Thanks for your response. We are saved by grace. However, in my mind there is a question as to how works fit into the picture. As I noted, Calvinists believe that good works are rewarded. However, scripture is replete with statements that the final judgment will bases on our deeds.
Here are some passages that I interpret we will be judged by our deeds:
8 Kgs 39 “You who alone know the hearts of all men, render to each one of them according to his conduct… .”
Jer 17:10 “I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heard to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.”
Jn 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Mt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
And of course, Mt 25:31ff (the sheep and the goats)
Rom 2:6 God “will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness.” See also v. 10.
2 Cor 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.”
See also Ps 18:21-25.
So how does this all work together? I am not a theologian nor do I play one on TV. So I confess Jesus as my savior and try to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.
“I am not a theologian nor do I play one on TV. So I confess Jesus as my savior and try to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.”
And I as well.
The key here is to rightly divide the word of Truth, as the Apostle Paul said in Timothy 2:15. As with most things (such as the Rapture), there some differing opinions, but mine is that the Old Testament and some of the New Testament is for the Jewish people. Jesus Himself said “I have not come except for the lost sheep of Israel”.
Jesus revealed to Paul the Mystery of the New Covenant, that by grace we are saved, and not of works, lest any man should boast.
My view is that it is highly advisable to live a life pleasing to the Lord, and you will be rewarded accordingly. I can’t find it right now, but I seem to remember it said that although believers will be saved, there will be tears in Heavan; meaning that that person will have the joy of ‘making it’ but will be ashamed at doing nothing or almost nothing for the Lord.
I believe my point of view is Biblically sound. But I recognize others honestly differ.
When Scripture is ‘rightly divided’, the confusion disappears. OT, Jesus ministry, and half of Acts are for the Nation of Isreal, and what’s given to Paul is for us today (in the age of Grace).
Finally, Paul does state that all Scripture is God-breathed, and profitable for instruction and reproof, so none of it is to be ignored.
Sorry for being so lengthy!