Today, points are shared in reply to a question on salvation by faith alone. Faith is usually difficult for sinners to correctly understand because they will encounter multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value). Even mature Christian believers must offer prayers for guidance regarding what seem to be the difference and sameness among faith to be saved, faith as a gift of the Spirit, faith required to accomplish healing and other sacred events (we say, miracles), faith to begin and continue a structured ministry, faith to endure hardship and suffering, faith to forgive, love ones enemy, and turn the other cheek, faith for meeting the routine challenges of life upon the earth, faith to submit to divine judgment, and faith in the victory of Jesus Christ over death, Satan, and sin. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Philippines)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Why do some denominations teach that Jesus said we are saved by faith alone?
In the story about Judgment Day in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46) where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats, the only question that Jesus asks the multitude concern works:
1. Did you feed the hungry?
2. Did you clothe the naked?
3. Did you give a drink to the thirsty, etc.
If they answered “no” to these works in Matthew 25, then Jesus said that they were going to hell. Nowhere does Jesus ask, "Did you accept me as your personal Lord and Savior?" So, you can infer from all of this that just confessing with your lips that Jesus is your personal Lord and Savior is NOT ENOUGH
Update: The Catholic position is that we need both faith and works and that is what the bible really teaches
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18: 35-43, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); The Bible and Salvation (09/14/2016); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016); Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); Wages, Points and Rewards? (08/21/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016); Gifts As A Reward? (02/14/2016)
“Anonymous”, agreeing that “justification” and “salvation” are not the same, here are some points many find helpful:
(1.) A believer’s works are to make “visible” the unseen, yet, active presence of divinity. Things done as expressions of faith and the imparted, indwelling Spirit are very different in spirit substance from the same things done for carnal reasons, for popularity, and from pride. For example, among believers, fasting is an acknowledgement of dependence upon GOD and life being exclusively by his provision, while missing meals from lack of appetite or money do not express those same convictions. Thus, responding to issues of eating things offered to idols, the Apostle Paul taught: Romans 14: 23, King James Version (KJV: 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
(2.) The origins of a person’s sacred works all may be traced to divinity, yet, may have arisen from diverse goals and objectives. Included are acting upon and fulfilling divine law, thanksgiving and expressing gratitude, prophecy, eternal purpose, repentance, sacrifice, sanctification, and suffering.
(3.) One’s salvation will require a separation from their own works, and immersion within the works of Jesus. The focus of judgment for ones salvation is different from that for assessment of the rewards a person receives for having served divinity. Thus, it is written: 1st Corinthians 3: 11-15, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Faith is inseparable from the many other aspects of divine makeup. Included are holiness, person, presence, righteousness. Works do not replace spirit substance, yet, displaying the existence of Spirit is made complete by the appearance and manifesting of works. Thus: James 2: 18-24, KJV: 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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