Salvation is through faith alone.

Albion

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Can you expand on these thoughts? As stated I think I would disagree. The object and source of our faith is not of our own doing, but our acceptance or rejection of that object/source is certainly our doing.
I wouldn't be so certain of that. Unless God wills that we have faith in Christ, it is not gong to happen. But in either case, it is not a work, an action, like performing missionary work, giving to the poor, engaging in religious devotions. These are examples of works (as various churches teach about them. I am only using them as examples).

Also a disposition and commitment are inseparable from actions that support the disposition and commitment.
I would have to disagree. They are related of course, and one may be necessary for the other to function, but they are not the same.

God's Word tells us both what faith is and how to get it. the vast majority of Christendom uses "faith alone" to mean our actions have nothing to do with our salvation.
They mean that the works/actions do not in themselves acquire merit or contribute to our standing with God as concerns our salvation or lack of it.

These obviously "have something to do with" salvation since a true faith, which is the means by which we are saved, must of necessity produce good works or else there isn't a true faith.
 
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Ken Rank

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You will see that works don't save in the slightest.
It isn't that simple... while works don't save us, faith without works isn't faith. We can't throw James out because it doesn't mesh with our theology and religious culture. "Faith comes by hearing the word of God," said Paul... and is the evidence of things unseen. Hearing isn't seen it is heard... so we hear God and then we act on what we hear and our action is the evidence of what we heard. Which is why James said, "faith without works is dead being alone." If there are no works, there isn't faith.
 
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FireDragon76

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SaintCody777

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See Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:4-7.

You will see that works don't save in the slightest.

The transformation that takes place within a believer (2 Corinthians 5:17) cannot come about by anything we do. It can only come about through trusting Christ to give you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27). It is through faith alone in the operation of God.
Until recently I thought though no one can earn salvation, a believer is justified by faith and works, not that works have to be added on top of faith from your own effort but that works will judge you because it's proof that your faith is genuine.
Now I know that if faith has works that flow from it, then that faith is real. But only that kind of faith will justify you. That's why now I sometimes say we are saved by "regenerative faith alone" rather than "faith alone" to avoid confusion for false profession.
 
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Halbhh

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See Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:4-7.

You will see that works don't save in the slightest.

The transformation that takes place within a believer (2 Corinthians 5:17) cannot come about by anything we do. It can only come about through trusting Christ to give you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27). It is through faith alone in the operation of God.

That's correct...ly Ephesians 2:8-10

(with verse 10)

Paul would expect you to continue listening until the end of his paragraph, and this one is a very apt wording, briefer than Paul usually is.

It's just like John 15:1-17 -- we bear fruit if we remain in Christ, if His words remain in us. If.
Bible Gateway passage: John 15 - New International Version

"Love one another"

Otherwise, John 15:6

If you believe in Him, you need to know that this is what He says to you.
 
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112358

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I wouldn't be so certain of that. Unless God wills that we have faith in Christ, it is not gong to happen. But in either case, it is not a work, an action, like performing missionary work, giving to the poor, engaging in religious devotions. These are examples of works (as various churches teach about them. I am only using them as examples).
God wills that everyone have faith in Christ (2 Peter 3:9), and yet many do not. Clearly there is part of the equation that is up to us.
 
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GodsGrace101

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What's the difference between belief in the True Gospel, and Faith?
You could say it's Grace, but what makes the Devil Graceless if works are irrelevant?

Works are not irrelevant.
It's just that our works do not save us unless we have faith in God.

There are two types of belief. One is believing with the mind,,,one knows that God exists and so he believes in a God existing.

The other believes in God with his whole mind, soul and heart. This person has a faith type of believing.
Believing IN someone and having faith IN them is the same.

This is the belief that saves.

After salvation, it is necessary to work for God. God wants us to obey Him so if He says we should do something, we should do it. Jesus left us with many commands to follow.
 
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112358

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Part of the equation?
well, yes. Perhaps a poor choice of words, I admit. Stated another way: clearly there is part of our salvation that has to do with choices we make (e.g. whether we obey or not), given that God wills that all have faith in Christ. It is not "faith alone" as most people suggest, whereby they can believe in Christ and continue to "sin boldly". Rather it is "obedient faith" (which is the only true faith) through which we are saved by grace.
 
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FatalHeart

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Why isn't the Devil saved? Surely he believes in God, and knows God will be victorious (from Revelation, "for he knows he has but a short time,") and he knows the Holy Scripture, as showcased in Christ's Temptation in the Desert.

What makes you different than Satan?

You realize the promise is for mankind, not the angels, right? Is there anywhere in the Bible it says Christ died for all creation?
 
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FatalHeart

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It's always a matter of the wording, but no matter how that's done, it still comes down to whether or not the works in themselves add to that person's chances (of being saved).

Well we are encouraged to make our calling and election sure. However, it's still a calling and election. It's also a point to say that our righteousness (acts done without the Holy Spirit behind them; Romans 8:8.) are like filthy rags, but living in the Spirit fully satisfies the law. Romans 8:3-4.
 
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Albion

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well, yes. Perhaps a poor choice of words, I admit. Stated another way: clearly there is part of our salvation that has to do with choices we make (e.g. whether we obey or not), given that God wills that all have faith in Christ. It is not "faith alone" as most people suggest, whereby they can believe in Christ and continue to "sin boldly". Rather it is "obedient faith" (which is the only true faith) through which we are saved by grace.
OK. First, we have to get straight that no one says you can believe in Christ and sin at will. Not Dr. Luther and not anyone that I have ever heard from.

That is a claim most often made by people who think that our works will save us and who are inclined to scorn those other Christians who believe that it is by grace through faith that we find salvation and not though anything of ourselves. In other words, it is a common refrain even if untrue.

Second, Scripture does not simply say that God wants everybody to be saved therefore its entirely in our hands as to whether we decide to have Faith in Christ or not. Ideally speaking, He would have all to be saved, but that is not the same as saying He made it possible so its up to every one of us to decide to get on board or, OTOH, to refuse Christ.
 
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112358

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OK. First, we have to get straight that no one says you can believe in Christ and sin at will. Not Dr. Luther and not anyone that I have ever heard from.
There are in fact MANY here who say exactly as much, both with reference to salvation and to whether one can lose their salvation.

That is a claim most often made by people who think that our works will save us and who are inclined to scorn those other Christians who believe that it is by grace through faith that we find salvation and not though anything of ourselves. In other words, it is a common refrain even if untrue.
I think this is because many confuse "works" and obedience. They are not the same, and without either we cannot be saved. There has never been a man who stood justified before God who was not obedient to God's laws and commands, and there has never been a man who stood condemned before God who was not in violation of God's laws and commands. People like to cry "legalist!" when they hear this, but if yielding to the will of God through obedience makes one a legalist, I hope we all become such at the first opportunity. The biblical teachings regarding grace have been so deluded by our post-modern, "churchian" culture that they are all but unrecognizable.

Second, Scripture does not simply say that God wants everybody to be saved therefore its entirely in our hands as to whether we decide to have Faith in Christ or not. Ideally speaking, He would have all to be saved, but that is not the same as saying He made it possible so its up to every one of us to decide to get on board or, OTOH, to refuse Christ.
Are you saying that God has not made it possible for all to be saved? Are we moving toward a discussion about election here?
 
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Albion

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There are in fact MANY here who say exactly as much, both with reference to salvation and to whether one can lose their salvation.

I would be interested to see those posts if you can locate some. I don't recall any myself and I've been here quite awhile.

I think this is because many confuse "works" and obedience. They are not the same, and without either we cannot be saved. There has never been a man who stood justified before God who was not obedient to God's laws and commands, and there has never been a man who stood condemned before God who was not in violation of God's laws and commands. People like to cry "legalist!" when they hear this, but if yielding to the will of God through obedience makes one a legalist, I hope we all become such at the first opportunity. The biblical teachings regarding grace have been so deluded by our post-modern, "churchian" culture that they are all but unrecognizable.
If we take adequate care to distinguish between good works and acts done out of an obligation (which would not be works in the theological sense), would that clear the air about this?

Are you saying that God has not made it possible for all to be saved? Are we moving toward a discussion about election here?
I think I am saying that the human race has not been given a blank check (salvation) and some people decide to cash it while others do not. This does not suggest election necessarily, although that has scriptural support.
 
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112358

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I would be interested to see those posts if you can locate some. I don't recall any myself and I've been here quite awhile.
Those I remember best came from a lengthy (and spirited) thread entitled "Eternal Security - is the Gospel". There were a number of posts there along these lines. I've seen several other threads as well. If I can dig them up I will.
 
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See Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:4-7.

You will see that works don't save in the slightest.

The transformation that takes place within a believer (2 Corinthians 5:17) cannot come about by anything we do. It can only come about through trusting Christ to give you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27). It is through faith alone in the operation of God.

Understanding Paul's words:

When Jesus died, He began a New Covenant (i.e. a New Testament) (Matthew 26:28) (Matthew 27:51). This meant that the law had changed (See Hebrews 7:12). We are under a new contract (New Covenant). Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:4-7 are talking about "Works Alone Salvationism" without God's grace. This is because Paul was fighting against "Circumcision Salvationism" (See: Galatians 2:3, Galatians 2:3, Galatians 5:2, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 6:5, 1 Corinthians 7:18-19, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 3:1, Romans 4:9-12, Acts of the Apostles 21:21. Also see: Acts of the Apostles 15:1, Acts of the Apostles 15:5, Acts of the Apostles 15:24).

Anyways, while we are given a new heart with new desires as a part of our spiritual new birth, this does not mean our free will is no ore and we do not need to endure in our faith to continue to be saved.​

We need to endure in our faith to continue to be saved:

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:13-14.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:13.

"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Revelation 2:7.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." Revelation 2:11.

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." Revelation 3:5.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 1:21.​


Obeying God or Being Righteous is a part of eternal life:

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14.

he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Hebrews 5:9.

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." Luke 10:25-28.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8.

Every man will be given according to what their work shall be:

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12.​


Sin or Unfaithfulness Can Separate:

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62.

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Hebrews 10:26.

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 1 Peter 4:17-18.

"For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:21-22.

"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:19.

"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:4.​



Source used:
Once Saved Always Saved - Fact or Fiction?
 
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Yarddog

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See Romans 4:1-8, Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:4-7.

You will see that works don't save in the slightest.

The transformation that takes place within a believer (2 Corinthians 5:17) cannot come about by anything we do. It can only come about through trusting Christ to give you a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27). It is through faith alone in the operation of God.
Works do not justify but works of the Spirit must be present in the saved person.
 
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justbyfaith

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so the same grace and faith by which we are saved also requires our obedience,

I would differ with you there and say that it does not require our obedience but produces it every time.

Faith, by definition, is not a work.

On the contrary, it is the only work that will save.

It isn't that simple... while works don't save us, faith without works isn't faith. We can't throw James out because it doesn't mesh with our theology and religious culture. "Faith comes by hearing the word of God," said Paul... and is the evidence of things unseen. Hearing isn't seen it is heard... so we hear God and then we act on what we hear and our action is the evidence of what we heard. Which is why James said, "faith without works is dead being alone." If there are no works, there isn't faith.

We need to rightly divide the word, and look at one thing at a time. Yes, I agree that the only saving faith is a living faith, and that such a faith is never without works.

Sometimes, however, the faith alone aspect needs to be preached without it being convoluted by works; because forgiveness of sins has nothing to do with our works or anything we might do, but is based wholly and completely on faith in what Christ did for us on the Cross. This is the only salvation. Trusting in your works to save you will put you in hell. Only after you know you are forgiven through the blood of the Lamb should you begin to do good works; and that because you are thankful to Him for His having saved you: never out of a need to prove that you are saved by what you do. The moment you try to save yourself by what you do you don't have salvation any longer. The only salvation is through faith in what Christ did for you; never depart from that as being the source. To begin to trust in your works to save you is to stop trusting in Christ's finished work.
 
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PaulCyp1

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Obviously works don't save, or we wouldn't need faith. What is required is active faith, not just saying "I believe" or "I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior". What is required is accepting Jesus Christ and LIVING as though I accept Jesus Christ, which means works of Christian charity, putting into action what we profess with our mouths. Which is why Jesus said "It is not those who say "Lord, Lord" (profess their faith with words) who will enter my kingdom, but those who DO the will of my Father" (live their faith through works).
 
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justbyfaith

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Obviously works don't save, or we wouldn't need faith. What is required is active faith, not just saying "I believe" or "I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior". What is required is accepting Jesus Christ and LIVING as though I accept Jesus Christ, which means works of Christian charity, putting into action what we profess with our mouths. Which is why Jesus said "It is not those who say "Lord, Lord" (profess their faith with words) who will enter my kingdom, but those who DO the will of my Father" (live their faith through works).

Amen.

If we have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ, the love of the Lord will be shed abroad in our hearts; and a labour of love will be the fruit of our faith; which saved us all by its lonesome.
 
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