Why faith alone?

[PeaceJoyLove]

Abraham being the prototype, the father of all those in the future who would be justified by faith.

As for meritorious work, meritorious effort, God reckoned, an accounting term, Abraham's giving of Isaac as a credit entry, adding to, enriching his account balance.

Abraham trusted/believed/knew God was sovereign God. The act of putting his son on the altar wasn't a meritorious act, but Abraham trusted God with all he had, no doubt God had a plan that was good. It is all of THAT trust in KNOWING God (because of his faith) that caused Abraham to put Isaac on the altar and raise the knife. How many truly have THAT kind of faith...? For that is what counted Abraham righteous/justified.

We hear no qualms or reluctance from Abraham even trying to reason with God about it. He just acted and responded to God.

 

[Wordkeeper]

Just how much work does it take to buy salvation?

Just enough to remain in God's grace:

2 Corinthians 12:9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

 

[Wordkeeper]

We overcome the world when we enter in (to His kingdom) and there is no longer a duality (battle of flesh and spirit) within. The old serpent leaves our garden and cannot touch us anymore. Sin = death, so victory over sin/death. It is not something we can do by our own efforts other than to exercise our faith which is to truly believe the promises can be ours so we SEEK Him with a consuming passion/hunger/thirst that only HE can satisfy. And the new Life IN Christ is utterly different from the old one.

There will be no mistaking that it came from God...for with man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible. God transforms us from the inside out. Nothing outside of us (world) can translate us into His marvelous kingdom...which is within.



1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

So it's about performance, brownie points, eagle scout badges.

Is there any practical aspect to the exercise?

I mean sanctification means being set aside.

Set aside for What?

 

[Wordkeeper]

That was not Abraham's intention at all since he had told his son that God would provide the sacrifice.

That was to prevent the boy from bolting!

The text is clear. He was certain God would resuscitate his son.

 

[Wordkeeper]

Abraham trusted/believed/knew God was sovereign God. The act of putting his son on the altar wasn't a meritorious act, but Abraham trusted God with all he had, no doubt God had a plan that was good. It is all of THAT trust in KNOWING God (because of his faith) that caused Abraham to put Isaac on the altar and raise the knife. How many truly have THAT kind of faith...? For that is what counted Abraham righteous/justified.

We hear no qualms or reluctance from Abraham even trying to reason with God about it. He just acted and responded to God.

We know that the incident involved works as well as faith. Both had the effect of enriching Abraham's righteousness bank balance.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

That was to prevent the boy from bolting!

The text is clear. He was certain God would resuscitate his son.

Speculation

 

[woobadooba]

Sola fide is the Latin shorthand for the Protestant claim that we are justified by faith alone. In this thread I want to hear why Protestants think we are justified by faith alone, but I am not interested in scriptural justifications. You might try to answer this question, "Why did God enact the principle of justification by faith alone?" What is the reason for such a doctrine? Why might God have given it to us? How does it help you in your faith? What truths does it safeguard, etc.?

To cite an example, John Piper gives some rationale for sola fide in this video. One of his basic reasons is this: sola fide gives us an assurance and certainty that pave the way for good works. Without sola fide we would not produce any fruits, any good works.

If you like, you can give scriptural justification for your answer. For example, if you were John Piper you could give scriptural support for the idea that good works are necessary, or that sola fide gives us assurance and certainty. I'm just not interested in proof texts for the doctrine of sola fide itself.

Biblical faith is trust in God. Trust in God involves obedience to whatever He commands you to do.

Romans 16:25-27 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:17 (NKJV) "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

Hebrews 5:9 (NKJV) "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him"

James 2:17 (NKJV) "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

 

[Wordkeeper]

Speculation

Glad you agree that Abraham never meant to perform human sacrifice to prove his loyalty to God.

Genesis 22:12He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

James 2:21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD,AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.

Justified: Credit in account approved.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

So it's about performance, brownie points, eagle scout badges.

Is there any practical aspect to the exercise?

I mean sanctification means being set aside.

Set aside for What?

It is never about brownie points or badges. It is about KNOWING God is God. That all things are from God and for God's purpose and plan. Truly believing that changes our 'thoughts', for Jesus said, "Take no thought..." Abraham took no thought about what he was about to do with Isaac. God said it and he trusted/believed God was the Almighty God of everything and ALL.

God's plan and purpose was before the foundation of the world were laid. "Behold the lamb who was slain before the foundations of the world were laid." All have been given a measure of faith...the size of a mustard seed is enough for the process/journey within us to take place.

God wants to reveal the son we are (In Christ) that we don't know that we always knew we were/are. The first Adam in the garden once walked in the Day with God. Then one became two and their eyesight was changed...and saw themselves naked and ashamed for the first time after eating the feast prepared by the woman/helper God gave to Adam...from a wound in his side in slumber.

"Where art thou?" narrows down to the Truth of KNOWING the Father and the son that we are In Christ...and the kingdom in which we walk...even if we don't know/can't 'see' it. Perception. Which is what we are set aside for...All that the first Adam used to have...Jesus Christ is The Door (back) to walking with God in the Day/Light.

"Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."...
"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

AND "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

We know that the incident involved works as well as faith. Both had the effect of enriching Abraham's righteousness bank balance.

Eye see it as the works were because of the faith and automatic without a thought of the action taken. There is no 'bank' of righteous deeds. One either has faith or does not...and the works that come from that faith "take no thought..." Though our perception of what faith is changes as the process of soul takes place within...a seed that grows and only God can give the increase.

Even unbelievers do good works, but that does not equate with faith.

 

[Wordkeeper]

Eye see it as the works were because of the faith and automatic without a thought of the action taken. There is no 'bank' of righteous deeds. One either has faith or does not...and the works that come from that faith "take no thought..." Though our perception of what faith is changes as the process of soul takes place within...a seed that grows and only God can give the increase.

Even unbelievers do good works, but that does not equate with faith.

Reckon is an accounting term. God counted the response of Abraham as a credit entry: righteousness.

 

[DamianWarS]

Sola fide is the Latin shorthand for the Protestant claim that we are justified by faith alone. In this thread I want to hear why Protestants think we are justified by faith alone, but I am not interested in scriptural justifications. You might try to answer this question, "Why did God enact the principle of justification by faith alone?" What is the reason for such a doctrine? Why might God have given it to us? How does it help you in your faith? What truths does it safeguard, etc.?

To cite an example, John Piper gives some rationale for sola fide in this video. One of his basic reasons is this: sola fide gives us an assurance and certainty that pave the way for good works. Without sola fide we would not produce any fruits, any good works.

If you like, you can give scriptural justification for your answer. For example, if you were John Piper you could give scriptural support for the idea that good works are necessary, or that sola fide gives us assurance and certainty. I'm just not interested in proof texts for the doctrine of sola fide itself.

What is faith? Could it be under the umbrella of faith there are the things you believe and the things you do?

We all know John 3:16 but do we keep on reading? such as v21 "But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." It seems to me there is more to this puzzle than mere belief and there is an action role... but this is all faith.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Reckon is an accounting term. God counted the response of Abraham as a credit entry: righteousness.

We are each given a measure of faith. Whether we use it or not is another thing. When we exercise that measure of faith, HE will increase our faith. (Like the parable of the talents...) When we believe He is God, HE begins to increase the revelation of who HE is and how far we can 'see' and hope in the promises He has given. Seeking to KNOW Him more and more...for God is a consuming fire (burn up all the flesh on the altar) and the faith that HE increases hungers and thirsts after the promises because HE reveals more and more of who HE truly is and who we are in relationship to Him/revelation of The Son.

Works of faith and 'works' hoping to build up the 'bank' account to be accounted righteous in God's eyes are two different things. As James succinctly states, "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."

Those works speak of Trusting God is God...Abram was called out of his home land by God. He did some things that were from his own mind, and some things that God had said...then God changed his name to Abraham and made a covenant marked by the removal of flesh (from his seed) in circumcision. Ishmael was not the promised son, but action that Sarai took in her own mind (not from faith)...As we look at all that Abram/Abraham did to get to where he was with God when Isaac lay on the altar of sacrifice, we see the difference in which works were from faith and which were from Abraham's own perception. Therein is the difference.

We are promised a white stone with a new name...too...which comes by faith proved by our works...which causes us to hear and perceive by spirit not flesh.

 

[JacksBratt]

Just how much work does it take to buy salvation?

If you worked every day of your life from the time you were born till the day you died.... you wouldn't even scratch the surface....

There is no price tag on salvation. You cannot buy it, work it out or earn it.
There is only a penalty of sin.
The penalty for sin is death. Christ paid this price for you. Therefore you can be released from the penalty.

You cannot buy salvation, only serve your punishment for sin.

 

[JacksBratt]

As for buying or working for your salvation, check out the parable of the unforgiving servant in
Matt 18:21-35.

In this parable, the king is obviously God and the first servant is us. The debt owed is ten thousand bags of gold (NIV) or ten thousand talents (KJV). Either way the amount of this debt is 1/ the debt to be paid to the king which is our debt to God for our sin. 2/ An insurmountable and unattainable amount of money.

The second servant who owed the first servant is the people who have sinned against us and done us wrong. Their debt is a piddly little, easily attainable amount. This is 1/ in comparison to the unattainable debt we owe God 2/ an easily forgivable debt for the one it is owed to.


Two lessons to be learned here, although there are others are 1/ We must forgive other humans just as God has forgiven us and 2/ You cannot pay the debt you owe to God for your sins.

So give it up. You're not earning your salvation. It comes from one thing and one thing only.... the death of Christ on the cross in your place. Period.

 

[JacksBratt]

Any "works" you do as a method to earn your salvation is, ultimately, selfish anyway.....

You are not doing it to benefit God, to shine a light for Him, to show the righteousness of God living through you....

NO, you are doing it for yourself and for self serving purpose of getting to heaven..... what a joke.... God does not want you to do works as a way of earning salvation, serving your own benefit.... He wants you to do good works in order to glorify Him.

Any work done as a means to earn something for yourself is not charity.. That's what I do for a living. I work and earn money to give myself a way of life.

Any work done as a means to earn anything, is then void as being called God's work or work for God.....

It is work for you and your benefit only..

 

[Wordkeeper]

We are each given a measure of faith. Whether we use it or not is another thing. When we exercise that measure of faith, HE will increase our faith. (Like the parable of the talents...) When we believe He is God, HE begins to increase the revelation of who HE is and how far we can 'see' and hope in the promises He has given. Seeking to KNOW Him more and more...for God is a consuming fire (burn up all the flesh on the altar) and the faith that HE increases hungers and thirsts after the promises because HE reveals more and more of who HE truly is and who we are in relationship to Him/revelation of The Son.

Works of faith and 'works' hoping to build up the 'bank' account to be accounted righteous in God's eyes are two different things. As James succinctly states, "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."

Those works speak of Trusting God is God...Abram was called out of his home land by God. He did some things that were from his own mind, and some things that God had said...then God changed his name to Abraham and made a covenant marked by the removal of flesh (from his seed) in circumcision. Ishmael was not the promised son, but action that Sarai took in her own mind (not from faith)...As we look at all that Abram/Abraham did to get to where he was with God when Isaac lay on the altar of sacrifice, we see the difference in which works were from faith and which were from Abraham's own perception. Therein is the difference.

We are promised a white stone with a new name...too...which comes by faith proved by our works...which causes us to hear and perceive by spirit not flesh.

It doesn't change the fact that God valued faith and also valued action in Abraham's case. Faith was enough to make Abraham God's servant but works made him a friend :

John 15:15No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

I suggest you study what a measure of faith is in the CONTEXT of the passage:

Romans 12:3For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. 4For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, 5so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another. 6And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

It doesn't change the fact that God valued faith and also valued action in Abraham's case. Faith was enough to make Abraham God's servant but works made him a friend :

John 15:15No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

I suggest you study what a measure of faith is in the CONTEXT of the passage:

Romans 12:3For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. 4For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, 5so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another. 6And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith.

To hopefully clarify...The main point being conveyed...there is not a 'bank' account for works. Things we do because of faith is utterly different than works 'we' do in hopes of getting the "bank" account fat enough for God to accept our deeds. Of faith produces a different kind of works than what we determine in our own minds as good works.

Reconciled is also an accounting term...and nothing we do of ourselves in works can reconcile us (back) to the Father.

 

[Wordkeeper]

To hopefully clarify...The main point being conveyed...there is not a 'bank' account for works. Things we do because of faith is utterly different than works 'we' do in hopes of getting the "bank" account fat enough for God to accept our deeds. Of faith produces a different kind of works than what we determine in our own minds as good works.

Reconciled is also an accounting term...and nothing we do of ourselves in works can reconcile us (back) to the Father.

You must be reading a different Bible :

Genesis 15:6And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

You must be reading a different Bible :

Genesis 15:6And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

he believed...was what made him righteous in God's eyes. Not his works. His works demonstrated where his faith was -TOTALLY trusting God.