[boatbums]

Let me explain it for you. The devil fooled Eve into disobeying God by promising that she and Adam, “would be as gods”. In other words, you don't NEED to do what God says, you can do it all yourself. This is the same thing as what some here are claiming - that we can be righteous by our deeds, righteous enough that the sacrifice of Christ only “helps” but cannot completely save us unless we also DO, DO, DO. Catholicism says the same thing. It is why the “good news” of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone is rejected by those who depend more on their OWN merit to deserve salvation.

[verga]

Rom 2:5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Rom 2:6 who will render to every man according to his works:

Rom 2:7 to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

2Co 5:10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2Co 11:15 It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Col 3:23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.

[Legatus]

It is why the “good news” of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone is rejected by those who depend more on their OWN merit to deserve salvation.

Lord have mercy upon me but I am compelled to respond to this. At every Holy Mass I attend the following is said:

To us also Thy sinful servants, who put our trust in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all Thy Saints. Into their company we beseech Thee admit us, not considering our merits, but freely pardoning our offenses. Through Christ our Lord.

NOT by our merits. Our trust is in the mercy of God and His free pardon of our sins through Christ our Lord. I don't think this is some kind of word game, I believe it. The Mass goes on:

By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify +, quicken +, bless +, and bestow upon us all these good things. Through Him +, and with Him +, and in Him +, is unto Thee, God the Father + Almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost, all honor and glory.

And all the people said Amen. No really, that's where the people say Amen.

[af_vet_1981]

Let me explain it for you. The devil fooled Eve into disobeying God by promising that she and Adam, “would be as gods”. In other words, you don't NEED to do what God says, you can do it all yourself. This is the same thing as what some here are claiming - that we can be righteous by our deeds, righteous enough that the sacrifice of Christ only “helps” but cannot completely save us unless we also DO, DO, DO. Catholicism says the same thing. It is why the “good news” of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone is rejected by those who depend more on their OWN merit to deserve salvation.

1. In other words, you don't NEED to do what God says, you can do it all yourself Is this when a person says he has a personal relationship with Jesus but refuses to obey what an Apostle commands him in the Scripture ?
2. It is why the “good news” of salvation by grace alone I cannot seem to find salvation by "grace alone" in the Bible (and I am using the KJV). Where did you find that phrase ? I do find the negative of it, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
3. The last words of our LORD Jesus Christ to us are concerned about works. I think one ignores that at extreme peril. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.

[maine-iac7]

Let JAMES the JUST, blood brother of Jesus and leader of the followers after the Crucifixion - for about 30 years - killed in 62AD - explain it to YOU - :

KJV James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.