Prentis,
Where exactly does Scripture teach that any aspect of redemption, including glorification, is gained or kept by works and obedience? I think you misunderstand something here. When it comes to salvation there are two types of statements made in Scripture. The first prescribes how one is saved and the other describes the character of one that is already saved. Ephesians 2:8-10 is the former, while Revelation 2:26 is the latter. If it is insisted that this isn't the case, then we're left with a faith + works salvation or at the very least a system that says we're saved by grace through faith, but we stay saved by works. Scripture speaks of no such thing.
Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.
Gal 3:2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Nomad, the whole idea that faith is against obedience is an error. Faith requires obedience, rather. If we truly believe him and trust him, why would we not obey?
[sup]5[/sup] But also for this very reason, giving all diligence,
add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, [sup]
6[/sup] to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, [sup]
7[/sup] to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. [sup]
8[/sup] For if these things are yours and abound,
you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [sup]
9[/sup]
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
[sup]
10[/sup] Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; [sup]
11[/sup] for so an entrance
will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is always an amazing thing to me when obedience is equaled with striving in the flesh! Is it carnal to obey out of faith through the grace by which we stand?