[1stFreedom]

>>has hardened in its error,

You presume that it was in error in the first place. Abuse of theology does not mean the root theology was in error.

>>to say that man is saved by faith alone in Christ alone, as taught by the Scriptures alone

I see you exhibit a classic Lutheran error. Now where in scripture does it say we are saved by faith alone. Luther added the word "alone" to his version of scripture. This word "alone" no longer appears in protestant scriptures but is taught as if it is part of the verse.

Also, the works that are rejected in Scripture are not Christian works -- they are works of the law (Jewish Law). Most people, including Luther, though it meant all works, including works of Charirty. THe last judgement clearly contradicts salvation by faith "alone".

[old-ager]

THe last judgement clearly contradicts salvation by faith "alone".

Tell you what. I'll stand on Christ's good works, you stand on your "good" works plus His. Remember where the faithful say "when did we clothe you?" etc? Are any of your "good" works without sin? Good enough for a perfect Judge? When you pray, do you thank God that you are not like "yonder fellow" -- not so sinful as that other guy? What do you think a "whitewashed tomb" is? Are you holy? Are you sure? Don't you think you had better have your sins and even more importantly your sinfulness covered by Christ's blood? What "good" works are you able to add to HIS sinless conception, sinless life of good works, and sinless suffering on the cross (for YOUR sins). What works of yours can be held up alongside HIS? Do you DARE hold up your dirty rags of "good" works alongside of HIS?!

[homeschool_dad]

I see that you exhibit a classic misunderstanding of Lutheran beliefs. Works are a result of a faith that is alive; how can one embrace the scriptures and not bring forth it's fruits? That said, I am not dependant on my works for my salvation. As someone else said here, how can I hold up my filthy rags (works) to the righteousness of Christ?

[MEGoody]

"Also, the works that are rejected in Scripture are not Christian works."

It would seem clear to me in reading Ephesians 2:8-9 that none of our works are meritorious for salvation. We are saved UNTO good works, and rewarded for same in eternity, but we are not saved by them. We are saved by grace so that we can't boast.

[CyberCowboy777]

salvation by faith "alone"?

Remember this?

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.