DaDaBrothers
Active Member
When Paul says we are not saved by works in Ephesians 2:8-9, he is referring to Initial Salvation and not continued salvation via Sanctification after we are saved by God’s grace. Paul is saying that our Initial and Foundational Salvation is God’s grace through faith in Christ and it is a gift. Gifts are received one time, right? So that means Paul is referring to Initial Salvation in Ephesians 2:8-9.
This is a good resolve.. Good problem solving..
My only objection is in your made up concept of "Initial salvation".
Consider this parable in Luke 8:5
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Jesus told us "The seed is the word of God." But you are telling us that it is "Initial salvation" which is not, you are not "initially saved" because you received the seed, like in the parable: some seeds were trodden down, others devoured by fowls, some seeds withered away and some were choked.
So, you are not saved until you bare fruit, because the word of God is planted all over the field, but only the good ground bare fruit. Only the good ground is saved.
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
I would argue this refers to the keeping of the commands, and the doing of the works with patience. Of course, glory to God who does the watering, so all of the works and the seed and even the sowing is Gods grace.
Its funny you had to make two kinds of salvation to solve this hum? The "initial salvation" is not salvation, is receiving the word of God, then you are saved if you bare fruit.
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