Word games. Here is how you can see the trap.
If you don’t do the works, you go to H3ll.
(You twisted Mark 2 BTW.)
“Obedience by the Spirit” you say? Well I am gonna sit here for a while and see if the Spirit” decides to take out the trash.
I don’t expect you to see it.
FReegards to you daniel1212.
I often notice your posts and comments and alwats appreciate your fine contribution here! FR is a better place with you in it!
Works without faith is dead, but while the two go together, the issue is that it is not the works themselves that appropriate justification, but the faith that effects such. Yet since they go together, is can be said that works justify in the sense that obedience by the Spirit is faith in action and manifest that one is a believer of living, complete faith. (cf. James 2:17-26) But not that works themselves actually merit justification (as many Catholics believe) for "to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5) Nor that as Rome teaches, one must become actually good enough to be with God in Heaven.
Trying to make James teach that works merit justification means that he is contradicting both Moses and Paul, versus Abrahamic-type regenerating, heart-purifying, effectual faith being what appropriates justification, even before baptism (Acts 10:43-47; 15:7-9) which requires and expresses this faith.
(You twisted Mark 2 BTW.)
How so? It was faith that moved the Lord to work, and with forgiveness being the cause behind the effect (healing).
“Obedience by the Spirit” you say? Well I am gonna sit here for a while and see if the Spirit” decides to take out the trash. I don’t expect you to see it.
You won't since you are missing the "by" the Spirit and the manner of obedience that is unique to a believer (even as to cause), meaning it is thru the working of the Spirit that you are both enabled and motivation to not only repent and believe but to follow the Lord, and to do all to/purpose the glory of God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)
FReegards to you daniel1212. I often notice your posts and comments and alwats appreciate your fine contribution here! FR is a better place with you in it!
Glory to God for what is good, and it seems you are a lurker on the religion forum.