According to my interpretation of Scripture, we must have works in order to have faith:
To put it another way,
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
and we must have faith in order to be saved.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Here's the logic.
Without faith we can't be saved because without faith we can't even please God.
Therefore faith precedes salvation.
And without works, faith is dead.
Therefore works also precede salvation.
To put it another way,
1. faith, no works, dead faith, no salvation.
2. faith, works which perfect faith, salvation.
What say you?
Sincerely,
De Maria
Hi De Maria,
ReplyDeleteI quote pope Benedict XVI , FAITH IS OBEDIENCE. I think this is outstanding. When we obey God we are exercising our faith.
Sincerely, Anna
Hi Anna,
DeleteI agree. I might go as far as to say that obedience is saving faith. Because Scripture says:
Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Whereas, there is such a thing as a faith which is dead. This faith, is a form of disobedience, since those who do not produce good fruits are cut away:
John 15:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
St. James calls this faith alone:
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Your servant in Christ,
De Maria
Perfect. That's how pope Benedict XVI elaborate in his book.
DeleteThanks, Anna.
Delete