Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? - Christianity Etc - Nairaland
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| Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by OLAADEGBU(op): 7:45am On Apr 22, 2017 |
Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? Do we contribute our works along with our faith for salvation? |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by MistadeRegal(m): 8:09am On Apr 22, 2017 |
Faith and works. 2 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Amberon: 9:33am On Apr 22, 2017 |
Faith without works is dead. 2 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by ichuka(m): 10:13am On Apr 22, 2017 |
Faith itself is by Grace likewise works. Same way faith comes is same with works. There source must be the same else something is wrong 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by An2elect2(f): 10:41am On Apr 22, 2017 |
MistadeRegal: 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by MistadeRegal(m): 11:39am On Apr 22, 2017 |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by An2elect2(f): 11:52am On Apr 22, 2017 |
MistadeRegal:Scriptures are to be in harmony right? They can't contradict. From Genesis down to the apostles we are told that Abraham was made righteous by faith and the epistles have these almost on all pages confirming that men are made righteous by faith. So why is James saying men are justified by faith and works and not faith alone like the other scriptures? Are we dishonest men and women? If not let us face this squarely. No scripture contradicts another but when we come across one that seems to contradict ( because of our misunderstanding) we must interpret contextually. James started thus in 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory with respect of persons. Apart from stating that the faith of Jesus does not discriminate against persons, James is bringing to our notice something profound which many ignore which is that the faith we preach is alive and bears fruits. And one of the fruits it does not bear is discrimination. Did you see that?  James is saying if you have the faith of Christ prove it through your works because even the devil believes that there is God. Anybody can claim they have faith but there is only one faith that bears fruits. That is the faith of Jesus, the faith we preach. If you claim to have the faith of Christ and it does not bear fruits/good works in you then your faith is not of Christ but a dead faith. Can this dead faith save a man? No Which faith saves? The faith that produces works. If it does not produce works or bears fruits that faith is not alive and cannot save. vs 14 What does it profit my brethren, though a man say he hath faith and hath no works? can faith save him? James is saying "in scriptural harmony" that how can a man say he has faith but yet we can't see goodworks or changes in him. It means that man has another faith which cannot save. This faith is a dead one. vs 17 Even so faith if it hath no works, is dead, being alone. See this! Remember. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them UNTO GOOD WORKS. if we don't show good works then our faith is not rooted in Christ but is dead. Abraham's obedience to offer Isaac upon the altar was the evidence of his faith in God. He wasn't justified by works before God but before men. But he was justified by faith alone before God who searches the hearts unlike men who judge from the outside. Only God can see faith in us but men need to see our works to confirm our faith. Works fulfil(show perfectly) faith. This is like saying the bearing of fruits shows seeds beneath the ground we can't see. vs 21,22,23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works. when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? See thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God and it was inputted unto him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God 6 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by MistadeRegal(m): 12:01pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
An2elect2:You try. It seem you're misunderstanding something... Do you understand what the 'works' meant? |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by An2elect2(f): 12:05pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
MistadeRegal:Yeah i do. I just showed you. They are they fruits/evidence of our faith in Christ. 3 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by MistadeRegal(m): 12:10pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
An2elect2:Ok. I understand you now. I'm impressed by your knowledge about the Bible. Will like to hear more from you. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by An2elect2(f): 12:12pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
MistadeRegal:To God be the glory. That was my reply to someone who thinks like you too. You can check my threads! |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by MistadeRegal(m): 12:15pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
An2elect2:I mean in person. Those are the kind of people I love to surround myself with. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Splinz(m): 7:00pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
An2elect2:This is what happen when you add to God's word—it makes the word of God of non effect (Mark 7:13). Do I need to remind you on the danger of such an act? (Deuteronomy 4:2). Most worrisome is the fact that after quoting such glaring verses like 21-23 of James 2, you still came up with your concocted claims of “He wasn't justified by works before God but before men”, when these verses said nothing of such. Where is it written that he was justified before men and not God? An2elect2:This has no bearing with the Scriptures, and can best be describe as a “fabrication”. James 2:24 dismisses your claims for what it is—a lie, when it states: “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone”. Is it that difficult to understand? If you really love the truth and seeks for it, then “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Greetings! 2 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by An2elect2(f): 7:55pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
Splinz:With all due respect, you are the one not handling the truth rightly. You can't hold on to your false understanding of a scripture and when it is placed side by side with the other 99% we are left with contradiction! Look at these! [b]Romans 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith. Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." Romans 3:27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. Romans 3:30-31 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. 1 Corinthians 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. Genesis 15:6 Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; Romans 4:16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 5:15-17 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. Philippians 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews 10:38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith. [/b] You are the one not rightly dividing the word. James didn't say a man is justified before God by works. He couldn't have opposed the gospel of grace. It is you that is reading your understanding into scripture. This is what he said: James 2vs 21,22,23 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works. when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? See thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God and it was inputted unto him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God Any one who has understood the gospel of free grace will see what James is saying here. He is saying our works have proven our faith. It has made it sure and true. And who needs to see works? Man or God? God looks at our hearts not our outward deeds. Hence apart from being justified before God, we also need to be justified before men through our works 2 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by joseo: 8:07pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
Salvation is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and confession (work) with the mouth ...according to Romans 10 : 1- end. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by plainbibletruth: 8:16pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
The main purpose of James's message is this: knowing the word of God but failing to do what it says results in zero spiritual production as well as divine punishment from God. James does not contradict Paul. The 'faith' James talks about is 'what is belived' i. e. Biblical doctrine. It is not trust in Christ for salvation. The word 'dead' and 'useless' are used interchangeably - see v. 20. James' reference to Abraham's justification has to do with justification for rewards not for salvation. James already told us that salvation is a grace gift - James 1:17-18. What he goes on then to say is that positional justification by faith alone for salvation needs experiential justification by works for the believer to qualify for a reward. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Dailymercy: 9:51pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
A difficulty is encountered by reader of the Bible who reads Romans 4 and James 2. Paul dealt with the matter right from chapter one, he proved the universal guilt of mankind including the Jews who prided in the covenant. This shows that obeying the Law given at Sinai can not justify a man. Law brought the consciousness of sin and stopped every mouth (cf. Romans 3). Romans 4: Abraham became righteous by Faith with none of his works. He was even declared righteous before circumcision. This shows that entering the covenant of law by circumcision doesn't bring favour with God but Faith in Jesus. James explained the type of Faith that justifies. It is tandem with the scriptures and John the Apostle dealt with that too. Faith worketh by love (gal 5:6). So Faith is not a mental kind of notion but it is an active expression of Love. It is replete in first John that true faith is explicitly shown by obeying Christ's command. If you hate your brother, you abide in death even though you mentally believe in Jesus. Jesus in Revelations 2 and 3 dealt with works severely. He chided the churches for their works. He said in a place, "he that keepth my works until the end". True Faith is keeping the works of Christ and believing in his propitiatory sacrifice. Let no fornicator, murderer e.t.c claim the saving faith. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Nobody: 10:28pm On Apr 22, 2017 |
salvation is by faith alone...... and at the same time it's works shows it's worth ..... i prostitute won't make heaven not because she didn't believe but her faith is dead by her works see this short story Hear a story, or a parable. In a delightful bit of country, early one summer morning, I walked out to be refreshed by the pure sweet air, the sight of fields and woods, grasses and flowers, beasts and birds, when, presently, I came upon an orchard, into which I entered. The trees were beautiful to behold, the air was fragrant, and fruit was abundant. I wandered on almost enchanted, until, to my great wonder, I came upon a tree having neither bloom nor fruit. I was so painfully impressed that, without any thought of hurting or giving offence, and as to myself, I said, “You poor, lost tree, what can you be doing here? I marvel you are not removed.” Upon which, to my astonishment, this tree replied, not without tartness, “Oh, indeed, sir; indeed! No doubt you think you are wise, wise above your fathers. -You think you know much about things, I dare say, but you are in a great mistake. I am neither poor nor lost.” “Well,” I said, “you have neither leaves nor fruit, and, I should judge, no sap.” “What has that to do with it?” it broke out. “Your ignorance is inexcusable. You seem not to know that a great Saviour of trees has been down here, and I have believed His gospel, and am saved by grace. I have accepted salvation as a free gift, and, though I have neither leaves nor fruit, I am saved all the same.” I looked at it with pity and said, “You are a poor deluded tree; you are not saved at all. You are only a dead, good-for-nothing tree, despite all your talk about grace and redemption. The only salvation you can ever know is to be made living and fruit-bearing. Life, that is salvation. When I come and see you laden with fruit, or even showing signs of leaves, I shall say, ‘ Ah! that poor tree is saved at last; it has received the gospel and is saved by grace.’ “ As I turned away, I heard it saying, “You are not sound; you do not understand the gospel.” And I thought, so it is, as with trees so with men; they talk as if grace and salvation were something God keeps for them outside themselves, and will not understand nor believe that he who is saved, he who takes Christ fully, and rests on His atoning work alone, “is made free from sin,” and “ has his fruit unto holiness.” (W. Hubbard.) |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Splinz(m): 10:32pm On Apr 22, 2017*. Modified: 12:31pm On Apr 23, 2017 |
An2elect2:Firstly, there's no such gospel as the "gospel of free grace". The only gospel I know of and was taught by Christ and His apostles and even the prophets is the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God", which simply means the "good news of the Kingdom of God. Where did you get your own gospel from? An2elect2:And yes, about your confusions with the simple message that James is passing. It is clear to all discerning minds that you're the one reading and even adding meanings to Scriptures. If you were diligent enough, you would have understood that James is simply expounding on what it truly means when the Scripture states that: "Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness". It is interesting to note that this is the first of such explanation since it was first used in Genesis (15:6 ) And what is James saying in essence? Simple. That faith and works are inseparable! In verse 14-17 of James 2, James draw a good example of faith without works and went on to say in verse 20 that it is foolish to think of faith without works! It is even commonsensical! Why is it so difficult for you to understand? Why are you reading and adding ridiculous interpretations to Scriptures? Why  An2elect2:“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our works are not different from what is in our heart. An2elect2:Oh, is this what you called the “gospel of grace”? Well, having perused the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, I'm not in the know that justification can also come from men. Please when did this justification before men start? Anyway, like I've said before, yours is nothing but sheer fabrication. 2 Likes |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by johnw74: 3:01am On Apr 23, 2017 |
We are saved through faith not of works the saved walk in good works: Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by malvisguy212: 2:37pm On Apr 24, 2017 |
MistadeRegal:add something untop grace, then it no more grace. James 2 is talking about the evidence of faith ( a christian should be able to show the evidence of his faith) work in this context cannot earn you salvation into heaven , because the only work needed to be done has already been done by Christ Himself, thus salvation is something only God can do. to all my christians brethren, I greet you all especially Scholar8200 it been long. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Scholar8200(m): 5:49pm On Apr 24, 2017 |
malvisguy212:Indeed, very long; just got tired of wasting my time with this part of the forum; shallow, pointless, banal and carnal arguments of folks here is a waste of time and life. Greetings. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by malvisguy212: 2:46pm On Apr 26, 2017 |
Scholar8200:you are right my good Friend, God is our strength. a lot has happened to me, to God be the glory am back now. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Scholar8200(m): 2:58pm On Apr 26, 2017 |
malvisguy212:Welcome back. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by udumosam23(m): 3:09pm On Apr 26, 2017 |
We are saved by grace alone, we're justified by faith alone. We will be rewarded by our works. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by OLAADEGBU(op): 4:08pm On Apr 29, 2017 |
OLAADEGBU:Check it out in the link below: https://www.gotquestions.org/salvation-faith-alone.html |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Nobody: 5:47pm On Oct 11, 2017 |
MistadeRegal:Read the Book of Galatians |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Kobojunkie: 7:27pm On Apr 06, 2023 |
ichuka:1. Grace is a reference to Eternal life which one receives when one is born-again and this after that which Jesus Christ stipulates in John 3 vs 1 -21. Faith applies as far as the work that is done by carrying out what is stipulated by Jesus Christ.  2. Grace is sourced through faith — trust, and obedience to God's command. Faith is not sourced through grace — eternal life which only comes by way of obedience .i.e. faith. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Kobojunkie: 7:37pm On Apr 06, 2023*. Modified: 4:49am On Apr 08, 2023 |
udumosam23:You are saved from Death --- the condemnation of sin --- by grace(Eternal Life) through Faith --- trust and obedience(works) --- in Jesus Christ. Salvation from Death as explained in John 3 vs 1 - 21 is only granted to those who do as Jesus Christ instructs in the context of that conversation. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Kobojunkie: 2:37am On Apr 07, 2023 |
OLAADEGBU:The information provided at the link is nothing but the same meaningless drivel that soundbite Christianity is known for --- saying so much yet saying absolutely nothing at the end or the day. The question is simple and so also the answer. Salvation from Death is via grace(Eternal life) but requires works(obedience) without which ones faith is worthless. According to Jesus Christ, only those who trust and obey His command to believe will be saved from Death; those who refuse to obey will not be saved. |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by Ken4Christ: 7:20am On Apr 07, 2023 |
OLAADEGBU:Salvation is obtained purely on the platform of grace alone - Ephesians 2:8-9. But the process of preserving your salvation requires the twin effort of grace and work. We are not saved because of our good works but we are saved to do good works. If after you receive salvation and you are not involved in good works, you invariably nullify your salvation and make yourself a misfit for the kingdom of heaven. 1 Like |
| Re: Is Salvation By Faith Alone, Or By Faith Plus Works? by TenQ: 7:21am On Apr 07, 2023 |
OLAADEGBU:Salvation is by Faith ALONE Reward is by Works. The thief on the cross did no work, but he was saved! 1 Like |
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