Sola Fide (Faith Alone) Sets the Record Straight

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Romans 4:5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Hebrews 6:19 We have this [hope]-like a sure and firm anchor of the soul-that enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Brother, in my opinion, words such as those emboldened in the quote, are a direct affront to the Good News of Jesus Christ, and are literally aligned in opposition to extremely important scripture.

Please take the time to compare what you wrote to literal passages of scripture that is posted, beneath.

Ok so let me paint a picture here to illustrate what I mean by those who use Jesus’ sacrifice as an excuse for justifying their ungodliness. Let’s say for example Rick claims to be a Christian. He decides to accompany his coworkers to a strip club on Friday night to get drunk with his friends. He’s at the club getting drunk and orders a lap dance. As the girl is doing her lap dance one of Rick’s friend’s laughingly says “Hey Rick, I thought you were a Christian!!” Rick replies “Ahhh it’s ok Jesus died for my sins!! WHOOHOO!!”, as he takes another shot of tequila. Rick is completely trusting in Jesus to pay for all his sins. Is this the type of person who is saved, or is this the type of person Jesus mentioned in Matthew 7:13-28?
 
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BNR32FAN

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Hey, my friend. God certainly gives us opportunity to do good, and strength and grace to do good. But we, ourselves, must also choose to cooperate with His will, obey Him, and live out what we have been given, too. That, too, is a part of our salvation.

I don't know who first said it, but it has been said that we have been saved, we are being saved, and wr shall be saved. By grace, through faith, and through works. Not any works, but works of loving obedience to Christ, and to the Triune God in general.

Amen, well said friend :)
 
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Works are the fruit of having been saved through faith, but not the root of it.

Then you agree that works are necessary to receive eternal life? In order to enter heaven you must have done good works and strived to obey God’s commandments?
 
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To anyone who will hear:

A certain poster here has suggested that one of my posts is a lie against the OP (the original post).

First, the entire OP assumes that Belief Alone-ism is true when in reality, it is not what the Bible plainly teaches (See: Matthew 5:28-30, Matthew 6:15, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 19:17-19, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:25-28, Titus 1:16, Romans 8:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 John 3:15, Revelation 21:8).

Second, the OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists (like myself) are saying that Faith Alone is a denial of "Initial Belief." Unless one is a Calvinist, I and other Conditional Salvationists generally do not disregard the Belief Alone Proponent's belief that the OP falsely suggests that we deny that "Initial Salvation" is a part of their adherence to "Belief Alone-ism." Even the Bible teaches that we need to have a Faith in Jesus and the gospel (without works) as a part of "Initial Salvation" as a part of Justification (and not Sanctification). So this is an ad hominem that has no basis in any fact (except maybe a few rare odd individuals out there).

Three, the OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that Belief Alone-ism is a secret teaching that says we should increase our sins because they are paid for like an indulgence. Again, this is another ad hominem. No Conditional Salvationist I know says Belief Alone-ism is a secret teaching. Most Conditional Salvationists will say (like myself) that Belief Alone-ism is the popular church belief. But just because something is popular does not make it true. Jesus said narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few be there that finds it. Also, the OP fails to take into account that there are "Faith Alone" type believers like George Sodini who thought they could sin as much as they want and still be saved. George Sodini wrote in his suicide letter that he would be saved on the basis of his believing in Jesus as his Savior, despite his mass murder, and despite the taking of his own life. Granted, that does not mean that there are not Belief Alone Proponents who do not adhere to this kind of belief. Most in my experience believe in a Mid Level Range of OSAS or a Mid Range Level of Belief Alone-ism. This is the belief that one can commit grievous sin on occasion and be saved as long as one generally lives a holy life (Which is defined differently by each Belief Alone Proponent). But the premise of Belief Alone-ism is that if you fall into the sin of lying or looking at a woman in lust, you have not lost your salvation or died spiritually. So if this is the case, then this suggests that one can indeed do these kinds of sins and still be saved while committing them on some level (Which is turning God's grace into a license for immorality - See Jude 1:4).

The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that all Belief Alone Proponents are sinning without sorrow. Well, in a way this would be half true (Which means the claim in the OP on this point is incorrect in part). Conditional Salvationists generally are saying that the Belief Alone Proponent is sinning with a worldly sorrow and not with a Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow seeks to not justify sin on some level by giving a person a safety net to sin (Whether that be a little bit of sin or a lot of sin in one's life).

The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that all Belief Alone Proponents deny that they are led by the Holy Spirit to bear fruits as per Galatians 5:22-23. Again, there are Belief Alone Proponents who believe that one can sin as much as you like and still be saved. There are also Belief Alone Proponents who believe that if you do not obey, and or if you do not live holy, you are not saved. They believe that you cannot justify even one grievous sin with the thinking you are saved. This group of Belief Alone Proponents are very small - IMO, because most other Belief Alone Proponents will tell me that they do not lose their salvation if they abide in unconfessed grievous sin for a time (Whether that be the hardcore sin as much as you like Belief Alone Proponents or the Mid Range Level Belief Alone Proponents who believe you can sin on occasion and till be saved as long as you generally live a holy life - which is never really clearly defined).

Note: Grievous sin are sins like lying, lusting after women, hating, etc.; For not all sin is the same in the Bible (Which is contrary to the claims by many Belief Alone Proponents).

To be continued in next post.
 
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The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that "Belief Alone-ism is the kind of belief that forever confesses." While Conditional Salvationists do differ on this topic, a certain group of Conditional Salvationists (like myself) do adhere to the belief that confession of grievous sin should not last forever in a believer's life, and that we should overcome the affections and lusts as per Galatians 5:24, and 1 Peter 4:1-2 (Note: Some Conditional Salvationists like myself believe that Galatians 5:24 is in reference to overcoming grievous sin - based on the context - See Galatians 5:19-21). As per this Conditional Salvationist, I believe (according to the Bible) it is wrong to say that a believer will forever confess of their grievous sin in this life. 1 John 1:8 must be read in context to 1 John 2:26. John was writing to believers about those false beliefs by those gnostics who were trying to seduce the brethren. 1 John 1:8 is a gnostic belief, just as 1 John 1:10 is a gnostic belief. For both the Conditional Salvationist, and the Belief Alone Proponent agree that all believers have sinned in the past as per 1 John 1:10. So the denial of the person who says they have never sinned in the past as per 1 John 1:10 is telling us that this was a gnostic belief that denied sin's existence. 1 John 1:8 is saying a similar thing. It is the wrong belief that says sin is an illusion or is not real. So if a person were to sin in the present tense, that sin does not exist for them and it is merely an illusion or not in existence for them. This is more in line with the belief of those who hold to Christian Science. But in a way, this is kind of what the Belief Alone Proponent type belief is saying. They believe they sin on a physical level, but there sin does not exist on a spiritual level because it was paid for by Jesus by their believing on Him. So this means if they abide in a certain sin on occasion, they are not unsaved (or they do not lose their salvation).

Basically 1 John 1:8 is saying "If we say we have no sin when we do sin, we deceive ourselves." This has to be the interpretative understanding of this passage based on 1 John 1:10 and 1 John 2:3-4. For 1 John 2:4 says that the person who says they know the Lord and yet they do not keep His commandments, they are a liar and the truth is not in them. Is a person who forever confesses sin keeping His commandments? No. Because they believe they are forever breaking His commandments so as to confess them forever.

I may continue to address the rest of the OP in one of my upcoming future posts.
 
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BNR32FAN

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Pastor Greg Laurie often says if you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? I’ve always thought this is a very good way to view this topic.
 
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Hey, my friend. God certainly gives us opportunity to do good, and strength and grace to do good. But we, ourselves, must also choose to cooperate with His will, obey Him, and live out what we have been given, too. That, too, is a part of our salvation.

I don't know who first said it, but it has been said that we have been saved, we are being saved, and wr shall be saved. By grace, through faith, and through works. Not any works, but works of loving obedience to Christ, and to the Triune God in general.

I think if you and I hashed out the way we use terms, we would come to specific agreement.

If not for Jesus, we would all be sunk. :D
 
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The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that Belief Alone-ism appears to teach that Jesus cannot help the believer to overcome horrible struggles with sin in their lives. This again depends on the Belief Alone Proponent. There are three major levels of Belief Alone-ism.

#1. "Hardcore Belief Alone-ism": This is the sin as much as you like and still be saved type Belief Alone-ism (like George Sodini, etc.). I have talked with a bunch of these kind of individuals online and once in person.
#2. "Mid Range Level Belief Alone-ism": This is the sin on occasion and still be saved as long as you generally lived a holy life (Which is never really defined clearly) type Belief Alone-ism. Most in whom I talk with believe this version of Belief Alone-ism.
#3. "Light Version of Belief Alone-ism": This is the belief on Belief Alone-ism that says that you cannot even justify one grievous unconfessed sin with the thinking you are saved. This type of believer is very rare and not many believe this way. They believe that a saint will be obedient and live holy in this life given enough time. They believe if a person justifies sin with the thinking they are saved, they were never born again to begin with.

I believe the OP was written by a Mid Range Level Belief Alone Proponent. For they have stated that they will forever confess of sin (Which suggests that they will not overcome grievous sin in this life - generally speaking). Now, they may say that a saint will overcome one or two particular grievous sins here and there, but to overcome all grievous sin is not in their belief system (As per their wrong interpretation on 1 John 1:8 that says they will always commit some kind of grievous sin at some point in their lives).

The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that Belief Alone Proponents deny that God works miracles. Well, this again is not the general consensus of Conditional Salvation Proponents (like myself). We do not say that Belief Alone Proponents deny that God can work miracles in general. Conditional Salvationists are saying that most Belief Alone Proponents deny that God can help them to overcome all grievous sin in their lives (given enough time in learning to apply God's Word to their lives and with praying to the Lord for help).

The OP suggests that Faith Alone is our part, and Sanctification and Salvation is God's part. Well, there are Belief Alone Proponents (Calvinists) who do not think "Faith" is our part. So this is not true of all forms of Believe Alone-sim. But yes, Conditional Salvationists (like myself) do recognize that there are Belief Alone Proponents that faith is our part.

Where Conditional Salvationists and Belief Alone Proponents disagree is on salvation and Sanctification.
There are Conditional Salvationists who believe believe we are not saved by works, but they believe that unconfessed grievous sin can separate us from God. There are other Conditional Salvationists (like myself) who believe that the Bible plainly teaches that we do need works of faith as a part of the salvation process (i.e. Sanctification). Many Conditional Salvationists believe the doing of any kind of good work for the Lord (via that is according to the New Testament) is the working of God within us. But this is not something that is forced upon us. We have to cooperate with the good work the Lord does within us. For how can two walk together unless they be in agreement? (Amos 3:3).

Anyways, the Bible says that while God does work through us as a part of the Sanctification Process, it also says Sanctification is our responsibility, too.

"That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour" (1 Thessalonians 4:4).

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1).

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1).

As for continuing in salvation:

We are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
So it is not a one time forever kind of deal type moment in the past (just only once).
Jesus agrees with the lawyer on the truth that we must love God and love our neighbor as a part inheriting eternal life (Luke 10:25-28).
Jesus says if you will enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17-19).
Jesus says that the unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).
Jesus lets us know that a believer who does good works and they also work iniquity or grievous sin are not going to make it (See Matthew 7:23).

So no. The part of the OP that says that salvation and Sanctification are entirely His is false.
We have to cooperate with God's plan of salvation in our lives, and we have to cooperate with the Sanctification process (And Sanctification is a part of salvation - See again: 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and Romans 8:13).

The OP ends on the note that all glory goes to Jesus. But this is not true if they believe that a believer cannot lose their salvation by committing grievous sin like lying, lusting after women, and or hating (Which is contrary to what the Bible teaches - See: Revelation 21:8, Matthew 5:28-30, and 1 John 3:15).

We give glory to God by our good works.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
 
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The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that Belief Alone-ism appears to teach that Jesus cannot help the believer to overcome horrible struggles with sin in their lives. This again depends on the Belief Alone Proponent. There are three major levels of Belief Alone-ism.

#1. "Hardcore Belief Alone-ism": This is the sin as much as you like and still be saved type Belief Alone-ism (like George Sodini, etc.). I have talked with a bunch of these kind of individuals online and once in person.
#2. "Mid Range Level Belief Alone-ism": This is the sin on occasion and still be saved as long as you generally lived a holy life (Which is never really defined clearly) type Belief Alone-ism. Most in whom I talk with believe this version of Belief Alone-ism.
#3. "Light Version of Belief Alone-ism": This is the belief on Belief Alone-ism that says that you cannot even justify one grievous unconfessed sin with the thinking you are saved. This type of believer is very rare and not many believe this way. They believe that a saint will be obedient and live holy in this life given enough time. They believe if a person justifies sin with the thinking they are saved, they were never born again to begin with.

I believe the OP was written by a Mid Range Level Belief Alone Proponent. For they have stated that they will forever confess of sin (Which suggests that they will not overcome grievous sin in this life - generally speaking). Now, they may say that a saint will overcome one or two particular grievous sins here and there, but to overcome all grievous sin is not in their belief system (As per their wrong interpretation on 1 John 1:8 that says they will always commit some kind of grievous sin at some point in their lives).

The OP suggests that Conditional Salvationists are saying that Belief Alone Proponents deny that God works miracles. Well, this again is not the general consensus of Conditional Salvation Proponents (like myself). We do not say that Belief Alone Proponents deny that God can work miracles in general. Conditional Salvationists are saying that most Belief Alone Proponents deny that God can help them to overcome all grievous sin in their lives (given enough time in learning to apply God's Word to their lives and with praying to the Lord for help).

The OP suggests that Faith Alone is our part, and Sanctification and Salvation is God's part. Well, there are Belief Alone Proponents (Calvinists) who do not think "Faith" is our part. So this is not true of all forms of Believe Alone-sim. But yes, Conditional Salvationists (like myself) do recognize that there are Belief Alone Proponents that faith is our part.

Where Conditional Salvationists and Belief Alone Proponents disagree is on salvation and Sanctification.
There are Conditional Salvationists who believe believe we are not saved by works, but they believe that unconfessed grievous sin can separate us from God. There are other Conditional Salvationists (like myself) who believe that the Bible plainly teaches that we do need works of faith as a part of the salvation process (i.e. Sanctification). Many Conditional Salvationists believe the doing of any kind of good work for the Lord (via that is according to the New Testament) is the working of God within us. But this is not something that is forced upon us. We have to cooperate with the good work the Lord does within us. For how can two walk together unless they be in agreement? (Amos 3:3).

Anyways, the Bible says that while God does work through us as a part of the Sanctification Process, it also says Sanctification is our responsibility, too.

"That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour" (1 Thessalonians 4:4).

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1).

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1).

As for continuing in salvation:

We are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
So it is not a one time forever kind of deal type moment in the past (just only once).
Jesus agrees with the lawyer on the truth that we must love God and love our neighbor as a part inheriting eternal life (Luke 10:25-28).
Jesus says if you will enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17-19).
Jesus says that the unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).
Jesus lets us know that a believer who does good works and they also work iniquity or grievous sin are not going to make it (See Matthew 7:23).

So no. The part of the OP that says that salvation and Sanctification are entirely His is false.
We have to cooperate with God's plan of salvation in our lives, and we have to cooperate with the Sanctification process (And Sanctification is a part of salvation - See again: 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and Romans 8:13).

The OP ends on the note that all glory goes to Jesus. But this is not true if they believe that a believer cannot lose their salvation by committing grievous sin like lying, lusting after women, and or hating (Which is contrary to what the Bible teaches - See: Revelation 21:8, Matthew 5:28-30, and 1 John 3:15).

We give glory to God by our good works.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

The OP notes that the term “Belief Alonism” is not a theological term and all variations of the manufactured term are full scale misrepresentations of various branches of theology.

The OP notes that lying is a sin noted in this quotation as a grievous sin... and has been patient with all sorts of misrepresentations of the OP’s stance (False Witness Born), by the Grace of Jesus Christ.

All Glory to Jesus Christ!

Faith Alone is not the denial that "Initial Belief" (In Jesus, being God the Son Who Died, was Buried and Rose on the Third Day)... is our WORK... because Jesus taught us it is John 6:28-29.

Faith Alone is not a secret teaching that suggests we should Increase our Sins because they're paid for like an indulgence.

Faith Alone is not a loop hole to sin without sorrow.

Faith Alone is not a way of denying that Christians are led by The HOLY SPIRIT of Christ to Bear The Galatians 5:22-23.

Faith Alone forever Confesses 1 John 1:8

Faith Alone does not, and never will suggest that Jesus cannot Overcome Horrible struggles with Sin, in our lives, for us.

Faith Alone does not deny that God works miracles.

Faith Alone is our part. (Romans 4:1-6)

Salvation and Sanctification is HIS PART.

All Glory Goes to Jesus!

James isn't arguing against faith alone. James is agreeing with Jesus, where John 15 is written.

I'll craft an analogy...

Lets say there is a mighty body of water...


Rapid.jpg


A piece of Bamboo can divert some of this water to be diverted by a system of Bamboo, for 100's of miles.

Drip-irrigation-using-bamboo.jpg


The Bamboo will have this water flowing from it, as long as it stays "in" the original water source. This is Faith.

The water is not our own and merely flows through us as a result of our Faith.

 
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To all who will hear:

The poster of the OP asserts that "Belief Alone-ism" is not a theological term and thus because it is a manufactured term they believe it is a misrepresentation of the various branches of theology. They of course say this with absolutely 0% proof or evidence.

First, place take note that "Belief" is the same as "Faith." So when I say Belief Alone-ism, I am saying that this means Faith. This is not just my opinion alone. You can look in a dictionary. One of the definitions for faith is this:

Faith:

"firm belief in something for which there is no proof."​

Source:
Definition of FAITH

The Bible says,

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3).​

Even the Bible uses the word "faith" and the word "belief" interchangeably.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).

"Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:21).

Second, most Belief Alone Proponents or Faith (Belief) Alone Proponents believe that Faith is a belief and works are a by product of one's faith. So for this poster to say that the word "belief" does not equate with "faith" is highly illogical and or it is outside the norm of most Belief Alone Proponents. Most in the Belief Alone camp do not have a problem with the term "Belief Alone" I use to describe them. For they believe they are saved by having a belief alone on Jesus and that the works do not play a part in salvation in any way. So this is not a misrepresentation of what they believe except for maybe a few rare odd individuals who either want to argue with no real logic, or evidence or for those few odd rare individuals that do not make up the majority of those in the camp of Belief Alone-ism.

So no. It is not a lie to say they believe in "Belief Alone-ism." They are yet again throwing forth another baseless ad hominem to uplift their position (Which cannot be supported in light of the whole of the Bible).

Three, the poster of the OP also asserts that I have lied in bearing false witness against what they stated in the OP on Faith Alone. Expressing my own beliefs that are contrary to their belief in the OP is not lying but is merely a difference of opinion on what we believe the text of the Bible actually says and what Belief Alone (Faith Alone) Proponents have actually stated in real life. There are real people who take Faith Alone or Belief Alone as a license to sin. George Sodini is one of them. There are many Belief Alone Proponents who will say that a Christian who commits suicide can in some cases be saved. So no. I am not misrepresenting the Faith Alone or Belief Alone Position. I am speaking from my own personal experience by what other Belief Alone Proponents have stated to me.

I am also not in disagreement that God being our source of good works, either. I have stated this fact many times. I do not believe that a saint does the good works alone. The water analogy is true. But just because somebody expresses a particular truth in the Bible does not mean that their other teachings are biblical. So while we may agree that God does the good work in us, we do not agree that a Christian can sin on occasion and still be saved by having a belief on Jesus Christ. For the Faith Alone Proponent does not believe that they can lose their salvation if they fall into the sin of lying, or the sin of lusting after a woman, or the sin of hating their brother, etc. They claim they are still saved while they do these particular sins. But if this is the case, then they are turning God's grace into a license for immorality because they say they will commit some kind of grievous sin of some kind in this life and they cannot overcome all forms of grievous sin (like lying, lusting, hating, etc.). I am of course speaking of the Mid Range Faith Alone Proponent who says that they will do these kinds of sins on occasion, and that they are not living in these sins as a lifestyle. But can God agree with sin if it is done on occasion vs. us doing them all the time? Therein lies the problem with the popular version of Faith Alone-ism these days. It is a means of justifying a little bit of grievous sin vs. a lot of of grievous sin.
 
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To all who will hear:

Romans 10:3 is in context to Israel who rejected faith in Christ for initial salvation and or ultimate salvation (See Romans 10:1). When we read Romans 10:3, we also have to read Romans 11:22 that says that if we do not continue in his goodness we (the Gentiles) can be cut off (just like the Jews). So Romans 10:3 is not a good verse for defending against "Faith + Works of Faith = Salvation." James says faith without works is dead (James 2:17). James says he will show you his faith by his works (James 2:18). James says we are justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2:24). For even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). So basically James is saying a faith without any fruit is a dead and useless faith and it is like that of the faith of demons. A true saving faith will alway have works. Faith Alone Proponents will admit to this but they will say that the works are not done for salvation. But this is shooting their own position down that works need to be there as a part of a genuine faith. Another problem is that the popular version of Faith Alone-ism believes they can sin on occasion as long as they generally live holy (But they also believe they will always fall into sin so as to confess it always). So how exactly is that a holy walk if they are constantly stumbling into grievous sin their whole lives? James says in James 4:8 that those who are double minded need to purify their heart. Jesus says to two people to "sin no more" (John 5:14, John 8:11). John says to "sin not." (1 John 2:1). Paul says, "...let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1). Paul says, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:24).
 
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ralfyman

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Jesus said those are the two great commandments of the Law of Moses.

But under the New Covenant, the two greatest commandments are given in 1John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

Yes, believe in Jesus and love one another. Faith and works.
 
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ralfyman

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ralfyman

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That sounds like an easy yoke! Does that Love come from Faith in Christ? :)

Not necessarily, as there are various people who love but aren't Christians.

Also, it's not an easy yoke.
 
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Bible Highlighter

Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
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What is interesting is that there is no response yet by a Belief Alone Proponent on Post #501.

Great post that makes a great point here on the wrong interpretations of Scripture by certain Belief Alone Proponents.
 
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Danthemailman

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Jesus and His followers claim otherwise, and the reasons are given here:

BIBLE SAYS FAITH AND WORKS NEEDED FOR SALVATION
Jesus and His followers do not teach salvation by faith and works.

(John 3:15,16,18; 6:29,40,47; Acts 10:43; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:22-28; 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is vindicated, substantiated, evidenced by works (James 2:14-24).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.*

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies is never alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*
upload_2019-6-17_22-40-51.gif
:oldthumbsup:
 
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Jesus and His followers do not teach salvation by faith and works.

(John 3:15,16,18; 6:29,40,47; Acts 10:43; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:22-28; 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is vindicated, substantiated, evidenced by works (James 2:14-24).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.*

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies is never alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony* View attachment 258324:oldthumbsup:

Nope. James says we are justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2:24). Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, etc. are talking about being saved by Works Alone without God's grace. It is talking about the entrance gate to salvation or ultimate salvation and not the Sanctification Process. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says God has chosen us to salvation by a belief in the truth and by the Sanctification of the Spirit. Romans 8:13 says that if you live after the flesh, you will die, but if you put to death the deeds of the body (sin) via the Spirit, you will live. Titus 1:16 says you can deny God by a lack of works. So if you are not saved by works, then you really do not need them. So even if you believed that works do not save, you believe they are essential to be there as a part of after one has been saved. For they show a true genuine faith that saves. This means that works do play a part in salvation because in your book, a person cannot be fruitless and be saved. So no. Your position is not in perfect harmony, friend. You believe in a contradiction. You say on the one hand, that works are not necessary for salvation, and yet on the other hand you say works are necessary for salvation (because the works show a true saving faith or belief).
 
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Grip Docility

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Not necessarily, as there are various people who love but aren't Christians.

Also, it's not an easy yoke.

Love? Sure it can challenge us, but He supplies all our needs. :)

It’s His Love we share, anyhow.
 
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