[irishtenor]

What I find odd is that you use a proof text that proves OUR point. It is NOT by works, it is by faith. And how do you get that faith? Through Jesus who calls you by name. You don’t do ANYTHING. It is NOT of yourselves, but God alone, through faith alone. It is NOT of works, so that man may say “See what I have done? I have approached God.” Even our “good works” demonstrate the faith that God puts in us, and does not demonstrate how much we have aspired to be with God. They are works GOD has prepared for us.
Again, thanks for OUR proof text :>)

May God be with you all. Irishtenor.

[boatbums]

Thank you for the post. Why do you think so many people have such a completely different viewpoint on this? My belief is that it is because of pride that mankind thinks he must add his "two-cents worth" to everything. I just don't understand why others don't get the simplicity that is in Christ. God paid the penalty for our sins - something we could never do - and offers salvation as a gift to be accepted, received, believed.

Good works are indeed part of the Christian's life of faith - after we are saved. But to somehow think anything we do must go along with the sacrifice of Christ, is to count the cross of Christ of no effect or value. Hundreds of verses tell us eternal life is a gift of God, that it is given to us by God's grace. It is pure pride, or total confusion, that prevents people from receiving this amazing gift of grace! IMO.

[annalex]

Ephesians 2 does not prove your point. It expresses the Catholic position: that not all works are salvific, — for example, works done for a social gain are not, but that works that God wants you to do are: they are together with faith a gift from God.

Read the Ctripture attentively and you will leave the Protestant heresies behind.

[D-fendr]

I’ll ask you the same question: How do you reconcile your beliefs with free will?