Saints will do the good works prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10).
Saints good deeds glorify God in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Christ is the vine, we are branches...apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
I am not in disagreement with these verses above. They are very true.
bottomofsandal said:
The problem with works is this:
---how many works?
---for how long?
---how often?
---what are the consequences for "underperforming"?
It is written...
14 "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
(Matthew 25:14).
bottomofsandal said:
Christ is working in us, glorifying His Name. The power of The Spirit works in us to bear fruit unto God.
Why do some people seem to hijack God's works and make a salvation doctrine out it that glorifies man?
All people are not producing the same quantity of good deeds due to gifts of the Spirit and place in The Body.
But that is not what I said in the poll options. Nothing mentions of what man does on his own power. I said Christ directed works done thru the believer. That is the first poll option. Not Man Directed Works Alone Salvationism (Which is wrong). For any or all good comes from God and not men. We merely choose of our own free will to align with God and the good work He wants to do thru us.
My guess is you believe in Eternal Security or the second option of the poll. Does the second poll option teach that your belief allows you to sin (do evil) and to still be saved? If that is the case, then how does that sound like it is of God? Is not God good? Why would He allow His people to do evil with the thinking He will reward them with entering His Kingdom? Does not Matthew 25:23 say the following?
"... Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord"
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