Today,
reply is on two Scriptures that are to be read with a view to the
doctrine that faith without works is dead. The two verses contrast
believing and doing while also calling into understanding the
perverseness of impenitence and willful sin (iniquity), the integrity
of genuine relationship with divinity, and the essential operations
of divine faith, grace, redemption, righteousness, and salvation.
Even where they are unstated, and do not appear plainly written
within the wording for a specific Bible verse or passage, mature
Christians are ever to acknowledge that what is written also serves
as the declaration of divine prerogative, sacred promise, eternal
purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. There are two forms of works
that make faith visible: sacred works (e.g., confession;
forbearance; forgiveness; praise; intercessory prayer) and secular
works (e.g., caring for orphans and widows; feeding the hungry;
giving shelter to the homeless). The two both appear through
operations of the Holy Spirit; are necessary to each other being
sound and whole; and they ought not be compared, or assigned value as
though they are competing against one another. John 3: 15-16, King
James Version (KJV) reads : 15 That whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Matthew 7:
21-23, KJV reads: 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public
forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “I trust the
count” (Level 7 with 276,857 points, a member since March 02, 2006)
posted the following:
Jesus
claims everyone who believes in Him will be saved according to John
3:15-16, what about the people in Matthew 7:21-23?
Are
the people in Scriptures John 3:15-16 the same people as those in
Matthew 7:21-23?
What
is so different about the people in John 3:15-16 and Matthew 7:21-23?
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God,
and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that
worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him
that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4: 3-5, King James
Version, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: We Have To Believe (01/06/2019); Known By His Fruit
(11/04/2018); Ye That Work Iniquity (09/24/2018); “I Never Knew
You” (03/23/2018); Attending Church a “Chore”? (01/23/2018);
Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); The Savior of “All”?
(08/22/2017); Salvation By Faith Alone? (01/19/2017); Many Are
Called… (10/15/2015)
“I
trust the count”, the two scripture passages (group of verses) you
present must be understood on the basis of their fit with other
teachings. The power and process of life in Christ must come into
view as more than intellectual content, emotions, ideals, good
intentions, thoughts, or finite self-will. There also must be
action, obedience to divine law, performing the righteousness within
the law, and completing unselfish works. The Bible is a special
collection and library of sacred books that preserve the divine law,
doctrine, guidance, instruction, and principles provided from
divinity (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy
Spirit) so that created beings and living creatures may exist in
continuing relationship as life companions to GOD. Therefore, the
holy writings include such features as parables, praises, prayers,
promises, prophesies and visions. Because the sacred knowledge
shared within the Scriptures has been gathered by multiple writers,
from thousands of events that occur within thousands of lives, over
the course of thousands of years, there are multiple presentations of
the same point of understanding that emerge from diverse aspects of
focus, and that may use different language. To properly acknowledge
all of the various requirements that must be met to receive the full
benefit and privilege available to the offspring of GOD, a sinner
must become a developing Christian believer who will be made
mature/ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (we also
say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Those who will
meet the Lord in the air will have been prepared through discovery,
gradual growth, learning, practice of the sacraments, unselfish
service, and suffering. Consider again the following verses that
clarify and complete the two verses you have highlighted:
1.
John 7: 14-18, King James Version (KJV): 14 Now about the midst of
the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews
marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never
learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine,
but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know
of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of
myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but
he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him.
2.
Hebrews 11: 6, KJV: 6 But without faith it is impossible to
please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.
3.
James 2: 19-20, KJV: 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?
There
is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, 4. James 2: 14-18, KJV: 14 What doth
it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have
not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked,
and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart
in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it
unto you according to your faith.
Washington,
DC
No comments:
Post a Comment