Receiving is something that the believer does. Does that make it a works salvation?
"Works Salvation"
- Thread starter Seabass
- Start date
Neil Spargo
Active Member
This simple, yet profound, question is the most important question that can be asked. "How can I be saved?" deals with where we will spend eternity after our lives in this world are over. There is no more important issue than our eternal destiny. Thankfully, the Bible is abundantly clear on how a person can be saved. The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
FreeInChrist
Active Member
That's it? No need to confess or repent or any of that? What does it mean to "believe in the Lord Jesus"? James said, Demons believe.
FreeInChrist
Active Member
Amos
Active Member
It looks like we are going down the old rabbit hole here. Let look at what works salvation is.
Salvation by works is the belief that individuals earn their salvation through their own good deeds, actions, or by following a set of rules, rather than receiving it as a free gift from God through grace and faith. This view contrasts with the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, which teaches that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned. While some religious perspectives emphasize earning salvation through efforts like law-keeping or good works, others believe works are a response to God's grace, a demonstration of love for God that naturally flows from a true faith.
Are you saying that God doesn't have the grace and mercy sufficient to save the likes of Charles Manson? Personally, I truly believe that there will be those that have done far worse than Charles Manson that will be in heaven. I think the Apostle Paul probably killed more people than Charles Manson.
Is receiving the gift not their own good deed? Is receiving the gift not a rule to follow in order to be saved?
Neil Spargo
Active Member
FreeInChrist
Active Member
Well, I am certain then that Adolph Hitler will be because didn't he kill those non believing unsaved Jews? (I said tongue in cheek)
I had a boss, who was a sexual molester who would preach every single person ever born will be in heaven because of God's grace and mercy. He, of course was of a single predestined mind.
Will God save Manson? If he wants to yes, (He is dead)
Will he? Well lets make an argument that the Manson was a totally insane person, therefore not accountable for his actions.
Guess someday we will know the truth.
But then ... Isaiah... in my signature would have it all wrong......................................................................................
You really think the demons do not believe or understand the gospel?
Hey, I understand that I am here playing the "devils advocate", but I am doing it for a purpose. The question was asked concerning works salvation. I have yet to hear the answer to the question of what are the works that define a works salvation? @Amos said that works salvation was "is the belief that individuals earn their salvation through their own good deeds, actions, or by following a set of rules". I am asking how believing and receiving the gift are not good deeds, actions, or following a set of rules? It certainly seems to me that they are. If not why not?
I have to leave now. I will be back later.
FreeInChrist
Active Member
Neil Spargo
Active Member
civic
Active Member
Yes faith in Christ ( the gospel message ) is how one is saved period.
In Romans, Paul spent 1:18 through 3:20 explaining the impotence of law as a way of salvation. Is it your opinion that no one is able to understand what he wrote and meant? That is certainly not my opinion. I have stated over and over again what Paul meant when he said "by works of the law no human being will be justified ......".
I know what works Paul was referring to when he said "by works of the law no human being will be justified ......". Do you?
Neil Spargo
Active Member
"By works of the law no human being will be justified" is a central Christian belief found in the
Book of Romans (Romans 3:20), stating that no one can become righteous in God's sight by following religious rules or performing good deeds. Instead, righteousness is a free gift from God, received by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and paid the penalty for sin. This concept emphasizes that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is sinful and falls short of God's glory, making human effort insufficient for salvation.
That is true, but it does not preclude God requiring conditions upon the one seeking salvation in order to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift, the indwelling, of the Holy Spirit, i.e., for salvation.
Neil Spargo
Active Member
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