Replies

For as the Apostle Paul declares, we are Justified by Saving Faith itself apart from Good Works. Galatians 2:16 -- Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ~~ I find it hard to believe that you don't know what is meant by "the works of the law" and that you confuse them with the good works flowing from a Christian working in cooperation with the grace of God. This passage is not discussing "faith v works" as we Christians do, but is contrasting the Old and New Covenants. If you misread this one verse, what are we to make of the rest of your writings? SD

This passage is not discussing "faith v works" as we Christians do, but is contrasting the Old and New Covenants... Hmmm.

Are you saying that Actions in accordance with God's Law, in the Old Testament, were not Good Works?
Or are you saying that Actions in accordance with God's Law, in the New Testament, are not Good Works?
Please advise.

Are you saying that Actions in accordance with God's Law, in the Old Testament, were not Good Works?
Or are you saying that Actions in accordance with God's Law, in the New Testament, are not Good Works?
Please advise.

I am saying that Christians who perform actions that are meritorious (feeding the hungry, comforting the afflicted, etc.) are doing something entirely different than Jews following the Law given at Sinai.

When Christians discuss faith v works, it is not about following the Law at all.

We all agree that the Law did not provide righteousness. That is what Paul is saying in the passage you misunderstand. It has nothing to do with the need for Christians to do good things in order to make their faith real and not merely an empty confession.