[wmfights]

"It is not faith that saves, but faith in Jesus Christ.... It is not, strictly speaking, even faith in Christ that saves, but Christ that saves through faith. The saving power resides exclusively, not in the act of faith or the attitude of faith or in the nature of faith, but in the object of faith." - B. B. Warfield

This could be an interesting study if we can get through all the static. :-)

I wonder if the OT example of the Jews placing lamb's blood on the doorposts and lentil fits. I believe they did this in faith. Would we consider their actions work that made a God a debtor, obligated to spare them, or would we consider it an act of faith alone?

[Dr. Eckleburg]

A long time ago on the forum I think it was GeorgeWBush who corrected me once by saying "faith does not save; grace saves through faith."

And of course, he was correct, per Ephesians 2. Roman Catholics do not understand that fact, instead substituting their own good works for the grace of God.

I wonder if the OT example of the Jews placing lamb's blood on the doorposts and lentil fits. I believe they did this in faith. Would we consider their actions work that made a God a debtor, obligated to spare them, or would we consider it an act of faith alone?

It was an act of God's grace that gave them the faith to do as He instructed.

[the_conscience]

Regeneration proceeds faith.

[HarleyD]

I wonder if the OT example of the Jews placing lamb's blood on the doorposts and lentil fits. I believe they did this in faith. Would we consider their actions work that made a God a debtor, obligated to spare them, or would we consider it an act of faith alone?

TC is right. Regeneration proceeds faith.

In the case of the Jews placing the lamb's blood on the doorpost, it was indeed done in faith that God would spare them from the angel of death. But it was ONLY because God had given them forewarning of His wrath to come. There is no evidence that the Egyptians had this warning. Thus, the Jews were "regenerated" by the news of God's wrath (understanding this is a methaphor and all methaphors break down).

It is much the same way with Christians. The only way we hear the gospel is when God opens our eyes and ears, helping us to understand the wrath to come. It is through this understanding that we come to Christ in faith. Those who believe this is "free will" would have to prove that someone who God brings to a true understanding of His wrath, would gladly welcome that wrath instead of the riches of heaven-which of course makes no sense. Everyone who heart is opened by God, will come to God. That is why regeneration proceeds faith.