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To those endorsing a works salvation:

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.
Eph. 2:8,9

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Gal 2:20,21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

It is by grace, and by grace alone, that God saves us. Not a single work done by our sinful flesh can help atone for our sins. In response to previous criticism, yes, a Christian should do good works, but it is out of a love for God and in response to God's great grace in reaching down in saving a worthless, wretched, sinful, wicked soul. It is only through God's strength that we do His work, and we must rely on Him totally. The works of our flesh contribute NOTHING to our salvation. It is purely faith in Christ's death on the cross for our sins. In gratitude, we will desire to serve God and dedicate our lives to His work.

1 Pet. 1:18, 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Rom. 5:8,9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.


103 posted on 11/21/2005 4:36:26 PM PST by boughtwithaprice
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To: boughtwithaprice

The Church teaches that we are saved by faith in Christ formed by works of charity. We are not saved by a mere declaration of faith. We are likewise not saved by works of law, Jewish or otherwise (the collection of quotes you posted shows that), but by works of love. You can open any New Testament book virtually at random and find a confirming quote. Christ urges us to have faith, and He urges us to obey His commandments, forgive sins, love one another. To obey, forgive and love is works. Do you disagree?


104 posted on 11/21/2005 4:51:04 PM PST by annalex
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