[smvoice]

But yes it does say our salvation is finished. If we are IN CHRIST, we are saved. Our salvation is complete the moment we trust in the finished work of Christ. That is the point of the grace of God, annalex.

"For we ARE His workmanship, created IN CHRIST Jesus UNTO good works..." Eph. 2:10.

You see there, you cannot have "good works" in God's eyes until you are IN Christ. And you are not "In Christ" until you accept His finished work for you. Salvation by grace through faith.

If you would just read the words as they are plainly stated, and not as you WANT them to say, the meaning would be crystal clear. There is no arguing what the plain word says. Unless you just don't want to accept it. And that is your choice. Just don't try to muddy the clear water of God's message by throwing stones of confusion.

[smvoice]

annalex, you would have made a perfect OT saint. Because if God had given you some work to perform for your righteousness, you would have jumped at the chance. I have no doubt you would have been right there, handing Noah nails, cleaning the stalls of Abel's sheep, helping Abraham count the stars, grounding David for breaking curfew, or picking up the pieces of the broken tablets Moses smashed.

BUT..unfortunately for you, there is nothing you can do to earn a nod from God. Except accept His Son's finished work on your behalf. And that my friend, is the hardest thing of all for some people to do. *sigh*