WORKS
It appears that many today still cling to works as a part of their spiritual salvation; however, what does the scripture have to say about this subject? I turn to the apostle Paul because He was the One appointed the apostle to the Gentiles by Jesus Christ. All the others preached to the Jews. Starting at Romans and continuing in Paul's writing to the Gentiles He tells us about works.Rom_4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom_9:32-33 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.
Gal 2:15-21 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make Myself a transgressor.
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in Me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved Me, and gave Himself for Me.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Why then is it that today this promotion of works; which were under the Law of Moses, is continued by the Gentiles? It is because the instructions given to us are not being studied the way they should be. To many are spending time in the gospels which were given to the Jews and pulling much out of context.
Do not take my word for this argument; seek it out in the scriptures; some of which I have given above.
Andy Centek