Is it not easy to distinguish the followers of Paul from the followers of Jesus?

Question

The followers of Paul emphasize grace alone as the way to Heaven, whereas the followers of Jesus recognize that unless they achieve perfection in the Word and work the will of the Father (as taught in the Sermon on the Mount) they will not achieve Heaven.

The followers of Paul release themselves from guilt for any action they conduct that is not in accordance with the Word (persecution, hatred, war), whereas the followers of Jesus recognize that such behaviour keeps them from achieving Heaven and do not conduct themselves in such a manner.

Isn't Paul the true anti-christ, trying to undermine the Words of Jesus by claiming he is one of them (in other words, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing, trying to ensnare the unwary).

Answer 1

Indeed it is. It seems to me a lot of people out there should really call themselves Paulists. And to me it is a self-serving dogma that actively seeks to avoid the issue of leading a truly moral life. Imagine "salvation" coming after a lifetime of ignoring injustice, oppression, violence, and especially the plight of children - of which Jesus had something direct to say. For me the most blasphemous phrase uttered by "religious" people is: "Acts cannot gain you heaven, only faith." I'll take the sinner whose heart moves him to help his fellow humans on a constant basis over the pious "soul-saver" any day.

Answer 2

Sorry, Orion, but Paul followed Jesus' teaching implicitly. Therefore followers of Paul and Jesus are the same. Both obeying the same standards. Grace, as you state, really is Faith and faith without works is dead in itself.James 2;17,18,21,22,26. ] So faith alone is not enough to be approved. I say this because the idea that everyone who dies goes to heaven devalues Jesus' sacrifice and denies the resurrection. If we all go to heaven, automatically, what is to prevent us doing whatever we want on the earth, sinning, etc, KNOWING we have a heavenly outcome. There would no reason for the resurrection. And it would deny the scriptures at Psalms 37; 9-12. where the righteous have an earthly outcome.

Answer 3

This confusion arises fairly often when this subject comes up. Paul is talking about works according to the Mosaic Law Covenant. Paul is not saying one can sail through without doing anything. Clearly, faith without works is dead. But Paul is trying to help them understand that the Mosaic law – those 613 statutes and regulations – are not only null and void now but cannot absolve one of anything. One cannot attain to everlasting life by keeping the law covenant. Paul is not saying don't have works. He is saying don't rely on works according to the Mosaic Law Covenant. That is all.

Hannah

Answer 4

You clearly don't understand the teachings of Paul (or the teachings of Christ, for that matter--didn't He absolve the sinful woman at the well or the sinful criminal on the cross next to him). Try reading Paul in his entirety with an open mind and you'll get a better, more full picture of his view.

Answer 5

If Paul were the anti-christ then why does he point the way to Jesus? I think you ought to read the NT again. It sounds like you missed something.
I Cr 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!
101-8-6

Answer 6

Again, you are confused, probably because you insist on twisting the Word.

Paul was himself a follower of Jesus.

Answer 7

Paul was a believer and follower of Christ. Paul gave "tips" on how to fulfil your duty as a Christian, but they weren't laws of God. Furthermore, Christ only left us with two commandments: love your neighbor and believe in my name. That is the only way to be secured int he book of life.

Answer 8

careful, if you use your brain enough you might figure out that jesus believed in reincarnation!

omg! how horrible would that be!



its amazing how much more sense some things make when you look at jesus as a role model instead of a deity.

Answer 9

I really don't care-I might go to hell but I won't be alone.