"Works Salvation"

[Studyman]

That sure would be an unrighteous thing to do. LOL But I understand. No, a license to sin is not what Paul said or meant, but people have taken the middle chapters out of context of the eight chapter teaching on the Law vs. Spirit in Romans and made doctrines of men. The truth is in a nutshell, because mankind was evil, God gave mankind (through the Jews) laws to guard them UNTIL Jesus came to deal with the problem of sin once and for all by destroying the works of the devil in mankind.

That is certainly one popular religious philosophy that exists in the world God placed me in. But it doesn't make sense, if the Scriptures are to be believed.

Did God give Adam and Eve a LAW, "because" he created them evil?

How can a man have a "Choice" if there is no choice? The very second God said "Thou shall not", a choice appears. God isn't forcing or creating an obedient being here. He could have not given a man the ability or option to "choose". But HE didn't. He is instructing them on what to choose. "Thou shall", "thou shall not". Not because we are created Evil, but because we are created with a choice.

God then places men in a world in which another voice exists. A voice who quotes "some" of God's Word but works to convince us that God is lying to us. And that we should listen to this other voice, and not to God.

And the Scriptures God created and had written for us, show us examples of Men who chose God's Word, over the other religious voices in the world God placed them in, (Abel, Noah, Abraham, Caleb, Rahab, Shadrack, Daniel, Peter, Cornelious etc., and all the examples of "Faith" given us in Scriptures. And also examples of those who refused God's instruction, and chose the other voice in the garden, like Eve, Cain, the world of Noah's time, Sodom, The Israelites that fell, the Pharisees, Ananias, Judas, etc.

The Jesus of the Bible said "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."


This would be the "Thou shall's and the Thou shall nots. These things were written for us in this time in history, as Paul teaches, so we won't make the mistake Eve and the children of Israel that fell in the wilderness made.

1 Cor. 10: 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.


There was a Priesthood Law, that was ADDED because of Transgression, to be in place until the Prophesied Priest of God "After the Order of Melchizedek", AKA the Jesus of the bible, should come. But it wasn't God's instruction in Righteousness.

This cleansing is available to all who turn to him and are born again by the Holy Spirit, emphasis on "holy." Can you see that is the opposite of what you suppose?

The Jesus of the Bible said;

John 17: 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

This is why the Jesus of the Bible said to Seek first, the Kingdom of this God, and HIS Righteousness. As opposed to seeking the religious philosophies of the "other voice" in the garden God placed us in.

 

[Azriel]

Our salvation is not the result of any of our efforts, abilities, intelligent choices, personal characteristics, or acts of service we may perform. However, when we become saved, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works”—to help and serve others. While there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.

 

[Studyman]

Our salvation is not the result of any of our efforts, abilities, intelligent choices, personal characteristics, or acts of service we may perform.

This is certainly a popular religious philosophy, and a great marketing strategy to fill the seats of all the shrines of worship the religious businesses and sects of this world that you and I are placed in have built.

But it isn't what the Holy Scriptures teach, if a man considers them all.

The Scriptures teach that man is to be judged "by" their deeds/works.

Rom. 2: 6 ( God of the Bible) Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing "seek for" glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

2 Cor. 5: 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Matt. 16: 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Rev. 20: 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev. 22: 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

1 Pet. 1: 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Jer. 17: 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

The teaching that we have no part to play in our own salvation is a very popular seductive and easy religion. And I can see how so "many" have adopted this path to walk. But I advocate for listening to the God from whom Salvation is received, and not this world's religions who "Come in Christ's Name", because the Jesus of the Bible warns of this very thing.

However, when we become saved, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works”—to help and serve others. While there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.

Nevertheless, Jesus said there would be "many" who claim to be saved, who call HIM their Savior, and HE doesn't even know them, because of their "works". Matt. 7:21 - 22.

And Paul does say "The "unrighteous" shall not enter the Kingdom of God".

I would consider all these scriptures and many more, and perhaps consider that the Scriptures might hold the Truth of God, while this world's religions we are born into, may not.

It's a choice all men must make, in my view.

 

[Soyeong]

In Romans 3:28, justification is “by faith” apart from the works of the law.

For we hold that a man is justified and made upright by faith independent of and distinctly apart from good deeds (works of the Law). [The observance of the Law has nothing to do with justification.] Romans 3:28

In Romans 4:2–3, if Abraham were justified by works he might boast; instead, he “put faith” in God and was accounted righteous.

For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God! 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). Romans 4:2–3

In Romans 4:4–5, for one who “works” any reward is reckoned by obligation, whereas for one believing his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).
5 But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God). Romans 4:4–5

The while the only way to become righteous is by faith apart from being required to have first done righteous works, becoming righteous by faith means becoming a doer righteous works through faith, and it is contradictory to become righteous apart from becoming a doer of righteous works. This is why the faith by which we are declared righteous does not abolish our need to do righteous works in obedience to God's law, but rathe our faith upholds it (Romans 3:28-31). While Paul denies that we can earn our righteous as a wage as the result of having first done righteous works (Romans 4:1-5), he also said that only doers of the law will be declared righteous (Romans 2:13), so there must be a reason that our righteousness requires us to choose to be doers of the law other than in order to earn it as a wage, namely faith (Romans 3:31). God's law is His instructions for how to be a doer of righteous works, not for how to become righteous. For example, God's law reveals that helping the poor is a righteous work, but no amount of helping the poor will ever cause someone to become righteous because the only way to become righteous is through faith, so when God declares us to be righteous through faith, He is also declaring us to be a doer of righteous works through faith.

 

[Begotten]

Salvation by faith is in perfect harmony with salvation by grace. Once again, it is the Scripture that teaches us this; indeed, salvation is by faith in order that it may be according to grace.

Faith, as personal believing, is impossible apart from the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit found in the gospel message. This provides another reason for saying that faith itself carries no sense of merit.

This is the enabling, pre-regenerating gracious work of God’s Spirit to convince and persuade the sinner of the nature of his condition and of the truth of the gospel is required before faith.

Salvation by faith alone Is what the Bible teaches, once good works are introduced into the salvation process, salvation is no longer by faith alone; it is by faith and works which is unbiblical.

Ephesians 2:9 affirms that salvation is “not by works so that no one should boast.” It is difficult to imagine the text being much clearer. Works are excluded as the basis of salvation so that people cannot boast that their deeds contributed to their inclusion in the people of God.

 

[charismaticlady]

Did God give Adam and Eve a LAW, "because" he created them evil?

In Genesis 1, God would make something and call it good. Then on the sixth day when God created both man and animals God called them very good. Just because God gave man free will doesn't mean it was God's fault that Adam sinned. Adam had freedom of choice.

How can a man have a "Choice" if there is no choice? The very second God said "Thou shall not", a choice appears. God isn't forcing or creating an obedient being here. He could have not given a man the ability or option to "choose". But HE didn't. He is instructing them on what to choose. "Thou shall", "thou shall not". Not because we are created Evil, but because we are created with a choice.

Wow. I don't know you, but it sounds like I'm conversing with an atheist. Not just an agnostic but someone who hates God, an atheist. Because you will not be able to understand anything I write in God's defense, I'll stop right here and not read anymore of your post.

 

[Soyeong]

Salvation by faith is in perfect harmony with salvation by grace. Once again, it is the Scripture that teaches us this; indeed, salvation is by faith in order that it may be according to grace.

Faith, as personal believing, is impossible apart from the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit found in the gospel message. This provides another reason for saying that faith itself carries no sense of merit.

This is the enabling, pre-regenerating gracious work of God’s Spirit to convince and persuade the sinner of the nature of his condition and of the truth of the gospel is required before faith.

Salvation by faith alone Is what the Bible teaches, once good works are introduced into the salvation process, salvation is no longer by faith alone; it is by faith and works which is unbiblical.

Ephesians 2:9 affirms that salvation is “not by works so that no one should boast.” It is difficult to imagine the text being much clearer. Works are excluded as the basis of salvation so that people cannot boast that their deeds contributed to their inclusion in the people of God.

In Psalms 119:29-30, he wanted to put false way far from him, for God to be gracious to him by teaching him to obey His law, and he chose the way of faith by setting it before him, so this has always been the one and only way of salvation by faith alone through grace alone in Christ alone. It is contradictory to think that having faith in God's word is apart from having faith God's word made flesh. In Ephesian 2:8-10, we are new creations in Christ to do good works, so while it denies that we can earn our salvation as the result of our work lest anyone should boat, doing good works is nevertheless intrinsically part of our salvation.

 

[Mustardseed]

We must take care not to nullify grace through legalism Gal. 2:21

Legalism (Works Salvation) is concerned with keeping the law while ignoring the law-giver. It's Christ-less law-keeping. It is elevating commandments of men to the level of a doctrine from God.”

Jesus plus nothing equals everything. That may be the best “math” equation ever. This formula reminds us that Jesus, and His sacrificial death and perfect righteous life, are our hope and peace. He alone is our salvation. He alone holds the hope of eternal life for sinners like us. It is through faith in Him that we become recipients of God’s eternal promises.

 

[Studyman]

In Genesis 1, God would make something and call it good. Then on the sixth day when God created both man and animals God called them very good. Just because God gave man free will doesn't mean it was God's fault that Adam sinned. Adam had freedom of choice.

That was my entire point. You said "The truth is in a nutshell, because mankind was evil, God gave mankind (through the Jews) laws to guard them UNTIL Jesus came to deal with the problem of sin once and for all by destroying the works of the devil in mankind.

I was pointing out that this was not what the Bible teaches. That God gave Adam commandments before he sinned. This is simply Biblical Fact. God didn't give His Commandments to men, "because" man was evil. He gave them His Laws, because mankind had free will, and God wanted to show them His Righteousness as an option to choose. The Bible is filled with examples of men that chose God's Righteousness, and examples of men who rejected God's Righteousness and set about to establish their own righteousness. "And when the woman saw" etc.

Wow. I don't know you, but it sounds like I'm conversing with an atheist. Not just an agnostic but someone who hates God, an atheist. Because you will not be able to understand anything I write in God's defense, I'll stop right here and not read anymore of your post.

That's interesting. You accuse me of blaming God when I did not. And now, because I love God and believe HIS Word over yours, I am an Atheist? And you also say that I hate God because I believe what HE teaches, over what you teach?

The mainstream preachers of Jesus time said the same about Him, He told this would happen if I chose HIM over this world's religions.

Nevertheless, Thanks for the discussion anyway, as it were.

 

[Rowan]

Works salvation is most definitely like filthy rags.

The term “filthy rags” is quite strong. The word filthy is a translation of the Hebrew word iddah, which literally means “the bodily fluids from a woman’s menstrual cycle.” The word rags is a translation of begged, meaning “a rag or garment.” Therefore, these “righteous acts” are considered by God as repugnant as a soiled feminine hygiene product.

 

[Soyeong]

We must take care not to nullify grace through legalism Gal. 2:21

Legalism (Works Salvation) is concerned with keeping the law while ignoring the law-giver. It's Christ-less law-keeping. It is elevating commandments of men to the level of a doctrine from God.”

Jesus plus nothing equals everything. That may be the best “math” equation ever. This formula reminds us that Jesus, and His sacrificial death and perfect righteous life, are our hope and peace. He alone is our salvation. He alone holds the hope of eternal life for sinners like us. It is through faith in Him that we become recipients of God’s eternal promises.

Works salvation is the position that we are required to have first obeyed God's law in order to earn our salvation as the result, and while there are many verses that speak against that like Galatians 2:21 and Romans 4:1-5, there are also many verses that show that our salvation requires us to choose to be doers of the law, such as Romans 2:13, where Paul said that only doers of the law will be justified, and Hebrews 5:9, where Jesus has become a source of eternal salvation for those who obey him. Jesus is God's word made flesh, so obeying God's word is not adding anything to Jesus, but is in accordance with him.

Our salvation is from sin (Matthew 1:21) and sin is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4), so living in obedience to it through faith in Jesus is intrinsically part of the concept of him saving us from not living in obedience to it. In Titus 2:11-13, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to do what is godly, righteous, and good, and to renounce doing what is ungodly, so we are not required to have first done those works in order to earn our salvation as the result and we are not required to do those works as the result of having first been saved, but rather God graciously teaching us to do those works is itself the content of His gift of saving us from not doing those works. Furthermore, in Titus 2:14, Jesus gave himself to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people of his own possession who are zealous for doing good works, so becoming zealous for doing good works in obedience to God's law is the way to have faith in what Jesus accomplished through the cross (Acts 21:20), not adding our works on top of his.

 

[Soyeong]

Works salvation is most definitely like filthy rags.

The term “filthy rags” is quite strong. The word filthy is a translation of the Hebrew word iddah, which literally means “the bodily fluids from a woman’s menstrual cycle.” The word rags is a translation of begged, meaning “a rag or garment.” Therefore, these “righteous acts” are considered by God as repugnant as a soiled feminine hygiene product.

God does not command filthy rags, but rather He commands what is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). In Isaiah 64:6, it was not God speaking, but rather the people were hyperbolically complaining about how God was not coming down and making His presence known, which has nothing to do with the issue of works salvation. The reality is that the righteous deeds of the saints are like fine white linen (Revelation 19:8).

 

[charismaticlady]

That was my entire point. You said "The truth is in a nutshell, because mankind was evil, God gave mankind (through the Jews) laws to guard them UNTIL Jesus came to deal with the problem of sin once and for all by destroying the works of the devil in mankind.

I was pointing out that this was not what the Bible teaches. That God gave Adam commandments before he sinned. This is simply Biblical Fact. God didn't give His Commandments to men, "because" man was evil. He gave them His Laws, because mankind had free will, and God wanted to show them His Righteousness as an option to choose. The Bible is filled with examples of men that chose God's Righteousness, and examples of men who rejected God's Righteousness and set about to establish their own righteousness. "And when the woman saw" etc.



That's interesting. You accuse me of blaming God when I did not. And now, because I love God and believe HIS Word over yours, I am an Atheist? And you also say that I hate God because I believe what HE teaches, over what you teach?

The mainstream preachers of Jesus time said the same about Him, He told this would happen if I chose HIM over this world's religions.

Nevertheless, Thanks for the discussion anyway, as it were.

My point is that it was not God's fault. He made mankind to have fellowship with us giving him a pure human nature with free will. God didn't make man into love robots forcing us to love Him. Who would want that?

You are blaming God, and that is disrespectful and full of hate towards Him. I've never heard anyone say such things on a Christian site, but do know this site is for atheists also, and you fit the bill.

 

[Studyman]

Works salvation is most definitely like filthy rags.

The term “filthy rags” is quite strong. The word filthy is a translation of the Hebrew word iddah, which literally means “the bodily fluids from a woman’s menstrual cycle.” The word rags is a translation of begged, meaning “a rag or garment.” Therefore, these “righteous acts” are considered by God as repugnant as a soiled feminine hygiene product.

Yes, when men believe they can create and live by their own righteousness, their own high days, their own sabbaths and their own religious traditions, and reject God's, it's very, very evil, exceedingly unclean and wicked.

In Isaiah, Israel had rejected God's Instruction in Righteousness, and had created their own. The Pharisees did the exact same thing as their fathers.

Rom. 10: 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Jesus quoted Isaiah to point this out.

Is. 29: 13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Matt. 15: 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Not God as is sometimes taught by this world's religions.

Mark 7: 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Stephen also point this out.

Acts 7: 51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

The deceiver would have us believe that the Israelites God was angry with in Isaiah, and the Pharisees who also followed their religion, were walking in God's Righteousness, and that it is God's Righteousness they walked in, that was the Filthy Rag.

But even a child can see, if they read what is actually written, that this is an insidious falsehood. And even John, inspired by the Spirit of Christ, seemingly knew that God's People would be influenced by this popular false teaching and warned against it specifically.

1 John 3: 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that "doeth" righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

The term promoted by this OP, "Works Salvation", is not mentioned in the Holy Scriptures even once. The God of the Bible teaches we are judged by our works. Paul teaches both Jew and Gentile,

Rom. 2: 6 (The One True God) Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing "seek for" glory and honour and immortality, "eternal life:"

The Jesus of the Bible teaches "but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments"

I would be careful about listening to this world's religions as the Prophesies warn.

Jer. 23: 16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and "not" out of the mouth of the LORD. 17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. (You are Saved)

The Jesus of the Bible warned of this very same thing.

Matt. 24: 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I (Jesus) am Christ; and shall deceive "many".

A great topic to discuss, and very important as well. Because "man's" righteousness, their religious traditions, their high days and images of God, are most certainly a filthy rag.

 

[Studyman]

My point is that it was not God's fault. He made mankind to have fellowship with us giving him a pure human nature with free will. God didn't make man into love robots forcing us to love Him. Who would want that?

You are blaming God,

Show me where I have done this? Point out my words which say or even imply that I am blaming God for anything. I have read my post over and over. I can find nothing that would indicate, suggest or imply that I Blame God for man's refusal to honor Him.

If you are going to make such an accusation against others, should you not be able to provide at least "SOME" Evidence. And If you can't, then where did such evil and wickedness come from, if not your own heart?

and that is disrespectful and full of hate towards Him. I've never heard anyone say such things on a Christian site, but do know this site is for atheists also, and you fit the bill.

 

[charismaticlady]

We must take care not to nullify grace through legalism Gal. 2:21

Legalism (Works Salvation) is concerned with keeping the law while ignoring the law-giver. It's Christ-less law-keeping. It is elevating commandments of men to the level of a doctrine from God.”

Jesus plus nothing equals everything. That may be the best “math” equation ever. This formula reminds us that Jesus, and His sacrificial death and perfect righteous life, are our hope and peace. He alone is our salvation. He alone holds the hope of eternal life for sinners like us. It is through faith in Him that we become recipients of God’s eternal promises.

I know it is a popular doctrine to refer to yourself as still a sinner, but the truth will set you free. Read John 8:32, 34-36 and also 1 John 3:1 and 8-9. Let's give Jesus some credit for what he's done in us. The answer is why we are no longer under the law.

 

[mikepec]

Salvation by faith is in perfect harmony with salvation by grace. Once again, it is the Scripture that teaches us this; indeed, salvation is by faith in order that it may be according to grace.

Faith, as personal believing, is impossible apart from the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit found in the gospel message. This provides another reason for saying that faith itself carries no sense of merit.

This is the enabling, pre-regenerating gracious work of God’s Spirit to convince and persuade the sinner of the nature of his condition and of the truth of the gospel is required before faith.

Salvation by faith alone Is what the Bible teaches, once good works are introduced into the salvation process, salvation is no longer by faith alone; it is by faith and works which is unbiblical.

Ephesians 2:9 affirms that salvation is “not by works so that no one should boast.” It is difficult to imagine the text being much clearer. Works are excluded as the basis of salvation so that people cannot boast that their deeds contributed to their inclusion in the people of God.

Why is it protestants cherry pick and never seek solutions that encompass all of scripture ?

James says this : "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone“


You can resolve the conflict by accepting John 3:36 in which the opposite of believe is obey
so obedience is part of faith. Which is works You are asked to do.

 

[Doug Brents]

There's no wrong answers, this is a discussion forum. We can disagree with our fellow members opinions but that doesn't make them wrong. I believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward conviction. That's my belief if someone doesn't agree with me it doesn't cancel out my belief. It just means they have a different opinion they believe something different.

Oh, I see. So there is no right or wrong; there is no good or evil; there is no straight and narrow vs broad and crooked? Sorry, but that is also a wrong idea. There most certainly is a wrong in this discussion.

Either Scripture is right when it says that we are saved when we are baptized into Christ after having repented and confessed Jesus as Lord, or Scripture is wrong and man is welcome to make up his own mind about how he is to be saved. If you are correct, then we can place no trust in Scripture or the promises of God, because we are free to add to, take away from, and change Scripture any way we want to that makes us feel good. But that is not the truth. It is not up to us to pick and choose what Scripture we are going to follow and still receive God's gift of salvation. We are His servants, and are to do as He says regardless of how we feel about it.

So, as a test, I will offer you two passages of Scripture. Tell me what (if any) is the cause, and what (if any) is the effect found in each of these passages; which concept in each verse must come first and which is the result of that first thing.
Rom 10:9-10
Acts 3:19

 

[Soyeong]

Why is it protestants cherry pick and never seek solutions that encompass all of scripture ?

James says this : "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone“


You can resolve the conflict by accepting John 3:36 in which the opposite of believe is obey
so obedience is part of faith. Which is works You are asked to do.

I think that you might have a typo, you said that the opposite of believe is obey, when John 3:36 uses a parallel statement to equate believe with obey.

 

[Obadiah]

Oh, I see. So there is no right or wrong; there is no good or evil; there is no straight and narrow vs broad and crooked? Sorry, but that is also a wrong idea. There most certainly is a wrong in this discussion.

Either Scripture is right when it says that we are saved when we are baptized into Christ after having repented and confessed Jesus as Lord, or Scripture is wrong and man is welcome to make up his own mind about how he is to be saved. If you are correct, then we can place no trust in Scripture or the promises of God, because we are free to add to, take away from, and change Scripture any way we want to that makes us feel good. But that is not the truth. It is not up to us to pick and choose what Scripture we are going to follow and still receive God's gift of salvation. We are His servants, and are to do as He says regardless of how we feel about it.

So, as a test, I will offer you two passages of Scripture. Tell me what (if any) is the cause, and what (if any) is the effect found in each of these passages; which concept in each verse must come first and which is the result of that first thing.
Rom 10:9-10
Acts 3:19

Wrong answer! Everything in your post can be turned right back at you. It's called "opinion" and everybody has one. Including leaders of the Cults. Jim Jones was excellent on convincing his people that his interpretation of the Bible was correct. They fell for it hook line and singer. That's why over 900 of them committed suicide.