But there has been flat-out denial by more than one person that the reward is "eternal life." Even though Paul states that point-blank in Rom. 2:6-7.
But what NEEDS to be clear is that He does not give us what we deserve for our sins - that WOULD be eternal hell because only by the shedding of blood is there atonement for the soul.
And on that point NO ONE is disagreeing. Absolutely correct! And I might add that works done apart from faith and grace are in no way salvific nor good in any sense from God's perpective.
We cannot earn, work for, merit or deserve this gift, which is WHY it had to be a gift of grace.
Correct. And the Catholic Church condemns the view that man by his own nature can earn a right relationship with God (Pelagianism) and also the view that man in his unregenerated state is able to make the first movement toward God in faith and from thereon to enjoy the benefits of grace (Semipelagianism).
So, NO, God will NOT render eternal life in accordance with our works.
Incorrect. Again:
6 For [God] will render to every man according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life[.]
Let's break down the text. 1) Who will render (reward)? -- God. 2) What is the basis stated for the reward? -- "works"; 3) what is the stated reward given to those who persist in "well-doing" -- "eternal life."
So, yes, Scripture through the Holy Spirit says that God will reward eternal life in accordance with works. Matt. 25:31-46 provides a vivid illustration of this principal. Though I pointed that out in my prior post and you skipped right by it in your reply.
To hold to that is a rejection of His grace.
Not if one accepts and recognizes that the "works" which are rendered with eternal life are those done humbly in faith and through God's grace.
He gives to us eternal life through faith and NOT by our works.
It's more correct to say that we are saved by grace and both our faith and the works which are rendered with eternal life are the products of God's grace. Our works (properly understood as being under grace and not law) "perfect" our faith and also justify us. James 2:20-24.
Wrong! No one has denied that at all. What HAS been denied is that eternal life is a reward for works. Why would you think Paul would contradict what he had just finished saying? Is he getting senile? Did the Holy Spirit make a mistake? Rather, it is the false gospel of works for salvation that is in error when one tries to make Scripture say God gives us eternal life based on our works when He so frequently says we are NOT saved by our works. But, like I already said, if you want to be accounted worthy of eternal life by the works you do, go ahead. The problem will be you will not be able to boast of that before God. Chances are also that that kind of belief will NOT result in the very thing being worked for.
>>So, NO, God will NOT render eternal life in accordance with our works.<<
Incorrect. Again:
6 For [God] will render to every man according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life[.]
Let's break down the text. 1) Who will render (reward)? -- God. 2) What is the basis stated for the reward? -- "works"; 3) what is the stated reward given to those who persist in "well-doing" -- "eternal life." So, yes, Scripture through the Holy Spirit says that God will reward eternal life in accordance with works. Matt. 25:31-46 provides a vivid illustration of this principal. Though I pointed that out in my prior post and you skipped right by it in your reply.
Curious how you sure skip right by the verses that demonstrate the error of your conclusions. If we were to go by your interpretation of Romans 2:6-7, where does Paul mention faith in that passage? You claim he is saying God will reward eternal life to those who have works of "well-doing", but that passage alone says nothing of faith. You have to gratuitously add that in order to twist it to match your view of faith plus works for salvation.
Just what do you suppose Paul meant by those who "by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality"? Does not Hebrews 11:6 tell us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?
Not if one accepts and recognizes that the "works" which are rendered with eternal life are those done humbly in faith and through God's grace.
Consider the idea that, since God rewards those who seek Him diligently with the grace to have faith as well as the way of life that genuinely desires to please Him, eternal life is the reward, or the result, of soul-saving faith and that it is ALL from God, not something we do within ourselves. You HAVE to ignore many verses that repeatedly say our works do NOT merit eternal life - and works is both works of the law as well as works of righteousness. Once it sinks in that there is NOTHING of ourselves that can merit or earn or deserve heaven, we will comprehend the true and marvelous nature of the grace of God - it brings salvation to all those who believe.
It's more correct to say that we are saved by grace and both our faith and the works which are rendered with eternal life are the products of God's grace. Our works (properly understood as being under grace and not law) "perfect" our faith and also justify us. James 2:20-24.
Incorrect. You are letting works for salvation creep back into the equation and contradicting God's word that says our works are NOT what justifies us BEFORE God. We've already discussed that James is talking about an observable faith before others. He said Abraham was justified by faith before God, but his works were evidence before others that he had genuine faith and Abraham was justified BEFORE he acted on his faith. Did God need to see by his actions what was in Abraham's heart? No, He alone sees the heart (see Luke 15:16; I Samuel 16:7; Acts 1:24; I Kings 8:39; I Chron. 28:9; II Chron. 6:30). We can only see what is on the outward appearance, therefore, we see evidence of someone's faith by what they do. However, we probably all know of people who appeared to be people of faith because we saw their actions, but who later turned out to be wolves in sheep's clothing. THEY will be the "goats" Jesus proclaims He never knew at their judgment.
The whole gist of this argument as presented in the OP is that the kind of faith that saves us is the kind that is obvious by the changed life and motives of the believer. It comes out in a changed heart that comes to know the freedom from sin that is in Christ Jesus and the ability to walk by faith and joyfully do the works God has prepared for us to do. It is certainly NOT the kind that jumps for joy at the thought that one can keep on sinning to his heart's content and get a free pass to heaven when he's done. A genuine faith WILL be evident by how we live, BUT, how we live is not what merits our salvation. It is ALL by grace - from start to finish.