Question: "Does Romans 2:7 teach works salvation?"

Answer: Romans 2:7 states, “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Taken alone, these words seem to indicate works are required for salvation and eternal life. However, examined within their larger context and alongside many other biblical passages, it becomes clear that salvation is solely a gift of God by grace through faith.

The conclusion of Paul’s arguments in Romans 2 focuses on a changed heart that leads to changed actions. Romans 2:28–29 emphasizes true, spiritual conversion: “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” The believer is one whose heart has been “circumcised” by the Spirit; this person is right with God, whereas someone physically circumcised, according to “the written code,” may or may not be born again. The contrast is between the righteousness that comes by faith versus that which is sought through the Law. Romans 2:7 mentions the righteous acts that result from having a changed heart; our godly actions are evidence of our salvation, as James, John, and Peter also discuss in their letters.

Paul’s words in Romans 2:7 cannot be considered apart from what he writes elsewhere in the same letter. Paul pointedly defines salvation as a free gift: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. . . . All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22, 24). Later, he says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Romans 2:7 does not teach a works-based salvation. Such a “gospel” was anathema to Paul (see Galatians 1:6–9). In all his epistles, including Romans, Paul makes the case that salvation is not received by works that we do:

• “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20).

• “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Romans 3:28).

• “However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

• “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6).

The repeated theme of Romans is salvation by God’s grace through faith. Paul’s other writings emphasize this theme as well. Ephesians 2:8–9 is a good example: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Other New Testament writers, and Jesus Himself, demonstrate that salvation is a gift of God and not something earned through our works (John 3:16–18; 6:28–29; 1 Peter 1:3–9; 1 John 3:1–5; 5:1–12).

The biblical message is clear: salvation is not by works but by God’s grace, and it is received through faith. Romans 2:7 does not teach salvation by works; rather, it sets up a contrast between those who are changed by God’s grace and live for Him and those who reject His salvation and truth (verse 8 ). In Romans 2:7, those who “by persisting in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality” are those who have genuinely trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, by grace through faith.
gotquestion.org

solite3:
Question: "Does Romans 2:7 teach works salvation?"

Answer: Romans 2:7 states, “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Taken alone, these words seem to indicate works are required for salvation and eternal life. However, examined within their larger context and alongside many other biblical passages, it becomes clear that salvation is solely a gift of God by grace through faith.

The conclusion of Paul’s arguments in Romans 2 focuses on a changed heart that leads to changed actions. Romans 2:28–29 emphasizes true, spiritual conversion: “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” The believer is one whose heart has been “circumcised” by the Spirit; this person is right with God, whereas someone physically circumcised, according to “the written code,” may or may not be born again. The contrast is between the righteousness that comes by faith versus that which is sought through the Law. Romans 2:7 mentions the righteous acts that result from having a changed heart; our godly actions are evidence of our salvation, as James, John, and Peter also discuss in their letters.

Paul’s words in Romans 2:7 cannot be considered apart from what he writes elsewhere in the same letter. Paul pointedly defines salvation as a free gift: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. . . . All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22, 24). Later, he says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Romans 2:7 does not teach a works-based salvation. Such a “gospel” was anathema to Paul (see Galatians 1:6–9). In all his epistles, including Romans, Paul makes the case that salvation is not received by works that we do:

• “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20).

• “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Romans 3:28).

• “However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

• “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6).

The repeated theme of Romans is salvation by God’s grace through faith. Paul’s other writings emphasize this theme as well. Ephesians 2:8–9 is a good example: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Other New Testament writers, and Jesus Himself, demonstrate that salvation is a gift of God and not something earned through our works (John 3:16–18; 6:28–29; 1 Peter 1:3–9; 1 John 3:1–5; 5:1–12).

The biblical message is clear: salvation is not by works but by God’s grace, and it is received through faith. [/b]Romans 2:7 does not teach salvation by works; rather, it sets up a contrast between those who are changed by God’s grace and live for Him and those who reject His salvation and truth (verse 8 ). In Romans 2:7, those who “by persisting in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality” are those who have genuinely trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, by grace through faith.
gotquestion.org

[b]
Bros, "become DOERS OF THE WORD not only hearers" according to James, Christ apostle.

John 9:4
"We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day."

Jesus had faith but he spent all day playing draft


The woman with the issue of blood knew Jesus performed miraculous works but she stayed at home rather than go out to see Jesus and touch his garment.

The widow had faith and hide her coins under her bed


Why "persisting in DOING Good"?
Continue deceiving yourselves

Janosky:




Bros, "become DOERS OF THE WORD not only hearers" according to James, Christ apostle.

John 9:4
"We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day."

Jesus had faith but he spent all day playing draft


The woman with the issue of blood knew Jesus performed miraculous works but she stayed at home rather than go out to see Jesus and touch his garment.

The widow had faith and hide her coins under her bed


Why "persisting in DOING Good"?
Continue deceiving yourselves

Lol.....

No amount of work someone can do that can earn him salvation. It's purely God's grace

But, how do you demostrate that you have faith in Jesus' sacrifice?

haddeylium:
No amount of work someone can do that can earn him salvation. It's purely God's grace

But, how do you demostrate that you have faith in Jesus' sacrifice?

the evidence of salvation is seen through works.

Good works can't and will never save or redeem anybody. It is the grace of God in Christ Jesus that has freed us from sin and condemnation. While our good works didn't redeemed us, we are redeemed by Christ for good works.

Let's perish the thought that our good works will bring down God's favour in our life. We should rather have the mindset that God's favour is upon us now and always through the perfect work of Jesus Christ.

bloodofthelamb:
Good works can't and will never save or redeem anybody. It is the grace of God in Christ Jesus that has freed us from sin and condemnation. While our good works didn't redeemed us, we are redeemed by Christ for good works.

Let's perish the thought that our good works will bring down God's favour in our life. We should rather have the mindset that God's favour is upon us now and always through the perfect work of Jesus Christ.

Believe that God exist is not enough, even the demon do(Jas 2:19,20)
But, how do you demonstrate you have faith in Jesus sacrifice in contrast to demon?

solite3:
the evidence of salvation is seeing through works.

Exactly
Jas 2:17; Matt 7:21

haddeylium:

Exactly
Jas 2:17; Matt 7:21

But that does not mean that It is good works that saves.
Just like saying a glowing electric bulb is an evidence that there is electricity but a glowing electric bulb does not generate electricity.

solite3:
But that does not mean that It is good works that saves.
Just like saying a glowing electric bulb is an evidence that there is electricity but a glowing electric bulb does not generate electricity.

I'm saying no amount of works can earn someone salvation;
It's mainly God's underserved kindness
You can only show you have faith in Jesus sacrifice by obeying him(Matt 2:17) (which is work)


Is mere telling a lady you love her enough?
Would that love be thorough if you don't show it?
Like calling her, hanging out or even proposing?
You get?

haddeylium:



Believe that God exist is not enough, even the demon do(Jas 2:19,20)
But, how do you demonstrate you have faith in Jesus sacrifice in contrast to demon?

Salvation is not for demons but for humans. Faith in Christ empowers and give license to Christ to work through us. It is God who is at work in us both to will and to do the good works.

bloodofthelamb:
Salvation is not for demons but for humans. Faith in Christ empowers and give license to Christ to work through us. It is God who is at work in us both to will and to do the good works.

Jas 2:24,26

In clear terms
How do an individual show he has faith in Jesus' sacrifice?

haddeylium:



I'm saying no amount of works can earn someone salvation;
It's mainly God's underserved kindness
You can only show you have faith in Jesus sacrifice by obeying him(Matt 2:17) (which is work)


Is mere telling a lady you love her enough?
Would that love be thorough if you don't show it?
Like calling her, hanging out or even proposing?
You get?

@bolded salvation is not mainly by God's underserved kindness but totally base on God's underserved kindness.

salvation is not a promise to love God which you prove by works but rather salvation is God redeeming you from sin and eternal death.

I liken salvation to be like a totally broken down car that was made to work again by a skillful mechanic.
The evidence that the car has being repaired is seen when the car begins to move again.

Salvation is what we recieve from God while work is the product of salvation we recievefrom God but not vice versa.

solite3:
@bolded salvation is not mainly by God's underserved kindness but totally base on God's underserved kindness.

salvation is not a promise to love God which you prove by works but rather salvation is God redeeming you from sin and eternal death.

I liken salvation to be like a totally broken down car that was made to work again by a skillful mechanic.
The evidence that the car has being repaired is seen when the car begins to move again.

Salvation is what we recieve from God while work is the product of salvation we recievefrom God but not vice versa.

That illustration;
The work you did there *is taking* your broken down car to the skillful mechanic for a repair cause you believe the mechanic is competent

If you left it where it broke down and just believe it will repaired... where's the sense in that?

That's why
Phillippians 2:12says
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

haddeylium:



That illustration;
The work you did there *is taking* your broken down car to the skillful mechanic for a repair cause you believe the mechanic is competent

If you left it where it broke down and just believe it will repaired... where's the sense in that?

That's why
Phillippians 2:17 says
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

you seem not to understand, just as a broken car cannot fix himself so a sinner cannot save himself.
The work there is taking the car to the mechanic, yes just as the work God expect from sinners is to believe on Jesus Christ.
Yes taking the car to the mechanic means opening your heart to recieve the gospel of salvation.

solite3:
you seem not to understand, just as a broken car cannot fix himself so a sinner cannot save himself.
The work there is taking the car to the mechanic, yes just as the work God expect from sinners is to believe on Jesus Christ.
Yes taking the car to the mechanic means opening your heart to recieve the gospel of salvation.

Since you're getting the drill, I might add

Mental aknowdgement of God's existence is not enough, because even the demons believe in God(Jas2 :19) but, they don't exercise(work out) their faith in him(Jas 2:20)
James could explain that true Christains faith is not just about believing “and I will show you my faith by my works"(jas 2:18)

To further explain how useless faith without work is, God inspired James to penned - so also faith without work is dead(Jas 2:26)

Phillipians 2:17- work out your own salvation]

You might ask how true Christains excercise their faith?

Salvation is by faith apart from works,
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Yes the Christian faith is about believing,

Did you see what James wrote? True faith is seen by its work, that is what James is meant by faith without works is dead.

Work out your salvation not work for your salvation.

Merely acknowledging God's existence is not a saving faith.
You do not understand what James is saying. James is not saying add work to your faith so you can be saved which seems to be what you think but rather the evidence of a saving faith is seen in its work so any faith that lacks this evidence is fake.

haddeylium:


Since you're getting the drill, I might add

Mental aknowdgement of God's existence is not enough, because even the demons believe in God(Jas2 :19) but, they don't exercise(work out) their faith in him(Jas 2:20)
James could explain that true Christains faith is not just about believing “and I will show you my faith by my works"(jas 2:18)

To further explain how useless faith without work is, God inspired James to penned - so also faith without work is dead(Jas 2:26)

Phillipians 2:17- work out your own salvation]

You might ask how true Christains excercise their faith?

haddeylium:
No amount of work someone can do that can earn him salvation. It's purely God's grace

But, how do you demostrate that you have faith in Jesus' sacrifice?

That's right, it's amazing how many people think that it is by their own works they have been saved.
Jesus already won the battle and and we have been crucified with Christ, the only thing required of us is constant fellowship...

Bros ooo i don laugh tire. That playing draft side got me. Leave this people let them die on top of a woman not their wife and happily go to heaven let me see.

Janosky:




Bros, "become DOERS OF THE WORD not only hearers" according to James, Christ apostle.

John 9:4
"We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day."

Jesus had faith but he spent all day playing draft


The woman with the issue of blood knew Jesus performed miraculous works but she stayed at home rather than go out to see Jesus and touch his garment.

The widow had faith and hide her coins under her bed


Why "persisting in DOING Good"?
Continue deceiving yourselves

solite3:
Salvation is by faith apart from works,
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Yes the Christian faith is about believing,

Did you see what James wrote? True faith is seen by its work, that is what James is meant by faith without works is dead.

Work out your salvation not work for your salvation.

Merely acknowledging God's existence is not a saving faith.
You do not understand what James is saying. James is not saying add work to your faith so you can be saved which seems to be what you think but rather the evidence of a saving faith is seen in its work so any faith that lacks this evidence is fake.

Let me simplify the text and this for you

Because humans are imperfect, we cannot obey God's law perfectly. We're deserving of death as the sinner that we're.
But, through God's undeserved kindness(Grace's) he offers Salvation to those that show Faith in Christ sacrifice.
We can only show faith by demonstrating it by works (cos' demons to believe in God's existence, but their belief is not evidenced by works as true faith and they're facing destruction)

Quick question
Heb 5:9- and being made perfect, he become the author of eternal salvation onto all them that obey him

I believe Christ sacrifice his perfect life for me, but I didn't not obey him. In regards, is the salvation still intact?
While you're at it- is once saved, forever saved too?

Per Matthew 25 v 31-40;

1) On what basis were the sheeps separated from the goats?

2) Still on that passage, were the goats casted out because of lack of faith or belief in Jesus?

Another question, we know from the parable of the vine, barren branches are cut off and thrown into the fire. Now what is the deciding factor(s) separating a barren branch from a fruitful one?

[quote author=haddeylium post=93718957]

Let me simplify the text and this for you

Because humans are imperfect, we cannot obey God's law perfectly. We're deserving of death as the sinner that we're.
But, through God's undeserved kindness(Grace's) he offers Salvation to those that show Faith in Christ sacrifice.
We can only show faith by demonstrating it by works (cos' demons to believe in God's existence, but their belief is not evidenced by works as true faith and they're facing destruction)

Quick question
Heb 5:9- and being made perfect, he become the author of eternal salvation onto all them that obey him

I believe Christ sacrifice his perfect life for me, but I didn't not obey him. In regards, is the salvation still intact?
While you're at it- is once saved, forever saved too?

According to Hebrews 5:9, how do you obey Him?

haddeylium:


Let me simplify the text and this for you

Because humans are imperfect, we cannot obey God's law perfectly. We're deserving of death as the sinner that we're.
But, through God's undeserved kindness(Grace's) he offers Salvation to those that show Faith in Christ sacrifice.
We can only show faith by demonstrating it by works (cos' demons to believe in God's existence, but their belief is not evidenced by works as true faith and they're facing destruction)

Quick question
Heb 5:9- and being made perfect, he become the author of eternal salvation onto all them that obey him

I believe Christ sacrifice his perfect life for me, but I didn't not obey him. In regards, is the salvation still intact?
While you're at it- is once saved, forever saved too?

there is no where in the bible that says God offers salvation to those that shows faith in Christ? That is your own addition not God.
You are still stuck up with working for salvation.

The evidence of salvation comes after salvation not before salvation.

You can only show the evidence of something after receiving it not before recieving it.
What you are saying is that someone must show himself worthy before he can be saved, that is not the gospel

[quote author=madegreatbygrace post=93719877][/quote]

[quote author=madegreatbygrace post=93719877][/quote]

Good question
First
James 2:14 says:What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?(NET)

Learning about Jesus and his father, Jehovah(John-17:3) and excercising faith in them (John14:1)

Show your faith by obeying his commands(John 2:​17)
Reason, Jesus taught that not everyone who called me “Lord” would be saved] but only those “doing the will of [his] Father who is in the heavens”​—Matthew 7:21

Despite hardship, demonstration of this faith
The one who has endured to the end will be saved.”​—Matthew 24:13.

solite3:
there is no where in the bible that says God offers salvation to those that shows faith in Christ? That is your own addition not God.
You are still stuck up with working for salvation.

The evidence of salvation comes after salvation not before salvation.

You can only show the evidence of something after receiving it not before recieving it.
What you are saying is that someone must show himself worthy before he can be saved, that is not the gospel

How can this popular anthem escaped you

John 3:16-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever[b]believeth in[/b] him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Is earning everlasting life conditional now or not?
You see how Believing in /faith in is essential for salvation

You demonstrate how genuine your believing in/faith . True belief prompt action
In line of this, the Bible could say;
become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning.”—James 1:22.

Might be difficult for you to accept what the Bible teaches after holding on to this doctrine for long. But, if your love the truth, you'll ....

You're yet to answerg
Is your salvation a finished work?(once saved , forever saved?)

quote author=haddeylium post=93722896]

Good question
First
James 2:14 says:What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?(NET)

Learning about Jesus and his father, Jehovah(John-17:3) and excercising faith in them (John14:1)

Show your faith by obeying his commands(John 2:​17)
Reason, Jesus taught that not everyone who called me “Lord” would be saved] but only those “doing the will of [his] Father who is in the heavens”​—Matthew 7:21

Despite hardship, demonstration of this faith
The one who has endured to the end will be saved.”​—Matthew 24:13.

All you needed to do was a proper word study and this would have been made clearer to you.

You see my friend, biblical authority lies in its correct interpretation. A word may have a meaning in one part of the Bible, but have a different meaning in another part. Same with usage and applicability.

Be careful not to give your own meaning to a text, which was never intended by the author.


Let’s do a brief word study of the word “obey”.

“in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “ LORD, who has believed our report?””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

From all that’s written, now let me ask you my friend, what do you obey in Hebrews 5:9?

A set of commandments or the gospel?

haddeylium:


How can this popular anthem escaped you

John 3:16-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever[b]believeth in[/b] him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Is earning everlasting life conditional now or not?
You see how Believing in /faith in is essential for salvation

You demonstrate how genuine your believing in/faith . True belief prompt action
In line of this, the Bible could say;
become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning.”—James 1:22.

Might be difficult for you to accept what the Bible teaches after holding on to this doctrine for long. But, if your love the truth, you'll ....

You're yet to answerg
Is your salvation a finished work?(once saved , forever saved?)

Faith, and showing faith, are two different subject.
The condition for salvation, is faith in Jesus, not showing faith, showing faith is for confirmation.

Salvation is a finished work.

quote author=haddeylium post=93650514]



That's why
Phillippians 2:12says
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Does it say work out your salvation, or work for your salvation?

solite3:

Faith, and showing faith, are two different subject.
The condition for salvation, is faith in Jesus, not showing faith, showing faith is for confirmation.

Salvation is a finished work.

I guess he was asking whether we can lose our salvation(if we stop believing) after being saved from sin. I will like to know your take on this.

OpenYourEyes1:


I guess he was asking whether we can lose our salvation(if we stop believing) after being saved from sin. I will like to know your take on this.

In an hypothetical situation, If a someone no longer believes in Christ then that person has lost his salvation.

But again, since Christ keeps the saved, then all those who were genuinely saved will be kept till the end.

1 Corinthians 1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:7-9 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

You see that God keeping the believer is base on his own faithfulness, so that at the end all his children will be correct not one will be missing.

Jesus said the commandment he received from the father is that he should keep all his sheep and not one should be lost. Jesus will fulfill that, you can count on that.

All also the father himself keeps all his sheep, Jesus said his father is greater than him and no one can take away his sheep.

The Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation in those that has being saved, and Jesus said the holy Spirit will be in the saved forever.

solite3:

Faith, and showing faith, are two different subject.
The condition for salvation, is faith in Jesus, not showing faith, showing faith is for confirmation.

Salvation is a finished work.

Calm down

Didn't James says Faith without work is useless- (Jas 2:20)
Genuine faith produces Good deeds( no two way about it)


James then further say of what use it is to have faith without work to show for it(Jas 2:14)

Answer this:
I believe in God but I have no regards for his rules (I don't obey him). Is the salvation still intact?


You mean, once been saved, you can't lose out on the salvation?