I know this is one of the most heated subjects, and one that evangelicals are adamant about.
Well, I have an issue with both a 'works based salvation' AND a 'free gift salvation'. I believe both are wrong. I know they are generally pinned against each other as being option A and B, and the only two possibilities. This consistutes a misunderstanding, I believe.
Christ says that 'unless you leave all behind and follow me, you cannot be my disciples'. Paul says it is not of works.This is the thing, we are not justified by works, but faith without works is dead. Out of love, we follow our Lord, and we are warned time and time again that the one who doesn't persevere will be cut off.
The error of works is to take works as a checklist, which the Pharisees did. Love your neighbor; check, did that! Thus the error is to think it's done. But it says 'You shall love the Lord your God', therefore it is never done, never 'checked' but must always be happening.
BUT it is equally wrong to say we must not do the commands. It says the robes of the saints are their righteous acts (Revelation 19:8).
Thus it is not by work, but by faith. And by faith Noah built the ark, and Abraham gave his son, and Rahab allowed the spies in, and David killed Goliath. By faith, we follow Christ. THIS faith saves us.
What say ye?
Well, I have an issue with both a 'works based salvation' AND a 'free gift salvation'. I believe both are wrong. I know they are generally pinned against each other as being option A and B, and the only two possibilities. This consistutes a misunderstanding, I believe.
Christ says that 'unless you leave all behind and follow me, you cannot be my disciples'. Paul says it is not of works.This is the thing, we are not justified by works, but faith without works is dead. Out of love, we follow our Lord, and we are warned time and time again that the one who doesn't persevere will be cut off.
The error of works is to take works as a checklist, which the Pharisees did. Love your neighbor; check, did that! Thus the error is to think it's done. But it says 'You shall love the Lord your God', therefore it is never done, never 'checked' but must always be happening.
BUT it is equally wrong to say we must not do the commands. It says the robes of the saints are their righteous acts (Revelation 19:8).
Thus it is not by work, but by faith. And by faith Noah built the ark, and Abraham gave his son, and Rahab allowed the spies in, and David killed Goliath. By faith, we follow Christ. THIS faith saves us.
What say ye?