FK, faith is required so that we may become Christ-like and be saved, but faith alone is not enough to make you Christ-like. That was my point. Even satan believes in God, but that belief will do nothing for a sinner unless he is willing to change, unless he asks God to help him along, and cooperates with God's will.
It's not enough to say "I want to lose weight." You must follow up your resolution with concrete steps to lose weight. That's why +James says "show me your faith". It's one thing to believe but if that belief is not coupled with concrete steps that lead you to become Chirst-like, it is an empty faith; theosis is achieved by living the faith.
"Even satan believes in God, but that belief will do nothing for a sinner unless he is willing to change, unless he asks God to help him along, and cooperates with God's will"
Thanks, Kosta. FK, that's really the point.
In fact your entire theory that God doesn't allow those who believe to fall is proven wrong exactly with the fallen angels, for they surely believe in God, yet they fell.
I thought you were accusing me of not being able to distinguish between "believe of" and "believe in". Of course there is a huge difference. I have no theory that holds that anyone who says "yeah, sure, God exists, I guess" is saved. I don't believe that at all and have never said so. That's what I was responding to. I fully agree that a truly regenerated heart will produce the works you are looking for.