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I don't agree with Calvin's stating that we are saved by faith alone - as even the devil has faith that God exists. I note that Calvin forgets about Eph 2:10, the next verse. I think we also have to include obedience to God. It is clear from the Gospels that we are to obey God. If your definition of faith includes obedience, then we are probably on the same page in this matter.

That's interesting. I don't agree with Calvin that we are saved by Faith alone because he claims he's basing his religion on the Bible, and Faith alone is not in the Bible. Paul states in the opening of the book of Romans, and again at it's conclusion that his purpose is to bring about the obedience of Faith, and as I understand it, this is the reason for the preaching of the Gospel. See also:

Romans 6:16 "Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey--either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

I think it's been argued by Father Most that if we understood the word "faith" in Martin Luther's hypothesis, "saved by faith alone" to mean total obedience to the will of God, then we are probably very close to agreement on this issue. I think it becomes cumbersome to superimpose that man-made assertion-saved by faith alone--upon the scriptures, however, because it explicitly contradicts scripture. If, on the other hand, we understand the word "faith" in "saved by faith alone" to mean a mere momentary belief, opinion, or even a moment of profound trust, as some seem to understand it, then such agreement with scripture disappears.

I regard that last interpretation of scripture as a potentially dangerous fiction.

Faith in Jesus--believing in Jesus, includes being obedient to Jesus, and accepting him as Lord. I have no reason to believe that this obedience is optional, but rather is a fundamental requirement of discipleship. Nor do I understand why some would see this as being a momentary requirement. We are constantly in position of needing to turn to God for his grace and mercy. Peter, disciple of Christ and chief among the Apostles has that beautiful prayer when he falls into the sea, "Lord, save me!" As disciples of Christ, I think we frequently find ourselves in that position.

"Faith in Jesus--believing in Jesus, includes being obedient to Jesus, and accepting him as Lord. I have no reason to believe that this obedience is optional, but rather is a fundamental requirement of discipleship"

How is it that Christ is our King, but some claim we don't have to obey Him? What part of "Not 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." (Mat 7:21) don't they understand?

So much for picking up our cross daily...

Regards