There are many verses that clearly state that we are saved by grace, not of works, that salvation is the gift of God. Yet other verses in the Bible seem to go against this... I'm really confused.
For example:
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6: 18-19.
To me this sounds like you need to do good works to lay hold of eternal life.
Or:
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Verses from James 2
So my questions is, how much works do yo have to have with your faith in order to be justified?
I'm confused...
For example:
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6: 18-19.
To me this sounds like you need to do good works to lay hold of eternal life.
Or:
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Verses from James 2
So my questions is, how much works do yo have to have with your faith in order to be justified?
I'm confused...