[daniel1212]

Note also that relegating texts which plainly state it is "Not by works of righteousness which we have done... (Titus 3:5) as only excluding of works being salvific if done under the Law versus works of charity, ignores the fact that the reason Paul sometimes uses the Law - which Titus 3:5 does not, and was written to a Gentile - is because "if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Galatians 3:21)

[boatbums]

Note also that relegating texts which plainly state it is "Not by works of righteousness which we have done... (Titus 3:5) as only excluding of works being salvific if done under the Law versus works of charity, ignores the fact that the reason Paul sometimes uses the Law - which Titus 3:5 does not, and was written to a Gentile - is because "if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Galatians 3:21)

Good point that bears repeating. The Law of Moses was considered the epitome of laws. Whatever works men dream up that they think surpass God's law, only demonstrate how impotent they really are. And indeed, if righteousness could have come through any law, it would have been the one God gave to Moses.