2006-10-07 05:37:02 · 7 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If it's both, then why does John 3:16 refer only to belief?
2006-10-07 05:45:09 · update #1
If it's just a belief, then I'm a believer.
If it's more of a practice, then I'm in big trouble.
2006-10-07 05:40:04 · answer #1 · answered by WHITE TRASH ARMENIAN 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you state: "faith without works is dead". And "Christianity" is split in many denominations each deviating a bit from the basic message.
Christians should learn what Jesus is teaching, ALL of it, not just what seems "acceptable" and easy and maybe "logical".
We must follow his teachings ("in His footsteps") and apply them in our lives.
He also said that the gate is small and the path is narrow, and few are those that follow it.
What does Jesus teach again and again and again? We must WANT to act out of compassion: 1. to love God with all our being and above all things and 2. to love (be kind to) ALL our fellow human beings, even those who don't agree with us or those we don't agree with.
Jesus says those two are the "first and foremost commandments" and are the basis of THE LAW. Any other laws or interpretations of laws that don't align with those two basic laws are invalid.
Just imagine! If all humans would willingly (not because they have been told) act out of compassion toward the "others" there truly would be peace on Earth! Unfortunately we are not perfect and to bear "our cross" often seems too hard (or illogical, or "unscientific). - No, I'm not perfect either!
That's why we have to learn to be honest to ourselves and admit that we have failed, again and again and again, and resolve to (at least try to) do better next time!
Because WE are not perfect we also have to forgive others for offences they may have committed against us.
We can then ask for forgiveness and get "peace of mind" - until the next time.
As someone put it: "To LOVE (as in: compassion and forgiveness) is the answer - whatever the question".
2006-10-07 12:49:28 · answer #2 · answered by fresch2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can separate the two. What is a "saving faith"? When one posesses a saving faith in God, he believes so deeply in God and what He has done in sending His Son that he can do nothing other than work. He can't stop the works. They flow from him like a river from melting snow.
Scripture says "By their works ye shall know them." Works don't save the Christian. They are an IDENTIFIER of the one who is saved. If you see someone who does not work for the Lord he is not one of His because works would be evident as they flow from within the Christian.
Throughout the history of God's relationship to man, all men have been saved by faith through grace. Period. But all men who truly have that type of saving faith have had identifying works in their lives.
2006-10-07 12:48:45 · answer #3 · answered by yagman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has to be both.
Belief must come first.
So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do--blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4
So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.
James 2:12,13
2006-10-07 12:45:51 · answer #4 · answered by Jay Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you Mentally Agree that you need to be Saved and Accept Jesus as your Saviour.
Then, your Spirit gets Recreated and you can Believe Who Jesus is.
Then, you should start Learning how to Use Faith (Works) and Overcome the Works of the Devil in your Life.
It is Both, first Believing then Working.
2006-10-07 12:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both.
2006-10-07 12:40:42 · answer #6 · answered by bystander1212 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's supposed to be both
2006-10-07 12:42:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋