IS SALVATION BY GRACE OR BY WORK: Am I saved just by believing in Jesus, or do I believing in Jesus and do certain things? The question faith alone or faith plus works is made difficult by some hard-to -reconcile bible passages. Compare (Romans 3:28, 5:1 and Galatians 3:24 and James 2:24) with James some see a difference between Paul (Salvation is by faith alone) and James Salvation is by faith plus works. Paul dogmatically says that Justification is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). While James appear to be saying that justification is by faith plus works. This apparent problem is answered by examining what exactly James is talking about. James is refuting the belief that a person can have faith without producing any good works. (James 2:17-18). James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works. (James 2:20-26). James is not saying that justification is by faith plus works, but rather that a person who is truly justified by faith will have good works in his/her life. If a person claims to be a believer, but has no good works in his/her life, then he/she likely does not have genuine faith in Christ (James 2:14,17,20,26). Paul says the same thing in his writings. The good friut believers should have in their lives is listed in (Galatians 5:22-23). Immediately after telling us that we are saved by faith, not work (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul informs us that we were are created to do good works in verse 10. Paul expects just as much of a changed life as James does: "therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" 2Corinthians 5:17). James and Paul do not disagree in their teaching regarding Salvation. But they approach of the subject is from different perspectives. Thanks God bless you all.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 06:44:28 +0000
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