[CitizenUSA]

When you have faith in something, you act on that faith. I think that’s the point the Bible makes. Yes. You are saved by faith alone, but your works are proof of your changed heart. I you say you have faith and continue in the same sins as before, then you don’t really believe. Make sense?

BTW, I’m not saying Christians are without sin. We still continue to fall short, but we shouldn’t be wallowing in it. I think this is what Christ meant when he washed the disciples’ feet. When Peter said he wanted his whole body washed (don’t you just love that guy), Christ said He only needed his feet cleaned. I think that symbolizes the Christian walk. We no longer need a total cleansing like the first time when all those past sins were wiped clean. We only need touch ups.

[Rashputin]

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ?
Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire.
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven : but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy name, and cast out devils in thy name, and done many miracles in thy name ?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.

James 2:17 So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
James 2:18 But some man will say : Thou hast faith, and I have works : shew me thy faith without works ; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well : the devils also believe and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou, that faith did co-operate with his works; and by works faith was made perfect?
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God.
James 2:24 Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?
James 2:25 And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers, and sending them out another way?
James 2:26 For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.

I accept the Scriptures as my authority on Salvtion, not Martin Luther, but apparently some folks prefer Luther to the Apostles.