David in NJ
Well-Known Member
Works and faith are separate and works do not automatically flow from faith. No where does Scripture say faith precedes works or that works depend on faith.
If you have only belief/ faith then you are just like the demons. If you have only works then you have reason to boast. But faith is completed, look again, COMPLETED by works. If works complete faith then works by definition can NOT be dependent on faith.
"You can see, then, that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone." (James2:24)Both alone are not sufficient but both are necessary together to complete faith. So when you make reference to all the places in Scripture where it says have faith and believe, that necessarily includes works AND faith since we aren't saved by faith alone. Works are a free choice of the will thats why apart from faith they give man reason to boast. We have to decide to act through faith.
Sure it does = over and over, again and againNo where does Scripture say faith precedes works or that works depend on faith.
JESUS insists that the 'work' of faith/believing in HIM is the 'work' of God that saves us
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe/faith in Him whom He sent.”
Apostle Peter - "being born-again thru the Word of God which endures forever"
Apostle Paul = "Salvation is the Gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast"
Apostle John = "as many as received HIM, to them gave HE the power to become sons of God"
James wrote "i will show you my faith by my works"