Now before you type in "Faith always leads to works of love," let's try to get St. Paul's point by gathering the context:
St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a FAITH THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
"A faith that can move mountains" refers to one of Jesus' favorite figures (see Matt 17:20 and 21:21). That would obviously be great faith, but St. Paul is saying you could have great faith and be "nothing." You might prophesy and drive out demons in Jesus' name, which are great works of faith, but be turned away from heaven (see Matt 7:21-23).
2007-12-18
23:53:16
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17 answers
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asked by
Bruce
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Religion & Spirituality