Justification by Faith

[PrincetonGuy]

I think there is a bit of confusion. There is a big difference between the works of the law delineated in the OT and the good works resulting from faith.

James 2:14​

(14) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?​

James 2:18​

(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.​

James 2:20​

(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?​

James 2:26​

(26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.​

Revelation 2:19​

(19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.​

James says in this passage of Scripture nothing about good works resulting from faith, but rather the good works resulting in justification.

 

[Der Alte]

James says in this passage of Scripture nothing about good works resulting from faith, but rather the good works resulting in justification.

In the light of other vss. that is not how I read it. If the "faith" does not lead to works then it is dead faith.

James 2:26
(26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.​

 

[PrincetonGuy]

In the light of other vss. that is not how I read it. If the "faith" does not lead to works then it is dead faith.

James 2:26​

(26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.​

24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[Fervent]

24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

We just have to consider what those "works" were that justified Abraham and Rahab...which weren't things like charity or similar, but were acts of faith in God. Rahab betrayed her people because she knew God was true God, and Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, the son of promise, because he knew that somehow God would make good on that promise. So it is faith that is what is justifying, expressing itself in works.

 

[PrincetonGuy]

We just have to consider what those "works" were that justified Abraham and Rahab...which weren't things like charity or similar, but were acts of faith in God. Rahab betrayed her people because she knew God was true God, and Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, the son of promise, because he knew that somehow God would make good on that promise. So it is faith that is what is justifying, expressing itself in works.

21. Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22. You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.
23. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? (NRSV)

21. Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22. You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.
23. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?

As a young man, I was very much exposed to the gospel, but I did not believe it. However, on a Saturday night, a Christian friend pleaded with me for two hours to pray with him “a sinner’s prayer.” I wanted no part of it, but rather than jeopardize my friendship with my friend, I promised to answer the “altar call” the following Sunday night at a church that I was attending for social reasons. But alas! There I was in the church on Sunday night and an “altar call” was given. Much to my horror and severe embarrassment, I knew that I had made a promise that I needed to keep. Therefore, I answered the “altar call” and the pastor’s wife led me in “a sinner’s prayer.” I felt good that I had kept my praise and the congregation was very happy having been praying intently for my salvation for several months.

However, I continued to publicly deny the truth of the gospel and the Bible as a whole for the next three weeks. And then one evening I was walking along a sidewalk along the main street in a large city and saw what appeared to be a young sailor prostituting himself to other men. I had seen the young man on that street corner before doing his thing and I simply ignored him. But that evening, totally to my surprise, I felt badly for him but there was nothing that I could do to help him, so I kept walking. However, as I was walking, I found that my body was struggling to continue—and before I was even able to get to the next corner, I found my body turning around and walking up to the young man having no idea what was going to happen next. And there I was, right in front of him and I heard myself saying to him, “Are you prostituting yourself to other men?” He nodded his head, began to cry, and took off running down the sidewalk—dodging the cars, trucks, and busses as he ran through the red traffic lights. And there I was pursuing him running down the sidewalk—dodging the cars, trucks, and busses as I ran through the red traffic lights.

The young man ran for several blocks and then hid behind a large pillar in front of one of the buildings. I saw where he went, walked up to him, and felt my right arm being lifted up and my right hand being placed on the young man’s shoulder as he faced the pillar sobbing heavily. And as he sobbed, I heard Bible verses of love and compassion coming from my mouth. After a few minutes, the young man turned around, faced me and told me that he ran because he was ashamed because of what he had been doing—but that he hoped that I would care enough to run after him and help him. And I did—and I realized at that moment that I was a new man in Christ. I had done a work of love and compassion, and God justified me and blessed me with the faith that I had not had.

The young man told me that his name was Bob, that he was a married Christian man, that his wife was expecting a baby, that the baby was going to be born while he was on a WestPac Cruise, and that he was exceedingly lonely and confused. I never again saw Bob standing on the street corner, but I learned that Bob was only one of such young men in our armed services and that they need a lot of help. Therefore, I pioneered from scratch a church in a large port city, and that church operated a Christian Servicemen’s Center that was open every day, seven days a week (including all holidays) until midnight.

 

[fhansen]

1 Cor 15:
1 Now brothers and sisters, let me remind you [once again] of the good news [of salvation] which I preached to you, which you welcomed and accepted and on which you stand [by faith].

2 By this faith you are saved [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain [just superficially and without complete commitment].

3 For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold],

4 and that He was buried, and that He was [bodily] raised on the third day according to [that which] the Scriptures [foretold],

First things first
Vs 1 The good news of salvation which is accepted/accessed by FAITH.

Vs 2 By FAITH you are saved, reborn from above & spiritually transformed.

Vs 3-4 First importance!!! FAITH that Christ died for our sins, was buried & raised on the 3rd day, as scriptures foretold.

Once the person is justified/saved, by FAITH in Christ's sin atoning work. Christ baptizes then with His Holy Spirit.

A gift given thru FAITH: Acts 10:45, 11:17.

He gives them eternal life. A gift given thru FAITH: Rom 6:23, Jn 5:24.

He pronounces them righteousness. A gift given thru FAITH: Rom 4:5 & 5:17-18.

They are now sanctified/set apart for a divine work. This is a life long process in which Christ's indwelling Holy Spirit will lead them.

My purpose is to share First Importance & I trust Christ to do the rest.

People are free make salvation/justification more difficult. By adding all types of add-ons: keep Mosaic laws, water baptism (any true believer will be Holy Spirit lead to do that) love (any true believer will be Holy Spirit lead to do that) obedience (any true believer will be Holy Spirit lead to do that)

In short: Justification comes by FAITH! Nothing more, nothing less. Best wishes, JJ

Yes, faith, in response to grace, is of first importance in that faith is the first right step for man in his coming back to God-as it opens the door to Him. The problem is when we think that it ends there, when we think that faith, alone, is all that God requires of us in order to be saved. And no one in the early church had ever held that position, or believed that faith guarantees that man will remain in Him, or that he will live as children of God must, or that man's will does not continue to play its part for better or worse. I don't need to add anything to Scripture, I only need to add more of Scripture to your list, leaving out the verses other posters have already included. We must know God's will in full, and the purpose and role of faith.

"If you would enter life, keep the commandments." Matt 19:17

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." Rom 2:7

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom 2:13

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Heb 12:14

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 6:22-23

"And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Rom 8:4, 12-14

 

[Der Alte]

24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

I read the whole Bible.

Ephesians 2:8
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:​

 

[PrincetonGuy]

I read the whole Bible.

Ephesians 2:8​

(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:​

James 2:24. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[BrotherJJ]

Yes, faith, in response to grace, is of first importance in that faith is the first right step for man in his coming back to God-as it opens the door to Him. The problem is when we think that it ends there, when we think that faith, alone, is all that God requires of us in order to be saved. And no one in the early church had ever held that position, or believed that faith guarantees that man will remain in Him, or that he will live as children of God must, or that man's will does not continue to play its part for better or worse. I don't need to add anything to Scripture, I only need to add more of Scripture to your list, leaving out the verses other posters have already included. We must know God's will in full, and the purpose and role of faith.

"If you would enter life, keep the commandments." Matt 19:17

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." Rom 2:7

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom 2:13

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Heb 12:14

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 6:22-23

"And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." Rom 8:4, 12-14

You're free to promote additional salvation requirements that are antithetical with scripture. I adamantly disagree with you're old-new covenant mixture.

Rom 5:
1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our [a]hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]

8 But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

The Lord that LOVED 1st (vs 8), We have now been justified (Have now been/DONE DEAL) declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood.

Next the Lord (that did ALL the WORK) gives every believer GIFTS: His Grace (Rom 3:24, 4:16, 5:1-2, 15, Eph 2:5 & 8), His Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45, 11:17), His Righteousness (Rom 4:5 & 5:17-18) & Eternal Life (Rom 6:23, Jn 5:24),

Every one of these GIFTS are received thru FAITH & FAITH ALONE! No other condition's are required. (Eph 2:8-9)

Tit 3:
5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee).

NOT because of any work WE DO vs 5, Christ the justifier (Rom 3:26) by HIS GRACE (for salvation we're required to do NOTHING beyond FAITH in Him) He makes us Acceptable & GIVES us eternal life! vs 7.

By Faith Alone! And & He alone, deserve all the praise, glory & honor! Amen

 

[PrincetonGuy]

By Faith Alone! And & He alone, deserve all the praise, glory & honor! Amen

The phrase “faith alone” is used only once in the Bible,

James 2:24. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (NRSV)

It was once thought that the phrase came into the Church during the reformation, but more recent scholarship has found the phrase in pre-Reformation Roman Catholic writings. Indeed, the late Roman Catholic New Testament scholar Joseph A. Fitzmyer, in his 1993 Romans, A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary in “The Anchor Bible” series, cites thirteen pre-Reformation writers who taught justification by “faith alone.” Moreover, Martin Luther, in his 1522 German translation of the Greek New Testament, inserted the adverb only at Rom. 3:28, “alleyn durch den Glauben”.

However, my faith is not based upon pre-Reformation Roman Catholic writings; it is based and firmly anchored upon the word of God—and that word explicitly says,

James 2:24. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. NRSV)

 

[BrotherJJ]

The phrase “faith alone” is used only once in the Bible,

James 2:24. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (NRSV)

It was once thought that the phrase came into the Church during the reformation, but more recent scholarship has found the phrase in pre-Reformation Roman Catholic writings. Indeed, the late Roman Catholic New Testament scholar Joseph A. Fitzmyer, in his 1993 Romans, A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary in “The Anchor Bible” series, cites thirteen pre-Reformation writers who taught justification by “faith alone.” Moreover, Martin Luther, in his 1522 German translation of the Greek New Testament, inserted the adverb only at Rom. 3:28, “alleyn durch den Glauben”.

However, my faith is not based upon pre-Reformation Roman Catholic writings; it is based and firmly anchored upon the word of God—and that word explicitly says,

James 2:24. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. NRSV)

You're free to believe & promote your heart, as am I. I have shared many scripture in support of my position. I'll speak a bit on James at the end of my reply.

1st:
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life
(MY NOTE: God has GRANTED via His Holy Spirit these BELIEVING gentiles the ability to change direction: from unbelief to belief. And filled them with His salvation sealing (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14) Holy Spirit, void of anything beyond FAITH.)

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches ""of his goodness"" and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that ""the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance""?
(MY NOTE: It's thru the GOODNESS of God not OUR OWN great (Cain-like) self-works. Be they good works, obedience, self-control etc. It's salvations seal of Christ's indwelling Holy Spirit (accessed by FAITH - Rom 5:1-2) that leads one to change their adamic nature thinking, actions & direction).

Rom 1:5 "Through him we received grace" & apostleship "to call all the Gentiles to the obedience" "that comes from faith" for his name’s sake.
(MY NOTE: NT Believers are lead to obedience thru FAITH, for His names sake)

Rom 16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, ""so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience"" ""that comes from faith""
(MY NOTE: Obedience comes from FAITH & is enabled by the Holy Spirit)

When FAITH is the root, obedience/good works will be the Fruit!

Anyone that believes they can conquer their own sin nature (via self-works - of any kind), without the Holy Spirit's help is mistaken.

Finally, James is a Jewish epistle written to the "twelve tribes" which are scattered abroad. Most scholars place the Book of James to have been written before the Council At Jerusalem in 50-51 AD. Where an epic change of doctrine was implemented. Best wishes, JJ

 

[fhansen]

Anyone that believes they can conquer their own sin nature (via self-works - of any kind), without the Holy Spirit's help is mistaken.

I don't know anyone who believes this. The question involves what justification consists of- and whether or not, after being freely justified, one can lose that status, that gift. And because justification entails more that being forgiven of sin and declared righteous but also in being cleansed and given a new spirit, man now possesses the righteousness that he was meant to have but cannot have unless and until he's reconciled and in fellowship with God. From there, from that position of grace and justice given, man must remain in Him, doing His will as best he can with the gifts given throughout whatever time he has on this planet. Again, man cannot possibly turn himself to God, and yet man can still say "no", refusing to come, or later turning back away at any point.

Man was made for communion with God and is otherwise lost when apart from Him. That union is our purpose and we're here on this earth to become established in and confirm and grow in that very relationship which is marked by our love for Him as well as our neighbor..

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

It is interesting that nobody wants to emulate the two examples given by James of the kind of works that accompany faith:

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (Jas 2:21)​

and,

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? (Jas 2:25)​

Abraham raised his knife to kill his son, and Rahab lied to save the spies. Not the kind of works we normally see preached.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

And how does this preamble to "faith without works is dead" fit in?

12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (Jas 2:12–13)​

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

There is an undeniable marriage of faith and works. Most importantly, as concerns our salvation, our trust in Christ must be accompanied by a certain "action" for it to be real:

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest... For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Heb 4:1–3, 10)​

A person's "faith in Christ" must be accompanied by a cessation "from his works" or it falls short of the mark.

 

[fhansen]

There is an undeniable marriage of faith and works. Most importantly, as concerns our salvation, our trust in Christ must be accompanied by a certain "action" for it to be real:

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest... For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Heb 4:1–3, 10)​

A person's "faith in Christ" must be accompanied by a cessation "from his works" or it falls short of the mark.

Yes, those works done in faith, under grace, by the Spirit may or may not resemble works of the law but are not works of the law as they're now finally done the right way, with God rather than on my own and apart from Him as if I had any righteousness of my own, apart from Him. They're done by the love which is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5) and if we refrain from such works, from such love expressed, then we've failed to act as a child of God does, presumably still caring more about our pride and things of this world than the things of God after having come to the knowledge of Christ (Heb 10:26-31, 2 Pet 2:20-22).

IOW, we can't rely on faith alone as if that faith is all God requires, as if that faith would be sufficient even if it resulted in no works. And this is why we can understand why Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on what they did in Matt 25 or why the following verses makes so much sense if we understand justification correctly, as God justifying the ungodly before we undertake to do the works He's prepared for us in Chrsit Jesus (Eph 2).

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." Rom 2:7

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom 2:13

A person cannot be under the law if he obeys it without even hearing it. He must then be under grace.

 

[BrotherJJ]

I don't know anyone who believes this. The question involves what justification consists of- and whether or not, after being freely justified, one can lose that status, that gift. And because justification entails more that being forgiven of sin and declared righteous but also in being cleansed and given a new spirit, man now possesses the righteousness that he was meant to have but cannot have unless and until he's reconciled and in fellowship with God. From there, from that position of grace and justice given, man must remain in Him, doing His will as best he can with the gifts given throughout whatever time he has on this planet. Again, man cannot possibly turn himself to God, and yet man can still say "no", refusing to come, or later turning back away at any point.

Man was made for communion with God and is otherwise lost when apart from Him. That union is our purpose and we're here on this earth to become established in and confirm and grow in that very relationship which is marked by our love for Him as well as our neighbor..

I disagree with your statement that justification can be lost.

Salvation: Eternal deliverance granted immediately

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words: Salvation

(2/b) of the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted immediately by God to those who accept His conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, in whom alone it is to be obtained, Acts 4:12 , and upon confession of Him as Lord, Romans 10:10 ; for this purpose the gospel is the saving instrument, Romans 1:16 ; Ephesians 1:13 (see further under SAVE);

Salvation - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

(MY NOTE: "ETERNAL DELIVERANCE GRANTED IMMEDIATELY" by belie/faith in the Lord Jesus death & resurrection)

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
(MY NOTE: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Also see Mat 3:11, Lk 3:16 & Jn 1:33)

Christ's Holy Spirit, "eternal sealing's/NT/Body of Christ" don't begin until after Jesus death & resurrection:

Jn 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

2 Tim 1:14 Refers to the Holy Spirit as a Good Deposit.

2 Cor 5:5, Eph 1:14 & 2 Cor 1:22. Refer to the Holy Spirit as "the earnest" = Deposit or Pledge.

Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22 & Eph 4:30 Refer to the Holy Spirit as a Seal.

2 Tim 1:14 The Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you
(MY NOTE: The Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Is God's good deposit given us until the day of redemption)

2 Cor 5:5 God, who also hath given unto us the "earnest" of the Spirit
(MY NOTE: God's Holy Spirit dwelling within us is the earnest. Earnest translated from the Greek word: arrabon. Also means a deposit/pledge.

2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also "sealed us" & "given the earnest" of the Holy Spirit in our hearts
(MY NOTE: God has placed His Holy Spirit in the believers heart. As a DEPOSIT/PLEDGE & SEAL, until the soon coming day of our final redemption)

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(MY NOTE: You heard about Christ's finished sin redemptive payment & resurrection. When you believed/trusted, Christ sealed/baptized you with His Holy Spirit).

Eph1:14 Which is the "earnest" of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession
(MY NOTE: The Holy Spirit by which only Christ baptizes/seals & indwells us. Is God's earnest = a down paymnt/pledge)

Eph 4:30 grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are "sealed" unto the day of redemption
(MY NOTE: Believers are SEALED until their nest unrepentant sin? NO! SEALED until the day they receive their heavenly body. Christ's indwelling Holy Spirit is Christ's pledge/promise that he will come for every believer. The jews received tis Promise At the Acts 2 Pentecost, the gentiles at Acts 10 Cornelius & now any/evert jew of gentile that believes is Christ death & resurrection.)

1 Jn 5:13 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
(MY NOTE: That you may know ""PRESENT TENSE"" that you have eternal life. Who shall know? The Mosaic law promoters of good self-works? NO! Those that believe on the name of the Son of God!)

Acts 10:
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message [confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles].
(MY NOTE: As Peter spoke, (Faith comes by hearing - Rom 10:17) those hearing believed & received Christ's eternal salvation sealing forever indwelling Holy Spirit. Void of anything beyond FAITH ALONE!)

45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles
(MY NOTE: Thru faith alone, (VIOD OF ANY ADHERENCE TO MOSAIC ANYTHING!) these gentiles are quickened (Eph 2:1, 2:5, Col 2:13) justified by God/Christ & given declaration of righteousness/a right standing with the Father. FOREVER Sealed (Jn 14:16) with Christ's eternal life giving Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14, Eph 4:30) The GIFT of the Holy Spirit is FOREVER! (Jn 14:16)

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
(NOTE: God doesn't go back on His Word or Promises)

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." Rom 2:7

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom 2:13

A person cannot be under the law if he obeys it without even hearing it. He must then be under grace.

Grace and works are polar opposites. A person who is declared righteous through obedience to the law (as in Romans 2:13) is not the beneficiary of grace. He earned his righteousness through obedience. Per Romans 4:4, he got what he earned... It was owed to him:

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. (Ro 4:4)​

 

[fhansen]

Grace and works are polar opposites. A person who is declared righteous through obedience to the law (as in Romans 2:13) is not the beneficiary of grace. He earned his righteousness through obedience. Per Romans 4:4, he got what he earned... It was owed to him:

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. (Ro 4:4)​

No, grace compels works as love compels us to do as Christ would do.. Those works are such as those mentioned in Eph 2:10. Any other works are straw, garbage.

 

[fhansen]

I disagree with your statement that justification can be lost.

Salvation: Eternal deliverance granted immediately

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words: Salvation

(2/b) of the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted immediately by God to those who accept His conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, in whom alone it is to be obtained, Acts 4:12 , and upon confession of Him as Lord, Romans 10:10 ; for this purpose the gospel is the saving instrument, Romans 1:16 ; Ephesians 1:13 (see further under SAVE);

Salvation - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

(MY NOTE: "ETERNAL DELIVERANCE GRANTED IMMEDIATELY" by belie/faith in the Lord Jesus death & resurrection)

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
(MY NOTE: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Also see Mat 3:11, Lk 3:16 & Jn 1:33)

Christ's Holy Spirit, "eternal sealing's/NT/Body of Christ" don't begin until after Jesus death & resurrection:

Jn 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

2 Tim 1:14 Refers to the Holy Spirit as a Good Deposit.

2 Cor 5:5, Eph 1:14 & 2 Cor 1:22. Refer to the Holy Spirit as "the earnest" = Deposit or Pledge.

Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22 & Eph 4:30 Refer to the Holy Spirit as a Seal.

2 Tim 1:14 The Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you
(MY NOTE: The Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Is God's good deposit given us until the day of redemption)

2 Cor 5:5 God, who also hath given unto us the "earnest" of the Spirit
(MY NOTE: God's Holy Spirit dwelling within us is the earnest. Earnest translated from the Greek word: arrabon. Also means a deposit/pledge.

2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also "sealed us" & "given the earnest" of the Holy Spirit in our hearts
(MY NOTE: God has placed His Holy Spirit in the believers heart. As a DEPOSIT/PLEDGE & SEAL, until the soon coming day of our final redemption)

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(MY NOTE: You heard about Christ's finished sin redemptive payment & resurrection. When you believed/trusted, Christ sealed/baptized you with His Holy Spirit).

Eph1:14 Which is the "earnest" of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession
(MY NOTE: The Holy Spirit by which only Christ baptizes/seals & indwells us. Is God's earnest = a down paymnt/pledge)

Eph 4:30 grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are "sealed" unto the day of redemption
(MY NOTE: Believers are SEALED until their nest unrepentant sin? NO! SEALED until the day they receive their heavenly body. Christ's indwelling Holy Spirit is Christ's pledge/promise that he will come for every believer. The jews received tis Promise At the Acts 2 Pentecost, the gentiles at Acts 10 Cornelius & now any/evert jew of gentile that believes is Christ death & resurrection.)

1 Jn 5:13 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
(MY NOTE: That you may know ""PRESENT TENSE"" that you have eternal life. Who shall know? The Mosaic law promoters of good self-works? NO! Those that believe on the name of the Son of God!)

Acts 10:
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message [confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles].
(MY NOTE: As Peter spoke, (Faith comes by hearing - Rom 10:17) those hearing believed & received Christ's eternal salvation sealing forever indwelling Holy Spirit. Void of anything beyond FAITH ALONE!)

45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles
(MY NOTE: Thru faith alone, (VIOD OF ANY ADHERENCE TO MOSAIC ANYTHING!) these gentiles are quickened (Eph 2:1, 2:5, Col 2:13) justified by God/Christ & given declaration of righteousness/a right standing with the Father. FOREVER Sealed (Jn 14:16) with Christ's eternal life giving Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14, Eph 4:30) The GIFT of the Holy Spirit is FOREVER! (Jn 14:16)

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
(NOTE: God doesn't go back on His Word or Promises)

"I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned." John 15:5-6

“You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” Rom 11:19-22

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Cor 5:10

"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” 2 Pet 2:20-22

"If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb 10:26-31