Sir. 35:19; Luke 23:41; John 3:19-21, Rom. 8:13, 2 Tim 4:14, Titus 3:8,14, Rev. 22:12 - these verses also teach us that we all will be judged by God according to our deeds. There is no distinction between the “saved” and the “unsaved.”
1) You have done a fine job of Cherry Picking verses, using them out of context to try to build up your position that Works will get you to Heaven, will get you Salvation. This is not so.
Yes, indeed, we will be judged by what we do, our works. BUT, without the FAITH in Jesus, it matters not what your deeds were, you’ll be “Departing from Him”.
“21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
All have fallen short of the glory of God, there is none righteous, not one.
No one comes to the father but through Jesus, Faith in Him as the risen Savior.
Salvation comes through faith, not works, lest any man boast.
*Sirch3:18-19 These verses speak more to doing Evil works and the rewards for those. In no way do they address, speak to, or suggest that while evil works will bring their reward, that good works will bring Salvation.
*Luke 23:41 Good Cherry Picking. This is the story where Jesus and the two thieves are on the cross, Jesus is being ridiculed by one thief (Save us if you are the Savior!!) But the other thief defends him.
In Luke 23:42, What Happens? Glory to God, the 2nd thief proclaims his faith in Jesus, asks him to remember him. FAITH is what happens there. Notice here, the thief is crucified, doomed to die, no time, nor ability nor opportunity for ‘good works’. But he IS able to show FAITH.
Luke 23:43 Jesus, because of the incredible volume of good works of the 2nd thief, wait, no that is not right, let me try again. Jesus, because of the FAITH demonstrated by the 2nd thief declares that he will join Jesus in Paradise. How is this possible? Where are the works?
*John 3:19-21 These are some sensible verses - Evil deeds have their rewards . And, not surprisingly, ‘good deeds’ are performed ‘wrought in God’. But there is no mention of Salvation being the outcome of good works.
* Romans 8:13 Read this as a group of verses for context (8:10-15) Paul was saying not that good works give Salvation. The quote “But if ye, through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Allow me to paraphrase: “If you, strengthened by Faith in the Spirit, do NOT do as the body would have you do, ye shall live.” It seems that FAITH is the key.
*2 Timothy 4:14 You have been strong in showing how God will punish those with ‘bad works’, but have not shown at all that good works will save.
*Titus 3:8 “ 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Did you NOTICE? Those who believe! Those that have FAITH (first) should THEN be careful to maintain their good works. FAITH FIRST.
*Rev22:12 Jesus says: “
Anyway, one Greek word meant “works” in the meaning that the power was from God. (Such as in “judge a man by his works”) Not the MAN’s work, but the visible expression of GOD working through the man.
The other Greek word meant “work” in the sense of the power coming from the MAN. So these “works” (the man's work) doesn't help any with regard to salvation.
The third Greek word for “work” was mentioned once, and was some mundane reference.
Anyway - that sure cleared up a LOT of the questions I had about the whole faith and works thing. Of course - that begs the question. Am I (are we?) always open to what God is wanting us to do, so that we are performing HIS mighty works?
The church I go to now puts a lot of emphasis on “Okay, you're saved. But are you living life Exceedingly Abundantly!? (Not in the “blessed by riches” that some folks go by). But in the sense of are you stepping out on the fringes of your faith? Putting yourself into God's hands and letting him work BIG things through you. Are you letting God use you to make a Deeper Impact in the community. And seeing the work of God around you, you will be blessed.