You can do nothing, BUT
- Thread starter Dave M
- Start date
Amen to that.
James 2:26
I happen to be studying the book of James these days. It seems to say that saving faith is evidenced by works. If someone thinks they believe and are saved yet there is no change in their sinful life, they should fearfully examine their faith.
Gothedral
Active
Aye, my social media algorithm is full of street preacher encounters featuring this inevitable situation.
Fast. Pray. Cast out devils. Heal the sick. Preach The Word.
Easy to read, easy to yoke?
KingJ
Loyal
Dave, I don't think it is wise for a mature Christian to word salvation like that.
Whilst it is true that in the context of 'salvation being grafted back into God's family' there is nothing we can do. Only the sacrifice of Jesus is worthy.
It is also true that unless we repent of our sins (Luke 5:32) and pass His judgment of heart and mind, (Jer 17:9-11), to be gifted with saving faith (Rom 10:9, 1 Cor 12:3) we do not and will never ever qualify for the free gift of salvation from the cross.
And then it is also true that if we do the above we qualify to be saved from the fire of Hades per Jesus in Luke 16. Just not qualify for reconciliation with God.
So, high level, we can save ourselves from hellfire but not from being out of God's presence.
When we teach only what you have, we leave the door open for heresy like Calvinism.
KingJ
Loyal
Sounds correct but its not entirely true. The best of us can be so full of mistakes.
As Paul says in Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
We are grieved by the things of the flesh that we do (thanks to the indwelling Holy Spirit). In an indirect way that proves our salvation.