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To: Melian
"For every verse like that, I can quote you one that makes it clear actions play the ultimate role in salvation."

If you wish to take the time then I would be interested in hearing/reading a few.

197 posted on 03/14/2010 11:44:19 PM PDT by Semper Mark ("We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." - Aesop)
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To: Markos33

I’ll be happy to give you my favorite one:

On the road to Emmaus, the travelers minds were not opened when the mysterious stranger quoted Scripture to them. Their minds were only opened to recognize Christ when He took the physical action of breaking the bread.

They already believed in Christ and loved him, but it took putting His request to “DO this in memory of me” to bring them true enlightenment. Then, only then, did they know Him.

There is also Philippians 2:12 where Paul talks about the value of obedience (action following belief) whether he is there to witness it or not. He cautions them to WORK out their salvation in fear and trembling. Why fear unless it can be lost?

In Hebrews 5:9 we see he became “to all that OBEY him, the cause of eternal salvation.”

In Jude 1:3 we are asked to “contend earnestly” for the faith. In verses 4-5 we are told that even if we once “knew all things” we can be destroyed like the Jews who stopped believing in the desert. In 1:6 we hear of the angels who certainly had faith in God, being in His presence, but sinned and were thrown into darkness.

Then there is the parable of the barren fig tree. Because it did not actively produce figs (take action), Christ cursed it.

Why did Christ demand that his Apostles leave everything (actions) and follow Him? Wasn’t believing in Him enough?

In Romans 10:9 one learns one must confess “with they mouth” the Lord Jesus. Again, taking action to affirm your belief. Not just believe deep down in your heart, but speak out. In verse 13, we hear we must CALL on the name of the Lord to be saved. An act of supplication.

In 1 Cor 15:2 we are told we must “hold fast” to the teachings “unless you have believed in vain.” How can you believe in vain? If your heart is not changed by your faith and your actions are not in keeping with Christ’s teachings.

Women could be saved if they continued in faith, love, sanctification and sobriety. A woman had to act out her faith according to 1 Tim 2:12-18.

Obviously belief is first and foremost. But real faith demands action. Christ demanded action. God demanded faithful actions of the Jews as they wandered in the desert. Moses cautioned the Jews to choose Life in their daily existence. Christ constantly pointed out the futility of the pharisees proclaiming their faith while their actions were cruel, prideful and hypocritical.

If one goes through the Acts and the Letters looking for exhortations to DO something, one finds many calls to action. In 2 Cor 5:9-10 we are told we will be judged by what we have DONE, whether it be good or evil. In Gal 5:25 we are reminded that “If we live in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit.”

In Gal 6:10 We are told that, while we have time, we must WORK good to all men (not just love them). And in verse 9 we are shown there is a way to fail, despite belief. It is if we don’t DO good.

Finally, in Rev 22: 12-15 we hear, powerfully, that when the judgement day comes, He will render to every man according to his works. Not his faith; his works.

These are just a few. I have “actions” scribbled in the margins of almost every page of the Letters.


259 posted on 03/15/2010 9:24:10 PM PDT by Melian ("The seed is the same but the soil is different..." ~Fulton Sheen)
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