Is belief enough to be saved?

[spartakis]

No I am sorry works will not get you to Heaven. Believing with just head belief will not either. I believed in God growing up, but it was not until I trusted in Christ as my Saviour I became a changed man and knew I was saved.

And you should really look at who James is talking to in this book, He is writing to a scattered flock of believers. Telling them to justify their faith with works. Show your faith. If not then you would wonder if they are saved. Yes in I am saved but don't show it and live it I am missing the point is what he is saying.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Abraham was counted as righteous because he trusted good. His works just proved it.

What about the thief on the cross, did Christ tell him to bad you did not do enough works.

How many people did Jesus tell thy faith have saved thee. Never told them anything about having to work for it.

I could start listing scripture in every book of the Bible and the whole book of Romans. None say believe and do good works to be saved.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Does not say and do good works to keep thy salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


We are saved by grace through faith unto good works.

If it was up to me to be good enough to get into Heaven I am going to Hell. None is good, no not one.

Do you believe what Christ done on the cross is not enough to keep you saved? Do you believe you are good enough to go to Heaven and Christ died in vain? Is it not the job of the shepherd to keep the sheep?

This is a touchy subject and this is what I believe scripture teaches, if you believe other wards then thats your belief, I not here to argue the matter just state what I believe.



Did Jesus not say he is the way, the truth and the light?
Not him plus works

Reposted for you. And you are saying you can earn God's grace? Please come up with Scripture that is in context and you studied to answer each question. If you can't beside some half excuse and 1verse that has been explained already then to me this thread is dead.

 

[spartakis]

Exactly! The works of the Law (e.g circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, eating "clean" meat etc) are different from the works of God, and when Paul speaks about being justified not by works, he is only referring to the former and not the latter. That is why they is never any contradiction between James and Paul, because James only talks about the works of God (love). This is also the very reason we shall all be judged by our own works (Matthew 25:31-46): Anyone who does bear the fruit (the works of God), will be cut off from the vine.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

_ _ _ _ _

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:8-14

Don't see where he says do these works to be saved he don't he says he is the way the truth and the light no man come into the father but through him. Not come to the father by works and I guess the thief on the cross jumped down and done works real quick.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Hi guys, I am a Christian but I have a question about whether or not belief in God is enough to be saved.

Here are some verses that show that belief = salvation.

You guys get the point. And this sounds great. But, what about this?

The way I understand it, "belief" in Jesus Christ isn't enough to be saved. True belief in Jesus will result in fruit that is evident by a lifestyle change, a heart change: that you want nothing else to do with the world that satisfies the needs of the flesh but really only care about satisfying God and being led by the Spirit.

However, if this is the case, what do we make of the first 3 verses I posted? They clearly seem to state that belief is all that is needed for salvation.

Can somebody please shine a light on this issue for me? I think how we understand salvation really changes how we live our lives and especially how we evangelize to others (in other words, if belief isn't enough to be saved, we shouldn't be spreading that as a final end).

Thank you for your help.

How i understand it is,

The word for faith or belief is Epistis, meaning to trust .

Some people were interpreting this to mean "philosophically agree with or acknowledge" but as in relationship exercises . a trust fall, requires one to actively trust the person who is catching them . the same it is with what faith is saying . you don't just get saved by one singular moment of faith . you live by faith . by trusting . and through this trust in "God is Love" or Jesus, or however God is manifesting to you through the Christian spectrum, you grow and "live, move, and have your being."

 

[Lindas Place]

Romans 9
30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by FAITH;

 

[Lindas Place]

you don't just get saved by one singular moment of faith .

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory Ephesians 1:13-14

 

[Gregory Thompson]

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory Ephesians 1:13-14

I was more going along the "born again" and "new life" parallel . in which one grows from a child to an adult in God .

also . if what i was explaining is not what James was talking about .. then what do you think he meant by "faith without works is dead?"

 

[Lion King]

Don't see where he says do these works to be saved he don't he says he is the way the truth and the light no man come into the father but through him.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:25-28

There you have it folks, no need for any commentary.

Not come to the father by works and I guess the thief on the cross jumped down and done works real quick.

I am also glad you mentioned the thief on the cross because, not only did he had faith, but he also obeyed (showed love) the LORD. I know most like to quote the thief on the cross to support their argument (that we are saved by faith alone), but do they really say we are saved by Faith alone? Personally, I believe he was not saved only by faith, but also by hope and love.

Luke 23:40-42

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? [FAITH]

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” [MERCY & JUSTICE]

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” [FAITH, HOPE]


The thief did exactly what the LORD calls each and everyone of us to do: that is defend the weak, and uphold justice! He did not simply keep quiet and look the other way, but he rebuked the other thief for mocking God.

I believe he was saved by virtue of doing the works of God, that is, love, faith and hope. As I have already explained earlier, the thief:

-showed fear of God. (faith)

-rebuked the other thief who mocked Jesus Christ and admitted that Christ did not deserve to die. (He showed mercy and justice unto Jesus aka Love)

-he believed that Jesus was who he said he was, and also hoped to be in God's Kingdom when it comes. (faith and hope).

He did fulfil the works of the LORD...

 

[spartakis]

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:25-28

There you have it folks, no need for any commentary.



I am also glad you mentioned the thief on the cross because, not only did he had faith, but he also obeyed (showed love) the LORD. I know most like to quote the thief on the cross to support their argument (that we are saved by faith alone), but do they really say we are saved by Faith alone? Personally, I believe he was not saved only by faith, but also by hope and love.

Luke 23:40-42

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? [FAITH]

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” [MERCY & JUSTICE]

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” [FAITH, HOPE]


The thief did exactly what the LORD calls each and everyone of us to do: that is defend the weak, and uphold justice! He did not simply keep quiet and look the other way, but he rebuked the other thief for mocking God.

I believe he was saved by virtue of doing the works of God, that is, love, faith and hope. As I have already explained earlier, the thief:

-showed fear of God. (faith)

-rebuked the other thief who mocked Jesus Christ and admitted that Christ did not deserve to die. (He showed mercy and justice unto Jesus aka Love)

-he believed that Jesus was who he said he was, and also hoped to be in God's Kingdom when it comes. (faith and hope).

He did fulfil the works of the LORD...

For your first one what do you think if someone loves God with all their heart of course they are saved by faith in God. And so was the thief. Its almost like you are claiming faith and love for and in God as a work. In that case you have not answered any of my post by dealing mixing faith and love as being saved by works.

 

[Lindas Place]

I was more going along the "born again" and "new life" parallel . in which one grows from a child to an adult in God .

also . if what i was explaining is not what James was talking about .. then what do you think he meant by "faith without works is dead?"

We know what it does not mean...
It does not mean we are saved by works, because the bible say's we are not saved by works.
We know that it does not mean that a person with no works cannot be saved, because the bible say if our works burn up, we will be saved...

We know that it does mean that faith without works is dead... so clearly dead faith does not mean that the person does not have faith in Jesus... it's like the man who's works burned up, clearly they were not the works of God, or they would not have burned up, yet he had to have faith in Jesus or he would not have been saved... this is the logical conclusion base on the fact that scripture does not contradict itself...

 

[Wally Cleaver]

belief = live by .........ftw

 

[Gregory Thompson]

We know what it does not mean...
It does not mean we are saved by works, because the bible say's we are not saved by works.
We know that it does not mean that a person with no works cannot be saved, because the bible say if our works burn up, we will be saved...

We know that it does mean that faith without works is dead... so clearly dead faith does not mean that the person does not have faith in Jesus... it's like the man who's works burned up, clearly they were not the works of God, or they would not have burned up, yet he had to have faith in Jesus or he would not have been saved... this is the logical conclusion base on the fact that scripture does not contradict itself...

all this tells me is .. you are not willing to interpret a passage by itself .

you are interpreting the bible according to a previous notion of what the bible says separate from the passage .

therefore your view will always be what it is . even if it is wrong .

 

[Lion King]

For your first one what do you think if someone loves God with all their heart of course they are saved by faith in God. And so was the thief. Its almost like you are claiming faith and love for and in God as a work.

Faith, love and hope are works of God, brother. It is the LORD, living in you, who is doing His work.

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29

_ _ _ _


As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent&#8221. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:1-7

 

[Lindas Place]

belief = live by .........ftw

These people believed and were saved... we can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit just like they did, the moment we believe.

Acts 10
33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.
42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.
43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

 

[spartakis]

all this tells me is .. you are not willing to interpret a passage by itself .

you are interpreting the bible according to a previous notion of what the bible says separate from the passage .

therefore your view will always be what it is . even if it is wrong .

To make it short in simple he is saying why have faith in Christ if you are not going to live for him and show it by works. Then its basically dead faith. James is talking to scattered believers trying to motivate them to do good works instead of hiding their faith. Study the whole book in context of what going on and who James is talking to.

 

[Lindas Place]

all this tells me is .. you are not willing to interpret a passage by itself .

you are interpreting the bible according to a previous notion of what the bible says separate from the passage .

therefore your view will always be what it is . even if it is wrong .

we know that all of scripture is truth... if an argument presented creates a contradiction in either the premises or the biblical text, that argument must change.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

To make it short in simple he is saying why have faith in Christ if you are not going to live for him and show it by works. Then its basically dead faith. James is talking to scattered believers trying to motivate them to do good works instead of hiding their faith. Study the whole book in context of what going on and who James is talking to.

I was just saying she wasn't getting what i was talking about . i'm not sure you do either . i'm not really a protestant . i just look at it as a faith journey . a faith that begins then ends .. might have just been an surge of emotions .. like the parable of the seed .. the seed that fell on rocky soil sprung up and did not take root . faith that James is talking about is the kind that takes root .. and bears fruit . the obstructions in the parable are obstructions in people's hearts that makes it not the "epistis" that Jesus or James or Paul is talking about .

 

[Gregory Thompson]

we know that all of scripture is truth... if an argument presented creates a contradiction in either the premises or the biblical text, that argument must change.

i just hear you speaking using the bible to express your ideas . it's your interpretation . you have presented nothing that warrants any change in me . but feel free to change yourself and bear fruit that will make your interpretation to appear more Christ like . see what happens .

 

[spartakis]

Faith, love and hope are works of God, brother. It is the LORD, living in you, who doing His work.

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29

_ _ _ _


As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the liva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:1-7

no faith is faith love is love and hope is hope. All internal feelings but you can put them to work big difference . Works are works. Giving examples of Christ doing good works does not mean or say you are saved by works.

 

[SolomonVII]

What is most important to understand is that Jesus sacrificed himself freely out of love for us and that alone is our redemption. It is like the brass snake lifted up by Moses in the desert. Look to the cross and be saved. See that the head of the snake has been crushed under his heel, just as prophesied By God himself at the time that sin first entered into the world.

To say that we are saved through the good that we do is the message of Judaism. It is a false gospel for Christians, for it puts the yoke that the Jews of old could not even carry and places it right back on us. It is an impossible gospel.
Impossible that is, for all but Jesus.

Those who look to the cross and see the conquest of sin by the Risen Christ enter into a relationship with Christ who pours his Spirit upon us.

The works of the indwelling Spirit continue in the salvation of the world. The grace of the Spirit is a free gift for all who look to the cross and see.

 

[Lindas Place]

i just hear you speaking using the bible to express your ideas . it's your interpretation . you have presented nothing that warrants any change in me . but feel free to change yourself and bear fruit that will make your interpretation to appear more Christ like . see what happens .

I used scripture... do you believe that all of the bible is true... ? do you believe that scripture does not contradicts itself...? if so, then you can't ignore parts of it... and you cannot interpret it to contradict other scriptures... you can argue an alternative interpretation... but you do have to deal with the scriptures that contradict your argument... otherwise you're interpretation is wrong.