The works we do are evidence that we are saved.
Faith without works is dead (James) - the demons also believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God - and they tremble.
The bottom line, dear annalex, is that Jesus does not say in the Sermon on the Mount to "do" perfect things or to "say" perfect things - but rather, to "be" perfect.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. - I John 1:5-10 (also John 15)
That, my beloved sisters and brothers, is the Spiritual discernment I have received of John 6 - we are to feed on Him, The Living Word of God. That is the meaning of Lord's command, "take, eat, this is my body" and "Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matt 26)
Nowhere does the scripture say that they are only evidence. They often are, but we are extolled to them. Simplify your life and do what the scripture says. Take James 2 and John 6 literally. It is clear that they were not written for any metaphysical or allegorical spin. So don't spin.
The notion that with the belief in the sacrifice of Christ you life gets on an autopilot is counterscriptural. If it were the case, 75% of the Gospel did not need to be written.
AMEN!!!
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." -- Phil. 2:13
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. - I John 1:5-10 (also John 15)
That also is the difference between Martha and Mary in Luke 10. Martha was cumbered about much serving. She was "doing". Mary was feeding on the Living Word of God, she was "being".
That, my beloved sisters and brothers, is the Spiritual discernment I have received of John 6 - we are to feed on Him, The Living Word of God. That is the meaning of Lord's command, "take, eat, this is my body" and "Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matt 26)
= = = =
Indeed.
" That, my beloved sisters and brothers, is the Spiritual discernment I have received of John 6 - we are to feed on Him, The Living Word of God. That is the meaning of Lord's command, "take, eat, this is my body" and "Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matt 26)"
Who told you this, AG?