[jo kus]

I was never able to understand much of the book of John until I understood this perspective. God has always called out a people. He called out Abraham. He called out Moses. He called out the children of Israel. He called out Paul. Do we see a trend?

John is not refering to the individual's calling. That is a Protestant innovation resulting from the Nominalism and Humanism that Luther lived in. John is refering to a community of people being called out, not individuals in some sort of scattered, invisible conglomeration.

No one does what is righteous (Rom 3). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11). God gives us faith (Eph 2). Men become slaves to righteousness (Rom 6).

And...O vain man, dost thou desire to know that faith without works is dead? (James 2). Jesus is the reconciliation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2). I, Jesus say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church (Mat 18)

Yes, so simple, isn't it?!

Regards

[HarleyD]

Sure, faith without works is dead. Can't argue with that. Who gives us our faith? Who gives us our works?

Joh 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Joh 6:28-29 Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."