Kolo, I usually enjoy our discussions. If nothing else you are informative.
However, the gulf between us in faith will probably never be bridged. I don't and won't believe in a works earned salvation.
"However, the gulf between us in faith will probably never be bridged. I don't and won't believe in a works earned salvation."
But, WF, +Anthony is quite clear that he is rejecting a works based salvation, as do all the Fathers:
"To this it must be answered that God neither rejoices nor grows angry, for to rejoice and to be offended are passions; nor is He won over by the gifts of those who honor Him, for that would mean He is swayed by pleasure. It is not right that the Divinity feel pleasure or displeasure from human conditions."
Works don't get you into heaven. The Fathers are real clear on that. A similitude to Christ is the key.
This is what the scripture teaches though.
6 [God] will render to every man according to his works. 7 To them indeed, who according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life: 8 But to them that are contentious, and who obey not the truth, but give credit to iniquity, wrath and indignation.(Romans 2)
19 Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou, that faith did co-operate with his works; and by works faith was made perfect? 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. 24 Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only? 25 And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers, and sending them out another way? 26 For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.
(James 2)
12 Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his works. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Blessed are they that wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb: that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 15 Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and unchaste, and murderers, and servers of idols, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.
(Apocalypse 22)
Yet what we do will be used for our judgment, to each man accoridng to what he has done. The parable about talents leaves no doubt that God is not indifferent to what we do.
In other words, talk is cheap. Show me your faith, says the Apostle, by works.
Jam 2:14 ¶ What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?