"Works Salvation"

[Pancho Frijoles]

Real faith produces the fruit of the spirit and the good works God designed for believers as per Ephesians 2:10 that we should walk in them. . This is the result of one’s salvation not the means to one’s salvation. Many conflate the two unfortunately.

hope this helps !!!

Completely agree.
And, to me, one of the ways to tell whether you are doing something as a fruit of the Spirit, or as an attempt to earn something, is the joy you are experiencing.

If what we find joy in what we are doing, it is the Spirit.
If we find anxiety, anguish, impatience, fear, we are doing it to earn something. Perhaps the approval or applause from others. Perhaps heaven. Perhaps escaping from a reality we don't want to face to be forgiven, etc.

 

[civic]

Completely agree.
And, to me, one of the ways to tell whether you are doing something as a fruit of the Spirit, or as an attempt to earn something, is the joy you are experiencing.

If what we find joy in what we are doing, it is the Spirit.
If we find anxiety, anguish, impatience, fear, we are doing it to earn something. Perhaps the approval or applause from others. Perhaps heaven. Perhaps escaping from a reality we don't want to face to be forgiven, etc.

yes joy is a fruit of the spirit that only comes from Him as a by-product of abiding in the vine which produces good fruit.

 

[Studyman]

Does salvation by faith contradict salvation by grace? Does salvation by faith imply, in some subtle way, salvation by works. Scripture itself provides a clear answer: “By faith” is not “by works” but is “by grace.”

20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law.

This would then beg the question, "What "Works" were prescribed by Law for the remission ( forgiveness, Be justified, acquitted, judged acceptable) of Sins. (Transgression of the Law)

Paul is speaking to "Works" which were prescribed by the Law, that the Pharisees were promoting for the forgiveness (Remission) of sins.

In this case, a man has already sinned and falls short of the Glory of God. When this man came to the Temple in Jerusalem, what Law was he instructed to follow, that would lead to his forgiveness? The Pharisees were promoting some "Works of the Law" for justification of their sins. What were these "Works of the Law"?

Did Moses say, "If a man sins, he shall not commit adultery, and his sins are forgiven? Or did Moses say, "If a man sins, he shall keep the Sabbath Holy and his sins are forgiven?

No, I can find nowhere in Scriptures where these "Works of the Law" were given to provide for the forgiveness of sins. But when I go to the Law and Prophets, to Leviticus 4, Moses tells me this.

Lev. 4: 27 And "if any one of the common people sin" through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

28 Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

29 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

30 And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.

31 And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and "the priest shall make an atonement for him", and it shall be forgiven him.

Is this then the "Works of the Law" that the Pharisees were promoting to others for remission of sins?

And if it isn't, then what other "work of the LAW" were the Pharisees promoting for the remission of sins?

 

[Richard]

One word “believe” represents all a sinner can do and all a sinner must do to be saved. The Gospel does not inspire a hope that God will be gracious: it discloses the good news that He has been gracious and challenges every man but to believe it.

Jesus did it all by hanging on a cross.

 

[Studyman]

One word “believe” represents all a sinner can do and all a sinner must do to be saved. The Gospel does not inspire a hope that God will be gracious: it discloses the good news that He has been gracious and challenges every man but to believe it.

Jesus did it all by hanging on a cross.

How then, do you explain what Jesus told those many "Christians" in Matthew 7:22? These men clearly "Believed" that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. He said that unless a man repents, he shall surely perish. Jesus Himself said that only those who hears His Sayings, and then "Doeth" them, shall stand in that day.

Truly HE made it possible for me to change my ways and "Put on" the New Man by offering Himself to God for my past sins. But shall we not "Believe" ALL of His Words?

 

[Ray]

How then, do you explain what Jesus told those many "Christians" in Matthew 7:22? These men clearly "Believed" that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. He said that unless a man repents, he shall surely perish. Jesus Himself said that only those who hears His Sayings, and then "Doeth" them, shall stand in that day.

Truly HE made it possible for me to change my ways and "Put on" the New Man by offering Himself to God for my past sins. But shall we not "Believe" ALL of His Words?

The prior statement, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–2), boldly indicated that not everyone who refers to Jesus as "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. Rather, it is those who do the will of God the Father who will be saved

Those words are often misapplied and misunderstood. Mostly, this happens when someone assumes Jesus is requiring that good works are a condition for salvation. Not only would such an interpretation conflict with the rest of Scripture (Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6), it ignores what Jesus goes on to say here. In this verse, He specifically says that it's possible to fool yourself into thinking your actions are in service to God, when in reality, they're not.

Christ says that "on that day" some judged to be non-believers will protest. "That day," when used in the New Testament in the context of future events, often refers to the "day of the Lord" when Christ will return to establish His kingdom on earth. In broad strokes, this is a reference to the point where a person is judged by God.

The complaint of some people, Jesus says, will be that they performed all kinds of impressive deeds—doesn't that prove they deserve heaven? As Christ goes on to state in the next verse, it does not (Matthew 7:23). It is possible to declare one's allegiance to Christ, to serve others supposedly in His name, and to do so without legitimately trusting in Christ for salvation. Jesus indicated that the first and foremost "work" demanded by God is belief in His Son (John 6:28–29).

This statement comes after Jesus declared that good actions, themselves, are not righteous unless motivated by sincerity and truth (Matthew 6:1, 5, 16). It also follows His warning that false believers can be identified—to others—by their spiritual fruit (Matthew 7:15–20). The only means to assess the spirituality of others is what they say and do (1 Samuel 16:7). We can, and should, do this (1 John 4:1; John 7:24), but always with a recognition of our own fallible nature (Matthew 7:1–5). Our own hearts, however, we can judge according to motives—and we should do so (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Christ's upcoming analogy, referring to foundations, will further enhance this idea (Matthew 7:24–27).

Bible Ref

 

[Richard]

Exactly!

 

[Studyman]

The prior statement, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–2), boldly indicated that not everyone who refers to Jesus as "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. Rather, it is those who "do" the will, (not just "hear" the will) of God the Father who will be saved

Those words are often misapplied and misunderstood. Mostly, this happens when someone assumes Jesus is requiring that good works are a condition for salvation.

I know this is a widely held philosophy, that we play no part in our own Salvation. And it is truly a seductive religious philosophy promoted by this world's religions in the world God placed me in, and it is adopted by "many" who call Jesus Lord, Lord. And this religious marketing strategy has led to the greatest and largest religious businesses this world has ever seen, promoting wealth to the merchants of this world beyond comprehension.

But "Repentance" is a "Good Work", there is no arguing about that according to Scriptures. And it is a "SAYING" of the Jesus "of the Bible", there is no argument there either. And it is a requirement for Salvation as the Jesus "of the Bible" clearly teaches. Luke 13: 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

And the Bible says over and over by the Prophets in the OT and Jesus, Paul and Peter in the NT, that God judges' people by "their works".

I would suggest that all these Scriptures, and there are volumes of them, which speak of entering the Kingdom of God "IF" we do something, are not misapplied and misunderstood for those who believe them, and the 2 or 3 verses which speak to "Works of the Law" the Pharisees were promoting for remission of sins, are the ones being misapplied and misunderstood.

Not only would such an interpretation conflict with the rest of Scripture (Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6), it ignores what Jesus goes on to say here. In this verse, He specifically says that it's possible to fool yourself into thinking your actions are in service to God, when in reality, they're not.

Titus 3:5 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

True, all men have sinned. If I steal from you, I am guilty. I can stop sealing from you forever, and yet, I am still guilty. So my repentance, although required, is not what saved me. It was God's Mercy and Christ's Sacrifice which removed/cleansed me of my sin. As I said "Truly HE made it possible for me to change my ways and "Put on" the New Man by offering Himself to God for my past sins."

But if I continue to steal from you, I am not repentant, am I? Therefore, he who steals, let him steal no more.

How is this ignoring what the Jesus "of the bible" says?

Romans 11: 6 And if by grace, then is it "no more" of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Before the Prophesied "Priest of God after the Order of Melchizedek" came, what "Works" was a man required to "do" for the forgiveness of his sins? But now that Jesus has come, bringing the Grace of God with Him, this forgiveness is "No more of works".


I am hoping you might answer my questions.

Christ says that "on that day" some judged to be non-believers will protest. "That day," when used in the New Testament in the context of future events, often refers to the "day of the Lord" when Christ will return to establish His kingdom on earth. In broad strokes, this is a reference to the point where a person is judged by God.

Yes, "in that day" refers to the Judgment seat of God. But these men were not "non-believers", they clearly called Jesus their Lord, built many shrines of worship made of wood and stone, in His Name. Cast out demons "in His Name". Clearly they "Heard" the Sayings of Jesus. But they were not "Doers" of His Sayings.

You can see their dilemma unfold in the Christ's story. They are raised from the dead, and they looked around and saw their judgment, and saw Abraham and Lazurus a far off, and then went to make their case. "But Jesus, don't you know who we are?". We are Christians. And then Jesus declared to them "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

The complaint of some people, Jesus says, will be that they performed all kinds of impressive deeds—doesn't that prove they deserve heaven?

Jesus tells you why they were in their predicament. Because they "worked" iniquity. It's in your own Bible, all a man needs is to believe Him. They heard His sayings, but were convinced by another voice, not to "Do" them. Jesus warns of these "Many" who "come in His Name" to deceive. We can resist the wiles of this devil, which disguises itself as a minister of righteousness, if we "put on" the armor of God which includes the Holy Scriptures. Not just a verse here or there, but as the Jesus "of the bible" teaches, "Every Word" of God.

As Christ goes on to state in the next verse, it does not (Matthew 7:23). It is possible to declare one's allegiance to Christ, to serve others supposedly in His name, and to do so without legitimately trusting in Christ for salvation. Jesus indicated that the first and foremost "work" demanded by God is belief in His Son (John 6:28–29).

John 6: 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Jesus said if a man doesn't repent of his transgressions, he will perish. Jesus says to be a "Doer" of His Sayings, not a hearer only. Jesus said to be perfect, even as His Father in heaven is perfect. Jesus said to Seek First the Kingdom of God and "HIS" Righteousness. He said if a man wants to enter life, to keep God Commandments. And much more.

But in this world's religions who call Him Lord, Lord, these Words are not believed.

Instead they have created an image of God in the likeness of some random handsome long-haired man. They create their own high days in worship of this image. They reject God's judgments and statutes and transgress God's commandments by their own manmade religious traditions.

And they somehow have been convinced they are free to do these things, if they do them "In Christ's Name".

I do not believe that this religious system was founded in the Jesus "of the Bible".

And would share with you the reasons why.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ray]

I know this is a widely held philosophy, that we play no part in our own Salvation. And it is truly a seductive religious philosophy promoted by this world's religions in the world God placed me in, and it is adopted by "many" who call Jesus Lord, Lord. And this religious marketing strategy has led to the greatest and largest religious businesses this world has ever seen, promoting wealth to the merchants of this world beyond comprehension.

But "Repentance" is a "Good Work", there is no arguing about that according to Scriptures. And it is a "SAYING" of the Jesus "of the Bible", there is no argument there either. And it is a requirement for Salvation as the Jesus "of the Bible" clearly teaches. Luke 13: 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

And the Bible says over and over by the Prophets in the OT and Jesus, Paul and Peter in the NT, that God judges' people by "their works".

I would suggest that all these Scriptures, and there are volumes of them, which speak of entering the Kingdom of God "IF" we do something, are not misapplied and misunderstood for those who believe them, and the 2 or 3 verses which speak to "Works of the Law" the Pharisees were promoting for remission of sins, are the ones being misapplied and misunderstood.




Titus 3:5 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

True, all men have sinned. If I steal from you, I am guilty. I can stop sealing from you forever, and yet, I am still guilty. So my repentance, although required, is not what saved me. It was God's Mercy and Christ's Sacrifice which removed/cleansed me of my sin. As I said "Truly HE made it possible for me to change my ways and "Put on" the New Man by offering Himself to God for my past sins."

But if I continue to steal from you, I am not repentant, am I? Therefore, he who steals, let him steal no more.

How is this ignoring what the Jesus "of the bible" says?

Romans 11: 6 And if by grace, then is it "no more" of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Before the Prophesied "Priest of God after the Order of Melchizedek" came, what "Works" was a man required to "do" for the forgiveness of his sins? But now that Jesus has come, bringing the Grace of God with Him, this forgiveness is "No more of works".


I am hoping you might answer my questions.




Yes, "in that day" refers to the Judgment seat of God. But these men were not "non-believers", they clearly called Jesus their Lord, built many shrines of worship made of wood and stone, in His Name. Cast out demons "in His Name". Clearly they "Heard" the Sayings of Jesus. But they were not "Doers" of His Sayings.

You can see their dilemma unfold in the Christ's story. They are raised from the dead, and they looked around and saw their judgment, and saw Abraham and Lazurus a far off, and then went to make their case. "But Jesus, don't you know who we are?". We are Christians. And then Jesus declared to them "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."



Jesus tells you why they were in their predicament. Because they "worked" iniquity. It's in your own Bible, all a man needs is to believe Him. They heard His sayings, but were convinced by another voice, not to "Do" them. Jesus warns of these "Many" who "come in His Name" to deceive. We can resist the wiles of this devil, which disguises itself as a minister of righteousness, if we "put on" the armor of God which includes the Holy Scriptures. Not just a verse here or there, but as the Jesus "of the bible" teaches, "Every Word" of God.



John 6: 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Jesus said if a man doesn't repent of his transgressions, he will perish. Jesus says to be a "Doer" of His Sayings, not a hearer only. Jesus said to be perfect, even as His Father in heaven is perfect. Jesus said to Seek First the Kingdom of God and "HIS" Righteousness. He said if a man wants to enter life, to keep God Commandments. And much more.

But in this world's religions who call Him Lord, Lord, these Words are not believed.

Instead they have created an image of God in the likeness of some random handsome long-haired man. They create their own high days in worship of this image. They reject God's judgments and statutes and transgress God's commandments by their own manmade religious traditions.

And they somehow have been convinced they are free to do these things, if they do them "In Christ's Name".

I do not believe that this religious system was founded in the Jesus "of the Bible".

And would share with you the reasons why.

Thanks for the reply.

Repentance is not considered a "work". While some may define it as "turning from sin," it is not a human effort but rather something that God leads us to. The believer's conversion and coming to the Lord are all of grace.

I'm cool with Jesus "of the Bible" thanks

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

How then, do you explain what Jesus told those many "Christians" in Matthew 7:22? These men clearly "Believed" that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. He said that unless a man repents, he shall surely perish. Jesus Himself said that only those who hears His Sayings, and then "Doeth" them, shall stand in that day.

Truly HE made it possible for me to change my ways and "Put on" the New Man by offering Himself to God for my past sins. But shall we not "Believe" ALL of His Words?

I agree with both @Studyman and @Richards.
We are saved by God's grace when we believe. Such belief, to be authentic, must translate into a change of the way we think, speak, behave.
If our lives have not changed, we have not been born again. We are still in hell.
I invite you both to participate in the new thread "The Doctor and His Four Patients: A Parable of Faith and Works" in this section of the Forum.

 

[brightfame52]

The meaning of salvation by works, is to make salvation dependent/conditioned in any way and to any degree upon anything you must do ! That immediately cancels out salvation by grace.

 

[synergy]

The meaning of salvation by works, is to make salvation dependent/conditioned in any way and to any degree upon anything you must do ! That immediately cancels out salvation by grace.

When you're offered a gift, do you remain as inert as a rock with no response?

 

[brightfame52]

When you're offered a gift, do you remain as inert as a rock with no response?

Yeah if Im dead. Grace in Salvation isnt an offer, it makes the dead alive Eph 2:4-5

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened[made alive] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
Vs 1 Eph 2:1

And you hath he quickened[made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Try offering a dead person a gift lol

 

[synergy]

Yeah if Im dead. Grace in Salvation isnt an offer, it makes the dead alive Eph 2:4-5

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened[made alive] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
Vs 1 Eph 2:1

And you hath he quickened[made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Try offering a dead person a gift lol

So it's not a gift. It's a Zapping.
In other words one must Do Nothing, Be Inert, Wait for the Zapping.
Got it.

 

[mailmandan]

Repentance is not considered a "work". While some may define it as "turning from sin," it is not a human effort but rather something that God leads us to. The believer's conversion and coming to the Lord are all of grace.

I'm cool with Jesus "of the Bible" thanks

Amen! Repentance is a "change of mind" and not a work for salvation. The Greek word for "repent" is "metanoia" (noun) and "matanoeo" (verb) you see as defined in the Strongs #3340, 3341: to think differently or afterwards, reconsider. After thought, change of mind.

Strong's Greek: 3340. μετανοέω (metanoeó) -- to change one's mind or purpose

biblehub.com

Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind. Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side (what you change your mind about) and faith in Christ is on the positive side, (the new direction of this change of mind). Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ.

In the context of Luke 13:3, Jesus challenged the people's notion that they were morally superior to those who suffered in such catastrophes. He called all to repent or perish. For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance (changing our mind) in receiving salvation (faith in Christ), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, metanoia, focuses on changing one's mind about his previous concept of God (as in Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, this change of mind, focuses on the new direction that change about God must ultimately take, namely, trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8) and not the essence of repentance (change of mind). Certain people confuse the "fruit of repentance" with the "essence of repentance" (and also do the same thing with faith) and end up teaching salvation by works. All genuine believers are fruitful, yet not all are equally fruitful. (Matthew 13:23)

Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

 

[brightfame52]

So it's not a gift. It's a Zapping.
In other words one must Do Nothing, Be Inert, Wait for the Zapping.
Got it.

Grace is a Gift. Lookup the word Grace in Eph 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

Rom 5 15

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Being raised from the dead is a Gift of Grace

 

[brightfame52]

When you're offered a gift, do you remain as inert as a rock with no response?

Also if you condition salvation the Gift on your response, then its works,

The meaning of salvation by works, is to make salvation dependent/conditioned in any way and to any degree upon anything you must do ! That immediately cancels out salvation by grace.

 

[charismaticlady]

Amen! Repentance is a "change of mind" and not a work for salvation. The Greek word for "repent" is "metanoia" (noun) and "matanoeo" (verb) you see as defined in the Strongs #3340, 3341: to think differently or afterwards, reconsider. After thought, change of mind.

Strong's Greek: 3340. μετανοέω (metanoeó) -- to change one's mind or purpose

biblehub.com

Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind. Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side (what you change your mind about) and faith in Christ is on the positive side, (the new direction of this change of mind). Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ.

In the context of Luke 13:3, Jesus challenged the people's notion that they were morally superior to those who suffered in such catastrophes. He called all to repent or perish. For some people though, prior to coming to the end result of repentance (changing our mind) in receiving salvation (faith in Christ), they must change their minds about other specific things in order to get there. Repentance, metanoia, focuses on changing one's mind about his previous concept of God (as in Acts 17:30) and disbelief in God or false beliefs (polytheism and idolatry) about God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). On the other hand, this change of mind, focuses on the new direction that change about God must ultimately take, namely, trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8) and not the essence of repentance (change of mind). Certain people confuse the "fruit of repentance" with the "essence of repentance" (and also do the same thing with faith) and end up teaching salvation by works. All genuine believers are fruitful, yet not all are equally fruitful. (Matthew 13:23)

Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

It is impossible to repent for any length of time from a desire you love. I tried and failed about 6 times until I realized that I couldn't. What we must do is be honest with God and admit we NEED God to cleanse our nature from those evil desires. That is when it worked and I literally felt my favorite desire leave my body. Immediately afterwards He baptized me with His Holy Spirit and my desires all changed to loving what He loved and hating what He hated.

 

[brightfame52]

If Election, or Salvation, were in any way impacted by the efforts, an act, or acts of a man, including that of believing, then salvation could not possibly be something unmerited, or undeserved, and, therefore, by grace alone !

 

[Studyman]

It is impossible to repent for any length of time from a desire you love. I tried and failed about 6 times until I realized that I couldn't. What we must do is be honest with God and admit we NEED God to cleanse our nature from those evil desires. That is when it worked and I literally felt my favorite desire leave my body. Immediately afterwards He baptized me with His Holy Spirit and my desires all changed to loving what He loved and hating what He hated.

That "IS" a "work of Faith" Yes? God through His Prophets and even His Own Son has told us from the very beginning to deny ourselves and follow "His" Instructions. To "Seek His Righteousness". To "Turn to Him", to "rely on HIM for our strength", not ourselves or this world's religious institutions. Why do you think the Law and Prophets is full of stories like David and Goliath, and stories about how a few men who trusted God turned away thousands that didn't.

What do you think the "Armor of God" is? But if a man refuses to "Put it on", how does it benefit him? If a man chooses religious tradition over "Yielding ourselves to God" as Paul teaches, how can they prosper?

The "Way of the Lord" is the Path to Salvation. Jesus said to "Strive for it". This is the Labor/work that counts, as Paul teaches.

1 Cor. 15: 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.