Reviving Biblical Christianity (The Way) Part 2

[Grailhunter]

Oh my. You can be forgiven for that. We all have a past ;)


Exposing false beliefs? You mean exposing whatever is not from man-made traditions


The New Man is only a concept for theologian types (the ones who decided if the woman was a witch or not), who have never had any encounter with the living God.


This is much later...the ecumenical councils that invented creeds came about only in the 4th century...as you well know. Before that there were different practices....like the apostolic baptism in Jesus' name. This is before the trinity heresy. No one can baptize in the name of the Father or in the "name" of the Spirit. The Father sent Jesus to us...we don't go to the Father but by Christ. It isn't the Father that sends us it is the Son. You should know that. And no one can baptize in the name of a Spirit. The Spirit has no name. And the early believers were baptized in the POWER of the Spirit. That power was replaced by a name because they had no power and because they wanted control over the church while having no power. So the authority was counterfeit.


Amen. The gift of the Spirit


That;s churchy doctrine but it's not true. Being born from the Spirit means you are enlightened into .... having a glimpse of... the eternal realm in Zion...in heaven. That's why it's called born from above. That taste of eternal life is a sample (the talent in the parable of the talents) of what is meant to cause us to sell all we have and BUY the full measure of grace by going to God at His throne of grace. From there we walk in the power of the Spirit.


For most people this is true. But that's because they bury their talent, so to speak. The new birth is meant to inform the new believer that God is waiting for them on the other side of this present world to enter through the veil of Christ and walk in His resurrection life.


Or bury it. That's what simple preservation does to your one time taste of holiness. A taste is just a sample of what God is offering us through the gospel. It informs us as to why we would forsake the things of this world in order to enter fully into Christ. The cost is ALL we have and are. Paul claimed to have counted all things (including his scholarly attainments) as dung in order to win Christ.

Be the church.

You always have been silly and are silly and will always be silly.

 

[Grailhunter]

Thank you for your reply. I want to ask, are you born of the Spirit though...?

Baptism is a kind of prophetic enactment that kind of "seals" something that has already happened in the Spirit. It doesn't in itself cause one to become born again, but one must be born of the spirit ( have received Christ by faith) before undergoing the baptism that is a living picture of what has happened in our hearts.

The Lord's supper is a kind of refreshing (bread and wine by proxy) of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It is an opportunity to bring to the cross things that we need to, and that is why we need to examine ourselves before partaking.

As the Lord was gracious to show me these things at some point along the way. There is power in both Baptism and Communion, and neither one is merely a ritual.

Well then we disagree.....no harm no foul.....

 

[amigo de christo]

You always have been silly and are silly and will always be silly.

not the three s
but the three d
as in dangerous , dangerous , and dangerous . and not only to himself but to others .
ANYTIME the dire necessity for to the absolute dire need to BELIEVE ON JESUS CHRIST , be removed ,
Nothing but disaster shall be the path and the end of any and of all who did so . whether they claimed to believe or not .
Because we cannot CLIAM TO BELIEVE and then make excuse for UNBELIEF .
And i darn sure dont think EPI is the only one who do that . Billions now do . very few now stand
and contend for the absolute one true faith and gospel . And i do mean VERY as in very very few .
The vast majority is smack in the middle . they might c liam to bleieve but allow unbelief by means of a whores love
and her plan of anti christ interfaith . Not THIS SHEEP homies . IT IS JESUS and HE ALONE and all things HE did
say that this one shall point too . hope to have others joining me soon . cause the middle road is very very d eadly
and highly highly deceptive and IT WONT save A SOUL .

 

[amigo de christo]

Amen, we might wait on Him for answers too and other reasons as you are mentioning. I'm not sure how Guyon approached it, just wanted to make a point in general. Hope I didn't speak out of turn.

The time is coming and now is when those who stand firm upon the Truth , upon the one true gospel
will be abandonded by all not in the lambs b ook of life .
Even those we knew will turn against the sheep . And its gonna shock many .
This generation is wearing out sister . ITS wearing out and its wearing down .
And the motto will be , FOR PETE SAKE let us just get along and THAT will be their down fall .
And they will seperate themselves from anyone that simply wont budge , wont conform
but continue to expose all things contrary to GOD and HIS CHRIST .
But do not weep for me sister . If anyone wants to so some real heavy weeping
WEEP FOR THEM . CAUSE I KNOW WHOM I SERVE , but many have no idea what they do .

 

[marks]

But just to add to your comment on theosis, it is entirely scriptural and is referred to in 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

However this does not identify theosis by name or by description. There is no presupposition that we are awaiting a "second benefit" before we can partake of God's nature.

Consider:

Hebrews 12:10 KJV
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Rather than a particular moment when we are united with Christ that produces theosis, this describes a process of maturing, which is likewise described elsewhere in Scripture.

not the end of all things of which we need to give no thought for the why or when as it is outside of the concerns of life and for which we can entirely trust in Him if we are united with Him.

Rather,

1 John 3:1-3 KJV
1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Knowing how we will end - we shall be like Him - causes us to purify ourselfs.

Man puts his interpretation above the true spiritual meaning of scriptures like these to his damnation.

Or . . . man spiritualizes passages that are intended to have the meanings of the words God used. Like they say . . . words have meanings.

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

This is strong, clear language, about those who do not love truth, and will be deluded, and will be condemned.

Much love!

 

[Lizbeth]

Two things that also are very simple to explain .
Number one . ANYONE who is following CHRIST would have BELIEVED in HIM and that it was NECESSARY TO ABSOLUTELY
have to believe on HIM .
Number two is , JESUS aint the minstir of sin , so any so called image of him that accepts any sin , IS NOT OF HIM or HIM .
Now while its true those in dead faith can lip His name , its only this people honors me with their lips but their HEART
is far from me . Dead .
But NO true sheep of GOD would ever do what i seen some doing sister .
OMITTING the DIRE NECESSITY to EVEN HAVE HAD to BELIEVE ON JESUS . that is avery clear sign
something is totally dead wrong . I mean look at even
the letter of john . John who wrote more about love in his le tter , DARN sure said more than once
the DIRE NECESSITY of having to BELEIVE ON JESUS .
Epi dont and epi wont do that . Thus it wont matter how many teachings He might think
he brings from JESUS . Its nothing more than yet again a works based self righteousness .
We cannot teach to the things of JESUS while at the same TIME omitting the fact ONE has TO BELIEVE on HIM .
They can try all day to pick up that cross sister , But without FAITH is naught but in vain .
In fact some of them even THINK they do teach all things JESUS said . KINDA odd sister
THEY DARN sure omit his dire warnings AND HOW often HE did warn about THE DIRE NECESSITY TO BELIEVE on HIM .
TRYING to teach the things of JESUS and even thinking one can pick up that cross
WITHOUT FIRST HAVING to had BELIEVED , HAD F AITH IN HE WHO was CRUcIFIED on that cross
IS ALL A LIE and ALL IN VAIN . YOU SEE that DOES NOT IN ANY WAY
HONOR THE SON thus NOR DO IT THE FATHER . AND GOD does desire SUCH GLORY.
THAT we DO realize IT was soley by the grace of GOD by faith IN JESUS one can even be saved . NOW
GOD actually does desire that honor and that honor to be given to HIS SON .
Something ol mr put the horse in the cart HAS NO IDEA about sister .

Amen, that is what Jesus and the apostles taught.

Rom 10:13-18

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

 

[Grailhunter]

not the three s
but the three d
as in dangerous , dangerous , and dangerous . and not only to himself but to others .
ANYTIME the dire necessity for to the absolute dire need to BELIEVE ON JESUS CHRIST , be removed ,
Nothing but disaster shall be the path and the end of any and of all who did so . whether they claimed to believe or not .
Because we cannot CLIAM TO BELIEVE and then make excuse for UNBELIEF .
And i darn sure dont think EPI is the only one who do that . Billions now do . very few now stand
and contend for the absolute one true faith and gospel . And i do mean VERY as in very very few .
The vast majority is smack in the middle . they might c liam to bleieve but allow unbelief by means of a whores love
and her plan of anti christ interfaith . Not THIS SHEEP homies . IT IS JESUS and HE ALONE and all things HE did
say that this one shall point too . hope to have others joining me soon . cause the middle road is very very d eadly
and highly highly deceptive and IT WONT save A SOUL .

Well he does not believe in free-will.
Predestinationist
God determines you going to Hell before you are born.
Weird beliefs.

 

[amigo de christo]

Well he does not believe in free-will.
Predestinationist
God determines you going to Hell before you are born.
Weird beliefs.

Folks believe as folks believe .
Sheep b eleive EVERY WORD OF GOD . And the bible they will not twist and omit t hings .
Now to the trenches one and all for we have a massive inclusive god and his ecumeincal harlot
who work as one decieving and a fleecing this world .

 

[amigo de christo]

Amen, that is what Jesus and the apostles taught.

Rom 10:13-18

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

Stay dug in the scriptures like a seed tick on a basset hound sister . And let us be in prayer .
The g reat whore of mystery babylon captivates the world and religoins now with her cup of fornication
that she has sold as love as has her father the devil the inclusive god that merges all religoins , all not in the lambs book of life .
OH its gonna PEAK sister and PEAK it will surely do . But fear not man or what he can do .
And remember the lovely home that awaits us at the end of our faith . THANKS BE TO GOD and HIS CHRIST of course .
Compromise not a word sister , no mat ter if they beg and plead and weep for you to do so , YOU compromise not a word
of teh LORD . And even if they come to take you away , You compromise N OT .
The COST will be the COST . But eternal LIFE is forever and forever is ETERNAL LIFE . WE SHALL NOT DIE
but be FOREVER WITH THE LORD . t hat which is dust shall return to dust
but that which is of the SPIRIT OF GOD shall FOREVER b e with HIM and in new and glorified bodies and forever
in the new heavens and the new earth .
You do realize when we first met you were just barley younger than i am now .
TIME flies sister . OH how the time do fly . BUT ETERNAL LIFE it has NO END . HOPE THOU IN GOD and IN HIS CHRIST .

 

[Episkopos]

Folks believe as folks believe .
Sheep b eleive EVERY WORD OF GOD . And the bible they will not twist and omit t hings .
Now to the trenches one and all for we have a massive inclusive god and his ecumeincal harlot
who work as one decieving and a fleecing this world .

Sheep tend to go astray. Most believe whatever they're taught from the pulpit without question (that would be rude). The ecumenical harlot has already done her work...the creeds that form Babylon are from ecumenical councils. The trenches you refer to so much are actually ditches on either side of the road to life. And the deceiver goes unnoticed because his lies fit so well into what people want.

 

[Hepzibah]

However this does not identify theosis by name or by description. There is no presupposition that we are awaiting a "second benefit" before we can partake of God's nature.

Consider:

Hebrews 12:10 KJV
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Rather than a particular moment when we are united with Christ that produces theosis, this describes a process of maturing, which is likewise described elsewhere in Scripture.

#There is a process indeed. It is said to be in three stages:

Purgation where the Holy Spirit does His work in convicting the soul that they are failing to be what scripture says they should be in showing the power of God in all they do, as an overcomer, and acting like Paul in Romans 7. This often comes as a crisis in their lives.

Illumination whereby they learn that they have been walking in their own strength whereas Paul said that all things are possible for him through Christ. They then turn fully to Christ in their weak pathetic state crying out for the pure heart.

Union when it takes place in actuality.

It is granted to them and they can thereafter do all things in the strength of Christ.

All testimonies from all denominations and none, follow this pathway, oftern equated with a stairway or ladder of ascent.

Of course those who have not reached this stage of having it revealed will refuse it.

Rather,

1 John 3:1-3 KJV
1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Knowing how we will end - we shall be like Him - causes us to purify ourselfs.

#So how do we purify ourselves?

Or . . . man spiritualizes passages that are intended to have the meanings of the words God used. Like they say . . . words have meanings.



This is strong, clear language, about those who do not love truth, and will be deluded, and will be condemned.

# A man who trusts in God for all things and believes that he will be delivered from sin longing for it with his whole heart, compared to a man who lacks humility and thinks he is on the right track despite many thousands of testimonies to the contrary? No contest who wins the race of being approved by God.

Much love!

 

[marks]

It is said to be in three stages:

As I read the Scriptures, I see these processes, and more besides, taking place in the child of God throughout their lives. I don't see such a 3 step process described in the Bible.

2 Peter 1:2-8 KJV
2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By His promises we escape corruption and share His divine nature. By believing His promises.

This is the same as briefly stated in Romans 5:1-2, we are justified by faith, and by faith we access the grace in which we stand.

There is a true simplicity in God's Word, in His instructions to us,

Galatians 5:25 KJV
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

This we can do by trusting in Jesus' death as resurrection to be sufficient.

I realize you put a lot of weight in various testimonies and commentaries, just the same, I rely entirely on the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the truths in the Bible.

We don't pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Trust in the power of God. He has promised all over the Bible that we can trust in Him for anything and everything we need. As we trust in Him, we live according to that faith, and walk in His power.

Much love!

 

[Episkopos]

As I read the Scriptures, I see these processes, and more besides, taking place in the child of God throughout their lives. I don't see such a 3 step process described in the Bible.

2 Peter 1:2-8 KJV
2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By His promises we escape corruption and share His divine nature. By believing His promises.

This is the same as briefly stated in Romans 5:1-2, we are justified by faith, and by faith we access the grace in which we stand.

There is a true simplicity in God's Word, in His instructions to us,

Galatians 5:25 KJV
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

This we can do by trusting in Jesus' death as resurrection to be sufficient.

I realize you put a lot of weight in various testimonies and commentaries, just the same, I rely entirely on the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the truths in the Bible.

Much love!

Actually what Peter wants us to add to the part that Jesus did.... is the part we are to do...the human righteousness part. It doesn't say...God will add to your faith. It says add to your faith? The faith of Christ? No, our faith! What we can do through the influence of God in our lives. This is about supporting the divine gift with a human righteousness and obedience.

We are to add tamim to God's shalem. We are to add the humility and fear of the Lord that grounds us in the truth.

We are to dig roots downward in order to bear fruit upward. The way up is down. We can't improve ourselves into holiness...but we can humble ourselves into a full measure of God's gift...that brings holiness. But we won't seek the Lord for His grace if we think we already have it.

This is not about beliefs...believing Jesus' death and resurrection is sufficient?...sufficient for what? Beliefs? Faith moves mountains. Beliefs only deceive a person. Faith brings the grace to overcome as Jesus did. Faith works. Beliefs do nothing.

But unless we support the truth with an honest, humble and God-fearing meekness, we will lose what we have been given by the spiritual gift. Jesus is both human and divine. We have to add in human righteousness in order to maintain our standing with God...otherwise God gets the reward and we get nothing. No one ever got a reward because they received a gift. The reward id given for what we DO ...not what Jesus has done. Our reward is for what we give in return, in response. We receive MORE grace when we surrender all.

 

[Lizbeth]

However this does not identify theosis by name or by description. There is no presupposition that we are awaiting a "second benefit" before we can partake of God's nature.

Consider:

Hebrews 12:10 KJV
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Rather than a particular moment when we are united with Christ that produces theosis, this describes a process of maturing, which is likewise described elsewhere in Scripture.

I've read testimonies of those who have testified of a "second blessing" and some call it the "baptism of fire" which burns up what remains of the flesh nature as they put it. The story of the "church in the wilderness" shows a second baptism (crossing the Jordan) after the first baptism of crossing the Red Sea. The apostle wrote that these things happened unto them and were written down as ensamples to the church so we need to see what it is saying to the church. Crossing the Jordan to enter the Promised Land is associated with being "circumcised a second time"....see Joshua 5:2. Our first baptism (circumcision) was in water, the second baptism I believe is the baptism of fire that John the Baptist said Jesus would do.

I believe we ARE partaking of His nature since we have received of His Spirit and as we suckle at His teat of the word, but not fully yet....and I do see this as a process but which is leading us to a culmination/completion/fullness. It is this culmination that is being spoken of, how I'm understanding it. Jesus is both the Author and Finisher of our faith.

We are aiming to become fully "spiritual", and no longer carnal. These scriptures indirectly testify to that state:

Gal 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1Co 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1Co 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

1Co 14:37
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

 

[Hepzibah]

We don't pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Trust in the power of God. He has promised all over the Bible that we can trust in Him for anything and everything we need. As we trust in Him, we live according to that faith, and walk in His power.

Amen! I have said nothing to disagree with this. It is by faith we are sanctified. It is by believing that it is finished - it happened on the cross and now all we have to do is believe it and obey whatever the Holy Spirit asks of us.

That means complying with His dealings with us which follow a pattern which I have laid out. Most fail at the first step and think that they are rich and lack nothing and can consider themselves 'there'. They have misunderstood what obedience means. It is not just outward. It involves our thought life.

 

[shepherdsword]

Amen! I have said nothing to disagree with this. It is by faith we are sanctified. It is by believing that it is finished - it happened on the cross and now all we have to do is believe it and obey whatever the Holy Spirit asks of us.

That means complying with His dealings with us which follow a pattern which I have laid out. Most fail at the first step and think that they are rich and lack nothing and can consider themselves 'there'. They have misunderstood what obedience means. It is not just outward. It involves our thought life.

Amen

2 Co 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

 

[Lizbeth]

Stay dug in the scriptures like a seed tick on a basset hound sister . And let us be in prayer .
The g reat whore of mystery babylon captivates the world and religoins now with her cup of fornication
that she has sold as love as has her father the devil the inclusive god that merges all religoins , all not in the lambs book of life .
OH its gonna PEAK sister and PEAK it will surely do . But fear not man or what he can do .
And remember the lovely home that awaits us at the end of our faith . THANKS BE TO GOD and HIS CHRIST of course .
Compromise not a word sister , no mat ter if they beg and plead and weep for you to do so , YOU compromise not a word
of teh LORD . And even if they come to take you away , You compromise N OT .
The COST will be the COST . But eternal LIFE is forever and forever is ETERNAL LIFE . WE SHALL NOT DIE
but be FOREVER WITH THE LORD . t hat which is dust shall return to dust
but that which is of the SPIRIT OF GOD shall FOREVER b e with HIM and in new and glorified bodies and forever
in the new heavens and the new earth .
You do realize when we first met you were just barley younger than i am now .
TIME flies sister . OH how the time do fly . BUT ETERNAL LIFE it has NO END . HOPE THOU IN GOD and IN HIS CHRIST .

Appreciate your encouragement brother. That 13 years has sure flown! Man's life is but a vapour. How true is that and every word of the Lord! The older we get the more we realize the truth and wisdom of God's word.

 

[marks]

We are aiming to become fully "spiritual", and no longer carnal. These scriptures indirectly testify to that state:

They attest to being spiritual, but not that this is a result of theosis. I consider this to be related to our maturing.

Much love!

 

[marks]

They have misunderstood what obedience means. It is not just outward. It involves our thought life.

More than that, I believe it involves the intentions of our heart.

Much love!

 

[Lizbeth]

Actually what Peter wants us to add to the part that Jesus did.... is the part we are to do...the human righteousness part. It doesn't say...God will add to your faith. It says add to your faith? The faith of Christ? No, our faith! What we can do through the influence of God in our lives. This is about supporting the divine gift with a human righteousness and obedience.

We are to add tamim to God's shalem. We are to add the humility and fear of the Lord that grounds us in the truth.

We are to dig roots downward in order to bear fruit upward. The way up is down. We can't improve ourselves into holiness...but we can humble ourselves into a full measure of God's gift...that brings holiness. But we won't seek the Lord for His grace if we think we already have it.

This is not about beliefs...believing Jesus' death and resurrection is sufficient?...sufficient for what? Beliefs? Faith moves mountains. Beliefs only deceive a person. Faith brings the grace to overcome as Jesus did. Faith works. Beliefs do nothing.

But unless we support the truth with an honest, humble and God-fearing meekness, we will lose what we have been given by the spiritual gift. Jesus is both human and divine. We have to add in human righteousness in order to maintain our standing with God...otherwise God gets the reward and we get nothing. No one ever got a reward because they received a gift. The reward id given for what we DO ...not what Jesus has done. Our reward is for what we give in return, in response. We receive MORE grace when we surrender all.

I agree that faith works and beliefs do nothing. But are you accounting for the fact that faith starts out as a little seed and grows from there. If we are following/obeying the Lord on the narrow way of the cross, we ARE growing and taking ground. Not sure if you realize that what we who know the Lord received from Him in the beginning was faith that was not of our own but was/is of His Spirit....not mere beliefs like most Catholics have.