[boatbums]

What is difficult, or impossible, for some people to understand, or grasp the truth of, is that somehow their own good works and efforts do not contribute to their salvation. That takes a humble and surrendered spirit to accept that “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but by his mercy we are saved.” To accept something so huge as eternal life in heaven with the Lord as a gift bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, means letting go of personal pride in our own goodness and merit. That is why God says he hates pride more than anything else. It is at the source of all rebellion against him.

I think this is what you and the others I posted to have been trying to say all along and others cannot, or will not see it.

[Petronski]

Sola fide is a false tradition of men.

[MamaB]

What you said is true. Some people think that by donating large sums of money to worthwhile causes will get them into heaven. Untrue. We have to have a true faith in God and his grace to forgive our sins. I have had to have that faith during these past 5 years. In Jan. 2004, our younger daughter died, in May, 2006, my brother died, in July 2006 my husband and bil died, in Jan. 2007, my mom died and in March 2007 a favorite aunt died. Between the death of my daughter and my aunt's death, we lost 25 aunts, uncles and cousins. I am here to say that a true faith in God was what got me through all of this. I know for a fact that God is in control of our lives if we let him be. God Bless.

[Titanites]

What is difficult, or impossible, for some people to understand, or grasp the truth of, is that somehow their own good works and efforts do not contribute to their salvation.

What's even more difficult, or impossible, for some people to understand, or grasp the Scriptural truth of, is that faith without works is dead.

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

[Marysecretary]

I agree boatbums. We need to do nothing but receive His gift. Jesus did it all at the cross. I don’t know either why it’s so hard for some people to see it. I think they’ve bought the lies of their religious institution and believe THEY have to do something to receive such a gift.