My opinion is, you are engaging in catholic speak. That means I am sure my definition of faith differs from yours. Yours might be some mental agreement with Jesus. My faith, resulted in a life changing experience. This is where the works enter in, after the faith experience, NOT BEFORE. Of course I agree with James. If some dude claims he had a “true faith” experience, but has no change in his lifestyle, I would say there is s decent chance the dude is lying. It’s between him and God. One of the prerequisites of the “faith experience” is to repent, so one cannot go out and sin boldly. If one does that, I would say there is a decent chance the dude is lying. Good works are a RESULT of or “faith experience” not the cause of it.
Now, I understand you would like to see people get saved. That’s good. So do the rest of us. Correct me if I am wrong, but as near as I can tell, the Catholic plan of salvation, is baptism, church membership, the Sacraments, works of mercy, and maybe other things too. The born again plan of salvation, is faith ( a life changing experience) that produces good works, not the works producing the faith.
One of the other proofs, at least to me, the change in my life, was something I knew I could never do myself, and for the first time in my life, I could understand spiritual issues, where as before, it was all foolishness to me. Things were different bro, REALLY different.
That is my answer, if you are honestly looking for an answer from me. It is the plan of salvation, Ebb. If you are not honestly looking for answers, then there isn’t any reason to continue this discussion. Later bro.
And that's just your opinion.
Ask me if I care.
thank you for your testimony, brother!
Mark, just a note to say you’ve done a great job on this thread of speaking the truth, clarifying differences and presenting the Gospel of Grace.
Those who have ears to hear and understand their need for a Savior will respond.
Those who are closed, self-righteous, trusting their own pitiful works, and man-made rituals ... well, all we can do is leave them in the hands of Jesus.
He knows hearts. He loves the unlovable.
You have been a great witness here and I’ve enjoyed reading your responses.
Keep it up, bro!