Faith better than acts?

[Skaloop]

One question commonly posed on these boards asks Christians why they consider their religion to be better than all the others; to be the "one true religion."

One of the more common answers to that is along the lines of "Christianity is the only religion that does not require acts to be saved, it only requires that you accept Jesus as your saviour." That's a paraphrase, but I think you all get what I'm going for.

I fail to see how that makes it "better." It might make it easier, but that doesn't equate with "better." If one isn't required to be good to others (for example) in order to receive salvation, then there's no incentive to treat others well, and those with faith who treat others poorly (or even just indifferently) get a free pass along with the other believers. I don't see how rewarding people who do wrong is a trait to be proud of. It seems like it's just the path of least resistance - "I like my religion best because I don't actually have to do anything."

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

 

[Secundulus]

The question is not whether it is better or not. Better is such a subjective concept.

The question is whether it is true or not.

We believe it is true because we believe the scriptures. Some of us may have other spiritual evidence also. The scriptures say that not only is it true, it is the only way. Therefore, if it is the only way then all other ways are false.

Since we are talking about God, true and false take on absolute meanings in this context.

 

[Skaloop]

The question is not whether it is better or not. Better is such a subjective concept.

The question is whether it is true or not.

We believe it is true because we believe the scriptures. Some of us may have other spiritual evidence also. The scriptures say that not only is it true, it is the only way. Therefore, if it is the only way then all other ways are false.

Since we are talking about God, true and false take on absolute meanings in this context.

Fine. Then why does the idea of "judged on faith, not acts", specifically, suggest that Christianity is true.

And of course better is subjective. That's why I am asking what I asked; one tenet of Christianity that many hold up as being "better" does not seem that way to me. I am curious as to their subjective reasoning for holding that position.

 

[Secundulus]

Fine. Then why does the idea of "judged on faith, not acts", specifically, suggest that Christianity is true.

And of course better is subjective. That's why I am asking what I asked; one tenet of Christianity that many hold up as being "better" does not seem that way to me. I am curious as to their subjective reasoning for holding that position.

Judged on faith or works suggests nothing about whether it is true or not.

Whether it is true or not depends only on whether Jesus is who he said he was or not.

 

[calidog]

Whether we die in a state of failure or good deeds, we are assured of salvation. Our good deeds are a sign of our faith, though, like all humans, we may fail but we're assured that we will be brought to repentance and restoration.

 

[Angel4Truth]

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Because the only acts worthy of God are those performed by God dwelling in the believer.
True faith in Christ causes a rebirth - the Spirit of God dwells in the believer and as a result of saving faith - works condusive of the faith will follow. Works do not earn anything, they naturally flow from a believer who is in submission to God. Performed by Him through us.

Can a believer greive the Spirit? Yes just like any child , they can be disobedient too but this will not last if the person actually is His because the spirit convicts the believer of sin. Where there is no correction, there is no love.

 

[ebia]

One question commonly posed on these boards asks Christians why they consider their religion to be better than all the others; to be the "one true religion."

One of the more common answers to that is along the lines of "Christianity is the only religion that does not require acts to be saved, it only requires that you accept Jesus as your saviour." That's a paraphrase, but I think you all get what I'm going for.

I fail to see how that makes it "better." It might make it easier, but that doesn't equate with "better." If one isn't required to be good to others (for example) in order to receive salvation, then there's no incentive to treat others well, and those with faith who treat others poorly (or even just indifferently) get a free pass along with the other believers. I don't see how rewarding people who do wrong is a trait to be proud of. It seems like it's just the path of least resistance - "I like my religion best because I don't actually have to do anything."

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Depends what you mean by "better". Either it's right (and the others are less because they are at least partially wrong), or it's wrong and no better than any of the others.

Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Faith is about trusting God - giving oneself over to him to change however he sees fit. The alternative is not trusting God - clearly not a good idea (I hope).

 

[metherion]

Also, faith is not better than acts. nor are acts better than faith. You need both; without one the other is dead. James 2: 14-end.
(people need to read that more often).

But also, faith versus works isn't important to how or if Christianity is "better", it's whether or not Christianity is true. Since we believe it is true, then it is automatically better because it is true.

Metherion

 

[dvd_holc]

One question commonly posed on these boards asks Christians why they consider their religion to be better than all the others; to be the "one true religion."

One of the more common answers to that is along the lines of "Christianity is the only religion that does not require acts to be saved, it only requires that you accept Jesus as your saviour." That's a paraphrase, but I think you all get what I'm going for.

I fail to see how that makes it "better." It might make it easier, but that doesn't equate with "better." If one isn't required to be good to others (for example) in order to receive salvation, then there's no incentive to treat others well, and those with faith who treat others poorly (or even just indifferently) get a free pass along with the other believers. I don't see how rewarding people who do wrong is a trait to be proud of. It seems like it's just the path of least resistance - "I like my religion best because I don't actually have to do anything."

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Because we don't gain our salvation through our achievements we can't loss it about our failures. Our sins have resulted in seperation with God and our Divinely given purpose as we were made by our Creator with a purpose...However, the redemptive acts of God were given freely to the world which we are called to implement through faithful submission to God. Now, faith is what you know, commit to, and boldly pursue forever. Temporary failures while we cling to God are still covered by the sacrifice of Jesus. Grace can handle all failures and pains...

 

[MikeMcK]

One question commonly posed on these boards asks Christians why they consider their religion to be better than all the others; to be the "one true religion."

Because Jesus said so.

I fail to see how that makes it "better." It might make it easier, but that doesn't equate with "better." If one isn't required to be good to others (for example) in order to receive salvation, then there's no incentive to treat others well, and those with faith who treat others poorly (or even just indifferently) get a free pass along with the other believers. I don't see how rewarding people who do wrong is a trait to be proud of. It seems like it's just the path of least resistance - "I like my religion best because I don't actually have to do anything."

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Because good acts do not excuse the transgression of God's law.

 

[kulenok]

Forgive me, I cannot recall teh verse but there is a verse in the bible saying "Faith without acts is dead"So tehre is your answer

 

[calidog]

Jas 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 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.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Jas 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

[ContentInHim]

Our rewards in heaven are based on how we lived our Christian life - i.e. our "works" if you will. Those who have no works will have heaven, but no crowns to cast at Messiah's feet. How sad will that day be for them? Others will have crown upon crown to offer their Messiah! What a happy day that will be!

 

[Skaloop]

Our rewards in heaven are based on how we lived our Christian life - i.e. our "works" if you will. Those who have no works will have heaven, but no crowns to cast at Messiah's feet. How sad will that day be for them? Others will have crown upon crown to offer their Messiah! What a happy day that will be!

So there is a hierarchy/class system in Heaven? People have varying degrees of satisfaction in Heaven? There is an uneven distribution of wealth in Heaven?

How is that Heaven? It sounds little different than the here and now, except I don't need, nor do I want, to cast crowns at anything.

 

[Key]

This is the wrong notion, to start with.

Yes, acts can not save you, in themselves, the question is why.

The answer is simple, because, God made all there is, this is like this Creator of the Universe, all life, and writer of the laws of Physics, this "God" guy, made all that we have, and the rules we have to play by.

So, how would anything we did... impress this "God" being. Well simple answer is, nothing we could do, would impress God.

So, Jesus came, to say "God wants you in Heaven with him" this seems simple enough, right.

Anyway, so how do we get there?

Simple, you place your faith in God and Jesus. You put your life in Gods hands, and allow God to be your God.

Sounds simple.

So, can I get there.. if I am a really, Really, REALLY, Good Person?

Ummm, ok, first off, your not a "really, Really, REALLY good person" your about average, which is not saying much.

Great, you don't kill, You don't steal (Much), you don't go around rapeing people, any of the really big baddies, nice show. But so what.

Now, we Humans might think we are the center of the Universe, and all that great, but, to God who made "ALL THIS", how much ego and self pride would one need to possess to expect God to be impressed by that?

I mean, really, your just one of 6 billion like life form on this planet, nothing special, nothing great, and your not even all that "Good" to start off with, your just not "that evil" which does not bring you any where close to being Good.

Many people think, that by "Not doing evil" they are "Being Good" this is not true, not doing evil, is just that, and nothing more, it is not doing "evil", which has no bearing on your doing "good".

So, now we humans are to expect God to be impressed by us doing nothing more then "Not doing what he finds reprehensible and detestable practices".. Wow, how much pride must we possess to have this outlook.

Anyway, that is why Faith is first and foremost, for you to have any measure in Gods eyes,you need to put yourself in Gods hands, to make "God" your only and complete GOD.

Then, and only then, you need to puck up your cross and follow Christ.

If you do not have faith, then your works, are worthless, things of insignificant value, nothing beyond self pompous ego strokes (Look at how "Good" I am being), things of worthless material gains.

Faith, is the Bridge to Salvation, Acts are the Outcome of having Faith in our Lord.

I hope I have explained this.

God Bless

Key

 

[Angel4Truth]

The real blessing is to give not to recieve. The funny thing about love and blessing is that the more you give, the more you receive in return. Should we ask why bother giving when we are only going to get it back?

 

[£amb]

This was well said Key.

I wanted to point out something that made me giggle, and I do realize it's just a key-stroke error....

Then, and only then, you need to puck up your cross and follow Christ.

 

[Confess]

Only faith will save you. Your acts are a product of your faith. Some struggle more then others and vice versa.

Not everyone is made out of the same mold which makes our acts different.

 

[Tinkerbell33]

like martin luther king and the bible says, faith is dead without action. faith leads to action, they are linked, intertwined. without faith there is no action from faith and without actions from faith there is no faith.

 

[TexasGirl06]

One question commonly posed on these boards asks Christians why they consider their religion to be better than all the others; to be the "one true religion."

One of the more common answers to that is along the lines of "Christianity is the only religion that does not require acts to be saved, it only requires that you accept Jesus as your saviour." That's a paraphrase, but I think you all get what I'm going for.

I fail to see how that makes it "better." It might make it easier, but that doesn't equate with "better." If one isn't required to be good to others (for example) in order to receive salvation, then there's no incentive to treat others well, and those with faith who treat others poorly (or even just indifferently) get a free pass along with the other believers. I don't see how rewarding people who do wrong is a trait to be proud of. It seems like it's just the path of least resistance - "I like my religion best because I don't actually have to do anything."

Maybe you can help me figure this one out. Why is pinning salvation on faith rather than acts a positive feature of Christianity?

Faith saves. Saving Faith works.

Translation: When we are saved, works will follow.

Why?
Because God said so.

It (God's Word) is not there for us to change.
Many a man has changed it.
Hence, you have many types of work related religions.

***********
We have all done wrong.
Nothing I can do will ever make me good enough to enter Heaven.
It's all about Jesus.
Jesus did it all.
Not me. Not now. Not ever.