"Grace alone " is a big excuse for lazy Christians

[Bible Highlighter]

I observed that many Christians are very lazy nowadays.

They prefer doing nothing for Jesus and said that "Grace alone " "we are not saved by Work ".

Then everyone is in idol mode to wait to go to Heaven.

Laziness is a big sin.

I agree. This verse comes to mind.

”And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30).​

I would also include these:

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24).

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18).

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16).

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, "(1 Timothy 6:3-4).

"...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6).

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38).

”If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matthew 16:24-26).

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

James 2:14-26 Works (when done for the right reasons) are evidence of faith.

Would you agree that a genuinely converted believer will show love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, and self-control in all his dealings with God and with others?

I believe that if these fruit of the Spirit are being showing in his life and conduct, then the believer is performing the works that show evidence of a genuine conversion to Christ and the new heart on which the new law is written.

I object to the willingness of "holier than thou" religious folk imposing rules and commandments on others and misusing the "obedience" Scriptures to support their actions. No believer has to comply with a controlling witchcraft spirit in people like that.

The good works that arise out of the fruit of the Spirit come from within the person, from his new heart, and not through outward rules imposed by performance-based churches and religious folk.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

So, who sets the rules for Christian living?

God. He does this via the Bible (the commands given to us by Jesus and His followers).

So, the Scripture is not true when it says, "By grace are you saved through faith, it is not of yourself, but it is the gift of God." I don't see anything added to that.
How about Paul? Is he wrong when he said that anyone who tries to live by the Law to be accepted of God brings a curse upon himself?

In most cases, when Paul mentioned the "Law" he was referring to the Law of Moses (the 613 laws as a whole contractually speaking, kind of like a contract in buying a house). The old contract is no more. No more circumcision, Sabbath keeping, dietary laws, animal sacrifices, etc. But this does not mean we are not under "no law", though. Hebrews 7:12 says the Law has changed. So we are under New Covenant Law (i.e. the commands from Jesus and His followers).

In other cases, like with Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul was referring to "Works Alone Salvationism." This is because Paul knew about the heresy at the Jerusalem council that was addressed about how a certain sect of Jews were trying to deceive Christians into thinking they needed to FIRST be circumcised in order to be saved. For if a person thinks they need to FIRST be circumcised to be saved, then God's grace through faith (accepting Jesus as one's Savior or seeking forgiveness with Him) does not mean anything. To be saved by circumcision FIRST would mean a person is ultimately saved by a work (or works). But we know we receive salvation as a gift. If you receive a gift, this is talking about "Initial Salvation." Ephesians 2:1 says, "You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;" Being quickened is a one time event. Paul is talking about the entrance gate or the WAY to be saved. Paul is saying that we do not first become saved by doing works, but we FIRST become saved by receiving the gift of God's grace (Jesus Christ). But like all good gifts in life, we have to do works of responsibility to maintain them (Which is where verse 10 comes into play). For we are created unto Jesus for good works, and we should (not maybe) walk in them. For James says faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

In other words, Paul and James are fighting two different heresies.

Paul is fighting Law Alone Salvationism or Works Alone Salvationism that does not include God's grace through faith (Note: We are initially and ultimately saved by God's grace), and,

James is fighting against Belief Alone-ism. For even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). For James says he will show you his faith by his works (James 2:18). Yet, Protestants define faith as a belief alone and not in the same way as James describes it. A true saving faith is evidence by works of faith, and not sinful works.

Also, if the Scriptures are not the only authority for salvation and holy living, then what are you adding to it?

I believe in Sola Scriptura or the Bible alone as my sole authority for spiritual matters. So I don't believe we should add anything to it. I am the kind of believer that if it is not in the Bible, we should not do it. This goes for even attending regular churches. We do not see that in the Bible. But we do see fellowship of believers in people's homes, though.

Did you know that Jesus was Sola Scriptura? All His quotes when He said "it is written", He quoted from Scripture. He never referred to Jewish tradition as authority; in fact He told the Jews that their tradition made the Word of God of none effect.

I created a rather lengthy two part post on a biblical defense for Sola Scriptura here:

A Biblical Defense of Sola Scriptura!

I am not Catholic or Orthodox, etc. I am a Trinitarian, Sola Scriptura non-denominational Christian. I just believe the Bible in what it says; And the Bible teaches we need both Faith in God's grace (Jesus and what He has done for us) + Works of Faith to be saved.

For if works do not play any part in the salvation process whatsoever, then that means that believers can be axe murdering rapists and child abusers until the day they die without any remorse and still make into the glory of Heaven (all because they had a belief on Jesus). But that does not seem right. For is God unrighteous? Surely not.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Would you agree that a genuinely converted believer will show love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, and self-control in all his dealings with God and with others?

I believe that if these fruit of the Spirit are being showing in his life and conduct, then the believer is performing the works that show evidence of a genuine conversion to Christ and the new heart on which the new law is written.

I object to the willingness of "holier than thou" religious folk imposing rules and commandments on others and misusing the "obedience" Scriptures to support their actions. No believer has to comply with a controlling witchcraft spirit in people like that.

The good works that arise out of the fruit of the Spirit come from within the person, from his new heart, and not through outward rules imposed by performance-based churches and religious folk.

How can God's commands that come from the Bible be something bad as you say? That makes no sense. God is the ultimate author of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). Also, there are many dire consequences to one's soul in the afterlife if we disobey His commands. Not sure what Bible you are reading but this is very clear.

Again, the Bible teaches that sin can separate us from God from Matthew to Revelation (Matthew 5:28-30) (Matthew 6:15) (Matthew 12:37) (Matthew 25:31-46) (Luke 9:62) (1 John 3:15) (Galatians 5:19-21) (Revelation 21:8).

The Bible teaches that obedience to God's commands is tied to eternal life from Matthew to Revelation (See Matthew 19:17-19) (Luke 10:25-28) (1 John 1:7) (1 John 3:23) (Hebrews 5:9) (Revelation 22:14).

 

[Bible Highlighter]

26 "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:26-27).

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

For if works do not play any part in the salvation process whatsoever, then that means that believers can be axe murdering rapists and child abusers until the day they die without any remorse and still make into the glory of Heaven (all because they had a belief on Jesus). But that does not seem right. For is God unrighteous? Surely not.

Thanks for your great information. I enjoyed reading it.
I think that a professing believer who could be an axe murdering rapist and child abuser cannot show genuine conversion because non of those things fit into the fruit of a person who has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.

There are plenty of records in church history and current events where religious people have murdered thousands over the centuries, and others have recently been exposed as child abusers. These may have professed Christianity, but they were and are far from it.

 

[Strong in Him]

I observed that many Christians are very lazy nowadays.

They prefer doing nothing for Jesus and said that "Grace alone " "we are not saved by Work ".

We aren't saved by works; that is absolutely correct.
Personally, I would have thought that if you love God you would WANT to serve him. But how do you know that a) these people are Christians and b) that by doing very little - as far as you can see - they aren't doing what God wants?

BEING is far more important to God than doing.
Do a Bible search on "God's will" - a lot of the time it refers to who we are, not what we do.
John 6:40 - it is my Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes has eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 3:3 - it is God's will that you should be holy.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - rejoice always, pray at all times, give thanks in all circumstances. This is God's will for you.
Romans 12:2 - be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test God's will.

I'm not saying we shouldn't serve God and use the gifts he gave us for him; but it would be a mistake to look at a Christian who wasn't dashing around doing lots of stuff and conclude that they were just lazy.

 

[Kenny'sID]

These may have professed Christianity, but they were and are far from it.

People can easily become Christian and then figure they loved the world and it's ways more, so they fall away. To say they were never saved to begin with is only something osas uses and an excuse to say once in, they can never lose salvation. No one has ever showed us any proof that anyone was never saved to begin with, because no one can possibly know unless they were close to them, and even then, only God knew. So to say they were far from being Christian and never was, is a guess at best. Besides, as I mentioned in the first sentence, it only make sense they would fall away. Jesus himself said, when he explained the parable of the sower, that they fell away.

And I doubt those in the parable of the sower were anywhere near axe murderers...it happens all the time, and is undeniable, even if it does fly in the face of osas.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

People can easily become Christian and then figure they loved the world and it's ways more, so they fall away. To say they were never saved to begin with is only something osas uses and an excuse to say once in, they can never lose salvation. No one has ever showed us any proof that anyone was never saved to begin with, because no one can possibly know unless they were close to them, and even then, only God knew. So to say they were far from being Christian and never was, is a guess at best. Besides, as I mentioned in the first sentence, it only make sense they would fall away. Jesus himself said, when he explained the parable of the sower, that they fell away.

And I doubt those in the parable of the sower were anywhere near axe murderers...it happens all the time, and is undeniable, even if it does fly in the face of osas.

There is safety in holding back from judging others that don't seem "kosher" to us. Appearances can be deceiving in both ways: a person can appear very committed and passionate for Christ, and yet his heart may still be in the world, and another person may seem full of inconsistencies and problems and yet his heart may be totally right with God. We cannot know by just looking at a person and viewing their conduct.

Many whom we think are great Christians, may not appear when we go up in the Rapture, and we might find them coming up for judgment and Christ saying, "I never knew you". And we might find some of the real "problem cases" coming up along with us in the Rapture and being highly rewarded by Christ for the things that He saw that we didn't see.

The bottom line is that we are to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the faith because we are not going to be judged by Christ in comparison with anyone else. The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a good example of this. The Pharisee was there telling the Lord about all the good things he was doing, and how he was not breaking the Law, and then comparing his "holy" state with the "sinfulness" of the Publican. All the Publican said was: "Lord, forgive me, a sinner." Jesus said that the Publican was justified over the Pharisee.

 

[timewerx]

The good works that arise out of the fruit of the Spirit come from within the person, from his new heart, and not through outward rules imposed by performance-based churches and religious folk.

Well said and Biblical!

Sadly, there are Christians who will disagree with that statement.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Well said and Biblical!

Sadly, there are Christians who will disagree with that statement.

Yes. They are the ones who were behind the door when their Bible teacher taught them the book of Galatians!

 

[Kenny'sID]

There is safety in holding back from judging others that don't seem "kosher" to us. Appearances can be deceiving in both ways: a person can appear very committed and passionate for Christ, and yet his heart may still be in the world, and another person may seem full of inconsistencies and problems and yet his heart may be totally right with God. We cannot know by just looking at a person and viewing their conduct.

Many whom we think are great Christians, may not appear when we go up in the Rapture, and we might find them coming up for judgment and Christ saying, "I never knew you". And we might find some of the real "problem cases" coming up along with us in the Rapture and being highly rewarded by Christ for the things that He saw that we didn't see.

The bottom line is that we are to examine ourselves to ensure that we are in the faith because we are not going to be judged by Christ in comparison with anyone else. The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a good example of this. The Pharisee was there telling the Lord about all the good things he was doing, and how he was not breaking the Law, and then comparing his "holy" state with the "sinfulness" of the Publican. All the Publican said was: "Lord, forgive me, a sinner." Jesus said that the Publican was justified over the Pharisee.

Not sure what exactingly that has to do with our subject of if someone was or was not saved to begin with? Jesus does the judging, not me, I just pass on what I feel is truth when I see someone on what Christ/God has clearly stated is the wrong track, as does many here, our preachers, and our teachers. I hope you aren't considering that being judgmental?

And I'm very aware of the fact many may seem like like nobody now but in the kingdom will be considered great, however that has noting to do with people who spread what many of us feel is false doctrine. God will judge all of us in the end, and I feel i will be judged badly if I sit by and watch evil prevail without making some type effort to stop it.

Of course the publican was justified. Are you saying some of us are telling others all the good things we do? We are not, we feel bad and are afraid for those that cannot see, and to say we run around doing anything near what the Pharisees do, it seems to me is merely useful to you, while it's not a fact at all.

And no, I doubt too we will be judged by Christ on a curve, we will be judged on what he said to do or not do. So, when some here are telling others we need not do anything to gain our salvation but to say we believe, it must be refuted because as I have shown several times, Christ himself said we must do things, and that is true believe, not just saying we believe.. Any Christian worth their salt, at least in my view, needs to step up when the truth is not taught, and do their best to warn others. If we do not, we don't care about others, hence fall short of loving our neighbor as we are commanded to do..

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Not sure what exactingly that has to do with our subject of if someone was or was not saved to begin with? Jesus does the judging, not me, I just pass on what I feel is truth when I see someone on what Christ/God has clearly stated is the wrong track, as does many here, our preachers, and our teachers. I hope you aren't considering that being judgmental?

And I'm very aware of the fact many may seem like like nobody now but in the kingdom will be considered great, however that has noting to do with people who spread what many of us feel is false doctrine. God will judge all of us in the end, and I feel i will be judged badly if I sit by and watch evil prevail without making some type effort to stop it.

Of course the publican was justified. Are you saying some of us are telling others all the good things we do? We are not, we feel bad and are afraid for those that cannot see, and to say we run around doing anything near what the Pharisees do, it seems to me is merely useful to you, while it's not a fact at all.

And no, I doubt too we will be judged by Christ on a curve, we will be judged on what he said to do or not do. So, when some here are telling others we need not do anything to gain our salvation but to say we believe, it must be refuted because as I have shown several times, Christ himself said we must do things, and that is true believe, not just saying we believe.. Any Christian worth their salt, at least in my view, needs to step up when the truth is not taught, and do their best to warn others. If we do not, we don't care about others, hence fall short of loving our neighbor as we are commanded to do..

My point, and my attitude to other believers is that if someone professes Christianity, then I give them the benefit of the doubt. I no longer have a leadership role in a church and so I have no authority to correct anyone, so I prefer to be an intercessor, not an interferer.

 

[Kenny'sID]

My point, and my attitude to other believers is that if someone professes Christianity, then I give them the benefit of the doubt. I no longer have a leadership role in a church and so I have no authority to correct anyone, so I prefer to be an intercessor, not an interferer.

A set of rules from any church don't tell many of us if we have a right to tech the truth or not, I've never even heard of such a thing. Also, anyone who teaches/condones or intercesdes for something that is not biblical is an interferer.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

A set of rules from any church don't tell many of us if we have a right to tech the truth or not, I've never even heard of such a thing. Also, anyone who teaches/condones or intercedes for something that is not biblical is an interferer.

My way of interceding is that if I see that something is amiss with the person, I will pray for them in secret and make myself available to the Lord if He decides I am the one to speak to them about it. If the Lord doesn't give me that opportunity, I keep away, because I am not called to be a self-appointed "guide to the blind."

 

[Rubiks]

Fun Fact: Irenaeus labels "grace alone" as one of Simon Magus' heresies in Against Heresies

Now this Simon of Samaria, from whom all sorts of heresies derive their origin, formed his sect out of the following materials ... for men are saved through his grace, and not on account of their own righteous actions

I don't hold Irenaeus to be Word of God or anything, but it's still interesting.

 

[BNR32FAN]

I observed that many Christians are very lazy nowadays.

They prefer doing nothing for Jesus and said that "Grace alone " "we are not saved by Work ".

Then everyone is in idol mode to wait to go to Heaven.

Laziness is a big sin.

I do agree that some Protestant doctrines can elicit lukewarm behavior but I would also say that there are also many who believe those doctrines who do work diligently for The Lord. It’s not their belief in the doctrines that will condemn them but the state of the heart.

 

[BNR32FAN]

At the same time, fearmongering lazy people to work harder, doesn't reap the results God is looking for.

The Bible uses both fear and love as incentive to bringing people to repentance.

 

[JacksBratt]

I observed that many Christians are very lazy nowadays.

They prefer doing nothing for Jesus and said that "Grace alone " "we are not saved by Work ".

Then everyone is in idol mode to wait to go to Heaven.

Laziness is a big sin.

Well, we always think like humans... God does not think like we do. He is much much more loving and merciful.

Yes, there are lazy Christians... there are also non believers who work their butts off at volunteering and serving... Yet... the Christians are still have eternal life and the non believers are lost.

It is not up to you and me to point and say.. you're not doing enough.. and you should be doing more...

Everyone has their own demons, problems, hurdles.

It is mans logic that says we must "do" to achieve salvation..

What we "do" is for God's glory... not our salvation.
What we "do" is not for our gain.. but God's work
What we "do" can do nothing to achieve any ounce of salvation... it is simply evidence of salvation.

A river with rapids, is evidence of it flowing.

Some rivers look still but are still flowing.

Works is evidence of salvation.. but just because someone doesn't look, TO YOU, like they are doing God's work... does not mean that they are not a child of God.

 

[BNR32FAN]

If you have a problem with grace might want to take it up with God.
And tell Him you would have rather have to work for your eternal life. Of course you will never make it that way but i you want to try well.

We don’t do works to earn salvation we do works because we abide in Christ and He abides in us. If we abide in Him and He in us we will bear much fruit. John 15:1-10