[Mr Rogers]

I’m copying, but folks put a lot of work into thinking this out, and I agree with them.

4.1 The grace of faith (by which the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls) is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. It is normally brought into being by the ministry of the Word. It is increased and strengthened by the ministry of the Word, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord’s supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God.

14.3 This faith may differ in degree, and may be weak or strong, yet even at its weakest it is different in kind and nature (as is all saving grace) from the faith and common grace of temporary believers. Therefore, though it may be frequently attacked and weakened, it gains the victory, and develops in many until they attain full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Faith without works IS dead! Works without faith have no value in any way! Our salvation results in our becoming a new creation.

All of us - including Catholics - have seen impostors come into the ‘church’, who claim to have faith but who do not. I’ve known both Catholics and Baptists who never lost a chance to commit adultery, but I’ve never known a Christian who lived that way!

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Amen. Isn't the Westminster Confession of Fatih a lovely document attesting to God's glorious mercy? Good works are the fruit of the Holy Spirit by which we "are enabled to believe to the saving of our souls."

As such, it is very close to the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. All the confessions of the Reformation stood solidly on Scripture which is "given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life."

[papertyger]

How does your agreement with this NOT repudiate “once saved?”