I don't do more good things for others because I'm lazy and selfish. Do you think you have a better reason than me?But yeah, I don't know why I don't do my best with regard to religion or anything else.
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I don't do more good things for others because I'm lazy and selfish. Do you think you have a better reason than me?But yeah, I don't know why I don't do my best with regard to religion or anything else.
I see your reading and it is reasonable. I believe my reading is reasonable as well. The best explanation is that this refers to the whole plan and process of “salvation by grace through faith,” rather than any specific element of it—although, admittedly, the bottom line is hardly any different. Salvation-by-grace-through-faith is not from ourselves but is “a gift of God, not of works.” Once again, the nature of grace is reiterated. This whole plan and process of salvation comes from God as a gift, not from ourselves as the result of works or good things that we have done. What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:8–9? | GotQuestions.orgIt's not a matter of what it means to me, but what it says. Paul says to the Ephesians that there was nothing they had done previously to earn their salvation. They were in fact so bad he named off the sins they had lived in the past. But even though they were sinners God offered them salvation. Not for anything they had done to deserve it, but rather through his grace.
All of it refers to their past, not their present. Through baptism they were "created in Christ Jesus for good works". And it is through those good works that they would remain in that grace.
Mark 16:16, and 36 other verses Mark 16:16 Cross References (36 Verses)Does every single person receive salvation, or just some people who have done something specific? Whatever that thing is, that's what you have to do to "earn" salvation.
Medical treatment is free in the UK, but regardless of whether or not you receive a bill at the conclusion of your treatment, do you honestly believe that doctors, or indeed anyone, as being incapable of showing compassion and care when doing good works? You said yourself that the word love is used to describe compassion and caring.I’ve thanked many doctors who’ve helped many of my family members and I never asked any of them if they were Christian or not. In any case a doctor or surgeon is a bad example to use because they don’t do it out of the kindness of their heart, this becomes evident when you receive the bill.
So you just have to believe and be baptized, that's how you earn eternal salvation. Two questions. Believe what exactly? And are you 100% sure that's all it takes?Mark 16:16, and 36 other verses Mark 16:16 Cross References (36 Verses)
Christians do not have the monopoly when it comes to love!1 Cor 13:3
if I give away all my possessions to charity, and if I surrender my body so that I may glory, but do not have love, it does me no good.
So you know you could do more. Are you sure you're doing enough to make the cut? It's not as though I'm saying God is keeping a score card of good deeds. But if you're the sort of person that puts your own comfort above the needs of others, do you think you're the sort of person God is letting in?
I see your reading and it is reasonable. I believe my reading is reasonable as well. The best explanation is that this refers to the whole plan and process of “salvation by grace through faith,” rather than any specific element of it—although, admittedly, the bottom line is hardly any different. Salvation-by-grace-through-faith is not from ourselves but is “a gift of God, not of works.” Once again, the nature of grace is reiterated. This whole plan and process of salvation comes from God as a gift, not from ourselves as the result of works or good things that we have done. What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:8–9? | GotQuestions.org
Christians do not have the monopoly when it comes to love!
Sure, them too. Now how about the fella who puts his comfort before the needs of others? 1 John 3:17I think that a person who places someone else in a position of discomfort for their own comfort likely wouldn't be someone "God is letting in".
I think you're avoiding my actual question because you can't think of a way to justify putting yourself before others.That is one of the origins of Christian charity. See Matthew 25.
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I never knew you. Depart from me”? | GotQuestions.orgSo you just have to believe and be baptized, that's how you earn eternal salvation. Two questions. Believe what exactly? And are you 100% sure that's all it takes?
In Mark 7 it talks about folks who believe Jesus is Lord, but Jesus tells them to "get away from me" and "I never knew you". It sounds to me like there are some Christians who are sure of their salvation but are wrong. How do you know for certain you aren't one of them?
I think you're avoiding my actual question because you can't think of a way to justify putting yourself before others.
We are never going to agree on this point, I could find numerous proof texts from the Epistles of Paul but that is not going to change your Sacramental based Theology, you believe that works are required for salvation and that Grace and Sanctification is gained through Sacraments. I respect your right to your beliefs, my beliefs are based on Salvation by Grace through Faith aloneThe idea of "salvation by grace through faith" is the means of entering into salvation. Just like Ephesians 2 says, it is not a reward for anything anyone has done, it is solely by the grace of God. But entering into salvation is not the end, else it would not say "he who endures to the end shall be saved".
And just so you know, I don't care much for gotquestions.org.
The text does not speak of each individually having faith in Jesus unto spiritual salvation. Such as Ephes.2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."Yes there is... Does God label you a "sheep" or a "goat"?
Matthew 25:31-46
There's nothing false in what I said. Your reply proves it. The Bible says that it takes loving God to love people. (Mat.12:30-31; Gal.5:14; Rm.13:8,10)The passage speaks about works. @fwGod stated "There's no Bible scripture that requires good works as a payment for salvation."
This assertion is false. You can help your fellow neighbor and not love them, right? Have you ever stopped on the side of the road to give someone's car a jump start, or helped someone in the parking lot trying to place a heavy item into their truck? I doubt you love them.
Please explain the difference.
Not what I asked.
if I die as an atheist, will I receive the free gift of salvation?
Why do you need to be motivated by someone to do good things?Only Christians have the Love of Jesus Himself residing within them motivating them to do His works.