Why faith alone? The answer...

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mailmandan

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Correct just like Scripture says. "Faith alone" appears only once in Scripture.
James is talking about an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" barren of works. (James 2:14-24) *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

The Bible makes it clear in many passages of scripture that man is saved through belief/faith - "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-14, 26; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus works? NO. So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone.
 

nedsk

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James is talking about an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" barren of works. (James 2:14-24) *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

The Bible makes it clear in many passages of scripture that man is saved through belief/faith - "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-14, 26; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus works? NO. So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone.
James is talking about an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" barren of works. (James 2:14-24) *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

The Bible makes it clear in many passages of scripture that man is saved through belief/faith - "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5-6; 5:1-2; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-14, 26; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus works? NO. So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone.
Great faith alone is not salvific. Glad we agree
 

mailmandan

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Great faith alone is not salvific. Glad we agree
Faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is salvic. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) An empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone/barren of works is not salvic, because that is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith. (James 2:14)
 

Runningman

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People go on debate and go through loops to prove or disprove faith alone for salvation, baptism being needed, or less commonly if turning from sin "in sincere repentance as possible" is needed.

Let me (hopefully) shut this down with one verse:

Genesis 15:6
"Then he believed in the LORD, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."

The Hebrew for "believed" is וְהֶאֱמִ֖ן(wəhe’ĕmin). This word only appears in this verse, and it has only one meaning in any context: Full faith and resolute conviction of something being true.

There's no room in this word for "If they truly believe they'll-" or "Faith and this are needed:-". If we're to have Scripture not contradict, we must accept this, and accept that in reality, these systems and doctrines traditions that deny this(most likely out of ignorance), are founded on false ideas.

And before you claim that "conviction" in that meaning must mean Judeo-Christian ideas of "Conviction that leads to repentance or works", this is merely a word. As religious as Israel was, words on their own don't automatically have religious context in most cases, much less an idea as specific as that. Far less when it has only one meaning. Ancient Isreal had plenty of meanings outaide of a religious context for words, and there's no reason to jump to conclusions and believe this word has such a meaning on its own when that's the case.

I hope this edifies you all. God bless.
Unfortunately it's not faith alone. Faith in what? Is God making anyone open their mouth and confess that Jesus is lord and that He raised him from the dead?
 

Runningman

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Faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is salvic. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) An empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains alone/barren of works is not salvic, because that is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith. (James 2:14)
If that were the case then you must be a universalist. The other side of the coin is Calvinism.
 

Reggie Belafonte

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One is not saved unless baptized with water then?
If one was not water baptised like the reason John was doing so. Then is one not part of The Church ?

So One who is a Christian and Married and had children, one would wish to have the child water baptised ! in regards John !

Now why not ? That that would be the normal thing to do. unless one was not of Christian Parents in fact, well then such would be done on such a ones own bat, as one pleases !

So the ends to such water baptism is a Virtue, is it not ?

Water Baptism does not Save ones Soul ! but one is entering a Church and that is in regards Hope that one becomes Born again ! That's the ends of such !
Not that all will be truly born again in fact, and if not, one has the means to repent of your Sin as you feel, that's a good thing, is it not ?
So one is trying to come out from this world ? but so be it ! because they do have faith ? and that's a good thing !

So when one Sins, you try and deal with such Sin, in the hope that you can over come such temptations, but some temptations are hard to kick ? and that's so as to why one fails ?
Regards one does not have the strength to over come such temptations. but one knows full well such is not your real intention ?

Resisitance is futile ! something ownes you ? domiates.

We have to over come this world that is full of temtations and delusions.
The Kingdom of God is calling you out ! to a Holy Life that is not, that of a poor shallow dupe !

But nontheless that's the issue regardless, we know that is the case and Saints be praised guide one to the Path.
 

shepherdsword

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Is it really faith alone? Are we not SAVED BY GRACE through faith?

Eph 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I see grace and faith working hand in hand here and good works as the fruit of it
 
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Debp

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Is it really faith alone? Are we not SAVED BY GRACE through faith?

Eph 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I see grace and faith working hand in hand here and good works as the fruit of it
Well said. The good works are a result of our saving faith...the works don't save us.
 

mailmandan

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Is it really faith alone? Are we not SAVED BY GRACE through faith?

Eph 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I see grace and faith working hand in hand here and good works as the fruit of it
It's not faith alone in the sense that grace is excluded. We are saved by grace (God's part) through faith (our part). Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God. (AMPC)

Romans 3:24 - being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. We don't exclude the redemption that is in Christ Jesus either, which is also God's part. So, not faith alone in that sense either. We are saved the moment that we place our faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and not by faith and works. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) So, faith alone in that sense.
 

Sister-n-Christ

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If one was not water baptised like the reason John was doing so. Then is one not part of The Church ?

So One who is a Christian and Married and had children, one would wish to have the child water baptised ! in regards John !

Now why not ? That that would be the normal thing to do. unless one was not of Christian Parents in fact, well then such would be done on such a ones own bat, as one pleases !

So the ends to such water baptism is a Virtue, is it not ?

Water Baptism does not Save ones Soul ! but one is entering a Church and that is in regards Hope that one becomes Born again ! That's the ends of such !
Not that all will be truly born again in fact, and if not, one has the means to repent of your Sin as you feel, that's a good thing, is it not ?
So one is trying to come out from this world ? but so be it ! because they do have faith ? and that's a good thing !

So when one Sins, you try and deal with such Sin, in the hope that you can over come such temptations, but some temptations are hard to kick ? and that's so as to why one fails ?
Regards one does not have the strength to over come such temptations. but one knows full well such is not your real intention ?

Resisitance is futile ! something ownes you ? domiates.

We have to over come this world that is full of temtations and delusions.
The Kingdom of God is calling you out ! to a Holy Life that is not, that of a poor shallow dupe !

But nontheless that's the issue regardless, we know that is the case and Saints be praised guide one to the Path.
I don't accept eternal security in God's irrevocable gift of Salvation is contingent on immersion.

Jesus didn't teach by that example. So for me,that's the qualifier.
 

Runningman

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I don't accept eternal security in God's irrevocable gift of Salvation is contingent on immersion.

Jesus didn't teach by that example. So for me,that's the qualifier.
The final judgement is works-based. Rewards are given, whether they be good or bad. What do you think the bad rewards are for someone who already has eternal security? Paul suggested it's a loss of eternal life because eternal life is only finally granted after the judgement based on someone's works. Jesus taught the same idea. I'll show you Paul first.

Romans 2
6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” 7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

2 Corinthians 5
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
 
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Sister-n-Christ

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The final judgement is works-based. Rewards are given, whether they be good or bad. What do you think the bad rewards are for someone who already has eternal security? Paul suggested it's a loss of eternal life because eternal life is only finally granted after the judgement based on someone's works. Jesus taught the same idea. I'll show you Paul first.

Romans 2
6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” 7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

2 Corinthians 5
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
There are two judgements before God.

Those who are eternally irrevocably Saved by God's free gift of grace have no worries at their judgement.

While sinners who are not in Christ face God at the Great White Throne of his judgement. Where they will be judged for their works as sinners.
 

Runningman

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There are two judgements before God.

Those who are eternally irrevocably Saved by God's free gift of grace have no worries at their judgement.

While sinners who are not in Christ face God at the Great White Throne of his judgement. Where they will be judged for their works as sinners.
According to Romans 2:6-11, God is not showing favoritism based on any conditions. It simply says that "God will repay each one according to their deeds"..."trouble and every distress for every human who does evil"..."glory and honor for everyone who does good."

Paul described salvation as conditional, not only on what Jesus did, but on what each person decides to do. This means that faith and works matter and God doesn't show any favoritism. There is a moral law that God requires obedience to and, in the end, each one will be accountable for what they have done, whether good or bad, and receive their rewards accordingly.

Jesus spoke on this very same subject in his famous Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-27. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

In Jesus' various parables he taught that deeds of mercy and righteous are required for a favorable judgement and subsequent inheritance.

1. "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...’" - Matthew 25:31-4.

2. "If you want to enter life, keep the commandments... If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor." - Matthew 19:16-21.

3. "Every branch that does not bear fruit he cuts off... If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers." - John 15:1-6

and more...
 

Sister-n-Christ

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According to Romans 2:6-11, God is not showing favoritism based on any conditions. It simply says that "God will repay each one according to their deeds"..."trouble and every distress for every human who does evil"..."glory and honor for everyone who does good."

Paul described salvation as conditional, not only on what Jesus did, but on what each person decides to do. This means that faith and works matter and God doesn't show any favoritism. There is a moral law that God requires obedience to and, in the end, each one will be accountable for what they have done, whether good or bad, and receive their rewards accordingly.

Jesus spoke on this very same subject in his famous Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-27. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

In Jesus' various parables he taught that deeds of mercy and righteous are required for a favorable judgement and subsequent inheritance.

1. "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...’" - Matthew 25:31-4.

2. "If you want to enter life, keep the commandments... If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor." - Matthew 19:16-21.

3. "Every branch that does not bear fruit he cuts off... If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers." - John 15:1-6

and more...
Question.
If we are all,all people,are born separated from God,unable to understand those things of God,as Paul said, because we are separated and dead in sin,how is it you are here as a believer?
 

Runningman

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Question.
If we are all,all people,are born separated from God,unable to understand those things of God,as Paul said, because we are separated and dead in sin,how is it you are here as a believer?
I don't think that's accurate. Let me put it this way and see if I can get clarification. If someone needs to be born "again" then when was their first spiritual death?
 

Sister-n-Christ

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Runningman

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Thanks. So spiritual death happens after someone sins, just like Adam, and yet Adam was not born spiritually dead. He died that day he chose to disobey God's command and thus died spiritually. See how no one is literally born a sinner? The need for the rebirth and regeneration comes later after the world gets to us and corrupts us.
 
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Sister-n-Christ

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Thanks. So spiritual death happens after someone sins, just like Adam, and yet Adam was not born spiritually dead. He died that day he chose to disobey God's command and thus died spiritually. See how no one is literally born a sinner? The need for the rebirth and regeneration comes later after the world gets to us and corrupts us.
You're confused.

I don't believe babies are born sinners. That's someone else here
 

Triumph1300

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The need for the rebirth and regeneration comes later after the world gets to us and corrupts us.
Exactly.
Babies don't sin.

But babies are born in a sinful world.
As they grow up how will sin define the baby's future.....

There comes a time in that person's life to become born again.