debbiejoe,
The word works in this context is not talking about actions performed in order to be saved. It is just talking about corresponding actions. For example, if a person says that they have turned over a new leaf then there should be some corresponding actions that evince this declaration. If this person is a smoker and they say that they quit smoking then you shouldn't seem them out and about smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes would contradict their statement that they quit smoking. Simarly, if a person says that they are born again then they should have some corresponding actions that substantiate it not cause it. Our good deeds don't cause, effect, or bring about our salvation because by grace are we saved through faith. Our actions simply should mirror what we say. Otherwise we would be a hypocrite. This is what is meant by faith without works is dead. Can you see this debbiejo?
Originally posted by Justbyfaith
Well, I will let God judge my works...but as far as salvation... that happened right when I was born again by accepting Jesus as the Lord and Savior of my life! 😄 I will let Him continue to be the Author and Finisher of my faith. 💃 He is the one who will finish what He has started to do in me.
* yes, i know... i only disagree in salvation without good works and only faith alone... because in salvation, faith and works are both needed... 😉
Originally posted by JesusIsAliveIt depends on your denominational view.
debbiejoe,The word works in this context is not talking about actions performed in order to be saved. It is just talking about corresponding actions. For example, if a person says that they have turned over a new leaf then there should be some corresponding actions that evince this declaration. If this person is a smoker and they say that they quit smoking then you shouldn't seem them out and about smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes would contradict their statement that they quit smoking. Simarly, if a person says that they are born again then they should have some corresponding actions that substantiate it not cause it. Our good deeds don't cause, effect, or bring about our salvation because by grace are we saved through faith. Our actions simply should mirror what we say. Otherwise we would be a hypocrite. This is what is meant by faith without works is dead. Can you see this debbiejo?
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
debbiejoe,The word works in this context is not talking about actions performed in order to be saved. It is just talking about corresponding actions. For example, if a person says that they have turned over a new leaf then there should be some corresponding actions that evince this declaration. If this person is a smoker and they say that they quit smoking then you shouldn't seem them out and about smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes would contradict their statement that they quit smoking. Simarly, if a person says that they are born again then they should have some corresponding actions that substantiate it not cause it. Our good deeds don't cause, effect, or bring about our salvation because by grace are we saved through faith. Our actions simply should mirror what we say. Otherwise we would be a hypocrite. This is what is meant by faith without works is dead. Can you see this debbiejo?
While I hate doing this, because your posts, the ones I have read, are rude and show no respect for other people's beliefs, I will agree with this post.
The idea is that if you truly have faith, the works will be present. It is semantics. Many Christians take the verses too literally, and say works are unnecessary for salvation. What is being said is that if you really have faith the works will exist, if not then they won't be there.
The issue with saying you are saved by your works is that it suggests that you are the one that has caused salvation. God doesn't have to save a person just because he does good things, God chooses to.
Me personally, I think that it would have been easier to just say something like, "Don't get too proud" It's the same thing.
Originally posted by debbiejo
Soooooo what are works? They are the fruits of the spirit right. That is how you[B] KNOW THEM, by their fruits. So, if Tom Blow, an Atheist has all the fruits and Joe Shmoe, a Christian has few or none, which would be more important in your gods eyes??? [/B]
Joe Schmoe, but he'd still be better off if he had the faith there. At least that is my belief's view.
Originally posted by debbiejo
So you're saying that a nonbeliever, someone peaceful like Gandhi is in hell and someone who proclaimed to be Christian like Hitler is is Heaven??
Sorry, had your names reversed. The atheist, but he'd still be better off if he had the faith there. Sorry about that 😉 I just liked the name Joe Schmoe better than Tom Blow