiritual understanding really is. It is not enough to believe in a purely intellectual sense. There has to be some practical application for this belief. What James is saying here does not contradict the apostle Paul, who understood that both belief and action were a part of what he called “faith.”
Commentary on James.
[PG 119:477.]

James 2:19: You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Even the Devils Believe—and Shudder

Augustine
How Demons Believe:
Those who believe and act according to true faith do live and are not dead, but those who do not believe, or else who believe like the demons, trembling but living evilly, proclaiming the Son of God but not having love, must rather be accounted dead.
Tractates 22.7.2.
[FC 79:203.]

Augustine
They Believe and Tremble:
Will the devils see God? Those who are pure of heart will see him, and who would say that the devils are pure of heart? Nevertheless, they believe and tremble.
Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount 53.10.
[FC 11:219.]

Salvian the Presbyter
Works Attest Faith:
Good works are witnesses to the Christian faith, because otherwise a Christian cannot prove that he has that faith. If he cannot prove it, it must be considered completely nonexistent.
On the Governance of God 4.2.
[FC 3:92.]

Hilary of Arles
Belief That Lacks Reverence:
Those who believe but who do not fear God are even worse than the devils. And those who believe and tremble but who do not practice what they preach are just like the devils.
Introductory Tractate on the Letter of James.
[PL Supp. 3:72.]

Bede
Faith without love is demonic:
You can believe what God says, you can believe that God exists, and you can believe in him, which means that you love him so much that you want to do what he tells you. There are many evil people around who can manage the first two of these. They believe that God means what he says, and they are quite prepared to accept that he exists. But it takes someone who is not just a nominal Christian but who is one in deed and in living to love God and to do what he commands. Faith with love is Christian, but faith without love is demonic.
Concerning the Epistle of St. James.
[PL 93:22.]

Andreas
Lip Service to Faith:
James gives us the example of the devils, saying that those who profess faith with their lips only are really no better than they are. For even they believe that Christ is the Son of God, that he is the Holy One of God and that he has authority over them.
Catena. [CEC 14-15.]

Caesarius of Arles
The Faith of Demons:
The apostle says that a man who believes and does not act has the faith of demons. If that is true, imagine the fate of a man who does not believe at all.
Sermons 12.5.
[FC 31:72.]

 

[Beckworth]

The Bible makes it clear in many passages of scripture that man is saved through belief/faith - "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-14, 26; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus, baptism? Plus, works? NO. So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone.

*Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14-24)

James 2:24 is a major stumbling block for works-salvationists, including Roman Catholics, Mormons and Campbellites. How about a little context. In James 2:14, we read of one who says/claims he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!

In regard to James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) Works bear out the justification that already came by faith.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

You see that a man is justified (shown to be righteous) by works and not by an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone "barren of works." (James 2:14)

*Fits the context.

Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness. *Hermeneutics.

Greek word for justified "dikaioo" Strongs #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

*Fits the context.

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist. (Luke 7:29) This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, “acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, “they declared God just.” This is the "sense" in which God was “justified.” He was shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet authentic faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-24).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*

Man can’t be saved by faith alone because the Bible specifies other things that also save us—like repentance, confession and baptism. If we are saved by faith ALONE then nothing else saves us. We are not saved by repentance or confession or baptism, but the scriptures teach that we ARE saved by all of these things: Repent or perish Luke 13:3,5, when people asked Peter what they must do the first thing he told them was to repent. Acts 17:30 God COMMANDS us to repent. Roman’s 10:10, Matthew 10:32 tells us to confess Christ as the son of God. We have the example of the Ethiopian eunuch who confessed his faith before being baptized, leaving us a perfect example of Romans 10:10. And, regardless of the fact that you don’t believe it—God tells us that baptism saves us too. So you see, God would have to be a liar if He saves us by faith only. Faith only doctrine contradicts many, many other scriptures in a book that has no contradictions.

If, as you say, we are not saved by works then we can’t be saved by faith because God defines faith as a work. John 6:29 Jesus himself calls it a “work”. The apostle Paul also calls it a work in 1 Thess. 1:4 and 2 Thess. 1:11. So, now, are you willing to say we are not saved by faith? The “truth” is that we are saved by the works that God has designated for us to obey—faith, repentance, confession and baptism. These are the works of God that Jesus told the disciples we must do. This harmonizes with every other scripture in God’s word. If “faith” is a work of God, then baptism must be too because Mark 16:16 makes them both necessary for salvation. “He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved.”

 

[mailmandan]

Man can’t be saved by faith alone because the Bible specifies other things that also save us—like repentance, confession and baptism.

It sounds to me like you are indoctrinated into church of Christ/Campbellism doctrine which teaches a 4-step plan of salvation that culminates in salvation by water baptism. Man is saved through faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) The moment that we place our faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation we are saved. (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1) No further steps after that are necessary.

If we are saved by faith ALONE then nothing else saves us.

If we are not saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone and are also saved by works, then we have a contradiction in scripture. (Romans 4:2-6; 11:6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

We are not saved by repentance or confession or baptism, but the scriptures teach that we ARE saved by all of these things:

Repentance is a "change of mind" and the new direction of this change of mind is faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Two sides to the same coin. (Acts 20:21) Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation have already repented in the process of changing their mind and choosing to place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Where you have one you must have the other. That is repentance unto life. (Acts 11:17,18) Confession is an expression of faith and not a work for salvation. Baptism "follows" salvation through believing in Him/faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Acts 10:43-47; 15:7-9)

Repent or perish Luke 13:3,5, when people asked Peter what they must do the first thing he told them was to repent. Acts 17:30 God COMMANDS us to repent.

In the context of Luke 13:3, Jesus challenged the people's notion that they were morally superior to those who suffered in such catastrophes. He called all to repent or perish. For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance in receiving salvation (faith in Jesus Christ for salvation), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, metanoia, focuses on changing one's mind about his previous concept of God (as in Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, this change of mind, focuses on the new direction that change of mind must ultimately take, namely, trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Acts 20:21 - testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Roman’s 10:10, Matthew 10:32 tells us to confess Christ as the son of God. We have the example of the Ethiopian eunuch who confessed his faith before being baptized, leaving us a perfect example of Romans 10:10.

I've heard certain people (especially those who attend the church of Christ) misinterpret Romans 10:9-10 in such a way that means we can believe unto righteousness today, but are still lost until we confess Christ, which may be next week and then we are finally saved next week, but that is not what Paul is talking about here. Also, someone who is mute (unable to speak) would remain lost according to that erroneous interpretation of Romans 10:9,10 for failing to "verbally confess with their mouth."

Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together. Romans 10:8 - But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart" (TOGETHER) that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (notice the reverse order from verse 9-10) - that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Confess/believe; believe/confess.

1 Corinthians 12:3 - Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except BY the Holy Spirit. There is divine influence or direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person when confessing Jesus as Lord. This confession is not just a simple acknowledgment that Jesus is the Lord (even the demons believe that), but is a deep personal conviction that Jesus is that person's Lord and Savior. So simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply giving "lip service" to the words "Jesus is Lord" not by the Holy Spirit is not unto salvation.

In regard to Matthew 10:32-33, the broader context of this passage relates to the fact that the Pharisees had continuously denied Jesus while the disciples spoke about Him everywhere they went. We might paraphrase His teaching this way: "Whoever confesses me before men (such as you disciples), I will confess him before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before men (like these Pharisees do on every occasion they get), I will deny him before my Father in heaven.

Those who confess Jesus are those who recognize Him as being the true Messiah and trust in Him as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Those who deny Jesus (and those who give mere lip service confession) but refuse to trust in Him alone for salvation place themselves beyond any possibility of salvation, since salvation is found only in Him. (John 3:18; 10:9; 14:6)

The word for "deny" is an aorist tense. This points to the fact that Jesus is not talking about a single instance of denial (as was the case with Peter, who actually denied Him three times - Luke 22:34), but is referring to life in its entirety. Hence, the person who throughout his life denies Christ (as was typically the case with the Pharisees and includes unbelievers who may even give mere "lip service confession" - Matthew 7:21-23 but lack saving faith in Christ) will be denied by Christ before the Father.

The Ethiopian eunuch confessed his faith because the word of faith was in his mouth and in his heart TOGETHER. (Romans 10:8-10) So, confession is an expression of faith that is by the Holy Spirit and is not a work for salvation.

CONTINUED..

 

[mailmandan]

And, regardless of the fact that you don’t believe it—God tells us that baptism saves us too.

Is that what God said in John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 1 John 5:13? What was the ONE condition "apart from additions or modifications" in each of those passages of scripture that God said saves? What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

So you see, God would have to be a liar if He saves us by faith only.

Was God lying when He said that man is saved by grace through faith and not by works in Ephesians 2:8,9? Was God lying when he said that man is justified by faith "apart from additions or modifications" in Romans 5:1? Paul is not talking about "faith only" per James - empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone "barren of works" (James 2:14)

Faith only doctrine contradicts many, many other scriptures in a book that has no contradictions.

I don't teach salvation through "faith only" per James 2:24. In regard to James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) I teach salvation through faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; Romans 3:24-28; Ephesians 2:8,9 etc..). Learn the difference.

If, as you say, we are not saved by works then we can’t be saved by faith because God defines faith as a work. John 6:29 Jesus himself calls it a “work”.

I already covered this in post #62.

The apostle Paul also calls it a work in 1 Thess. 1:4 and 2 Thess. 1:11.

I already covered this in post #64. Be sure to go back and thoroughly read posts #62 and #64.

So, now, are you willing to say we are not saved by faith?

We are saved by faith and not by works and faith is not just "another" work in a series of works in a quest to receive salvation by works, as you apparently teach.

The “truth” is that we are saved by the works that God has designated for us to obey—faith, repentance, confession and baptism. These are the works of God that Jesus told the disciples we must do.

Your false gospel culminates in salvation by works and is the result of bad semantics and flawed hermeneutics.

This harmonizes with every other scripture in God’s word. If “faith” is a work of God, then baptism must be too because Mark 16:16 makes them both necessary for salvation. “He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved.”

Wrong again. Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned.

The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely necessary for salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief and not on a lack of baptism. *NOWHERE does the Bible say, "baptized or condemned." If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions NINE different times in each of these complete statements? *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.