Agreed, we are justified by faith alone and no other way! Again, works were created for use to walk in before the foundation of the world that the things we do might bring glory to God as He commands. James was specific: Show me faith without works and I will show you a dead faith while I show you my faith through my works. James never believed salvation was by works or faith plus works, he simply believed that works was the outward expression of faith or the faith was dead and not real. Thankfully, God has led me to the works He had planned for me and I delight in them with satisfaction that I am pleasing God by doing His will. Thanks for reminding me why I do my works, to glorify God. I think those who refuse to want to work or to declare works as a result of faith should do as Peter stated, make their election and calling sure. I am not saying they aren't saved, that is not for me to know their heart, but I am saying Christ Himself said we would know His sheep by their works.Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that there has to be growth in order to be saved. I'm saying that true faith always results in growth. That's a big difference. This is why Peter admonishes us to check to confirm our election and calling in 2 Peter 1:3-11.
Please see 2:23
Again - you have misunderstood me. I am not saying our deeds justify us. Never - no how - no way. I am saying our justification always results in deeds which is why we are admonished to check to make sure our election and calling are true by Peter. There is no such thing as a believer living in sin - or if he is in it he is fighting like crazy to get out of it.
Problem is you can't stop reading at verse 18.
But there are plenty of verses that say faith is accompanied by works (which I have demonstrated) - which pretty much means the same thing as resulting in works. Remember - I'm not saying works are required for salvation. The issue is what does real faith look like.
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