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To: annalex
Cherry-picking scripture doesn't make it so either.

Annalex you are confusing the cause and the effect of our salvation. That's what it boils down to. We are saved by Christ alone. Nothing else. It is all of Him. Once we have truly been saved, we will then produce good works. If they do not produce good works, then they are not saved. If they do produce good works then they may or may not be saved. Many will come to Jesus in that day and say "have we not done many good works in your name?" But Jesus NEVER knew them. If the good works are meant for any other reason than our love of Jesus, then they are not acceptable. A true Christian will produce good works out of his love for Christ, not that which he hopes to gain from Christ (including salvation- as all of our righteousness is as filthy rags in that regard). So, for review, we are not saved by works - rather we are saved TO work.

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.

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

# Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Ephesians 8: 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

# 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Matthew 7
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
8,025 posted on 01/29/2007 4:23:36 PM PST by Blogger
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To: Blogger
we are not saved by works - rather we are saved TO work

You correctly describe the fact that our salvation comes form Christ alone, but you incorrectly assume that works are mere evidence or product of faith. In fact, the scripture teaches that there is a two-way relationship between faith and works. This is why Romans 2, James 2, and Apocalypse 22 plainly state that were are saved by our works, and the process is described in Matthew 25.

What your cherryproofs show is that "the good works [...] meant for any other reason than our love of Jesus [...] are not acceptable". No argument there. They do not show that works in turn produce faith. How could they? It is St. Paul who likened the Christian life to a race and a battle, who declared love the greatest virtue for us to "put on". The Protestant notion of salvation preceding sanctification is counterscriptural -- it contradicts Matthew 25, 2 Peter 1, Romans 2:1-8, the parable of the rich young man who received a direct answer to the question what saves from Christ, and the exhortations to virtue -- not to faith -- we find at the end of every Pauline epistle.

Rather than changing subjects, why don't you face the problem you have, -- that Matthew 25 described election before the foundation of the world, and judgement at the end of times by works?

8,028 posted on 01/29/2007 4:53:24 PM PST by annalex
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