Isn't the acceptance itself an act of works to earn our salvation?
2006-11-27 12:19:53 · 12 answers · asked by ccrider 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Acceptance as works? No, the communication usually comes through prayer. Baptism may be considered "works" by some. Trouble is, most don't have a really good definition of works. Is works steps such as baptism & confirmation? Is works your good deeds? You can see a lot of people discussing works, but have you ever wondered if they are really making different points or not? I have. Many times I have heard people of different faiths "bible bash" on the same side of the issue because they cannot reduce some words to the lowest defintion and because they don't know enough about each other's faith to know they are discussing the same points.
works: Moral or righteous acts or deeds . . . so you have the dilemia on how we are judged http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061125202338AAtA2S6&r=w
Are we judged similar to how the Egyptians believed? A the good deeds one side of the scales of justice with the bad on the other (they believe a feather was on the good side.) Does the good outweigh the bad? (If so why do we need to repent when all we need to do is more good deeds?) Are we judged on whether we said those final words of last minute repentence before we drew our last breath? Are we judged on whether we declared ourself to be Christian and completed steps of faith (Catholics call them Sacraments) of baptism, marriage, etc.?
Frankly, I believe Christ knows the intent and desires of our heart. He knows how we have chosen to act. I believe we will be judged according to our desires and actions . . . or saying it differently, the final product of who we have became. Christ then steps up & provides mercy through Grace. He claims us as His own since there is nothing any of us can possibly do to save ourselves.
2006-11-27 12:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by whozethere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Grace Alone gives you the understanding to have Faith, which must be put into action.
Mt 7:21, Mt 19: 16-17, Jn 14:21, Rom 2:2-8, Gal 5:4-6, Eph 2:8-10, Phil 2:12-13, Jam 2:14-24
Judged according to deeds.
Rom 2:5-8, 2 Cor 5:10, 2 Cor 11:15, 1 Pet 1:17, Rev 20:12-13, Col 3:24-25
Jam 2:26, Gal 5:6, 1 Cor 11:2, Jn 14:15,
2006-11-27 20:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by Lives7 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is a misconception among many people. You can not earn your salvation, it is a gift from God by His grace.
God sent His only Son to die for us, His blood was shed to wash away our sins and the ONLY requirement is to acknowledge you are a sinner and have faith in who Jesus is and through faith in Him you are saved.
Good works are a result of one being saved; you want to live to please Him, the old way of living IN and OF the world goes by the wayside.
If I can help you further, please email me. If I can't answer your question, I will certainly ask my Pastor.
2006-11-27 20:32:54 · answer #3 · answered by sweet_tea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Only the Muslims have a salvation by works theology.
2006-11-27 20:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope...all faith...Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through FAITH and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God NOT of works, lest any man should boast".
Works follow naturally as evidence of Salvation; not to obtain it.
2006-11-27 20:31:09 · answer #5 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO WAY. Salvation is a free gift from God, not by works lest any man boast. Rom 6:26 (or somewhere there.)
Good works are lined up for those who follow Jesus to show that we are disciples, of God.
2006-11-27 20:23:25 · answer #6 · answered by Abbasangel 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its not much effort just reach out and receive him.Its a simple prayer,Lord Jesus,I receive you as my savior,thank you for dying for my sins on the cross.I turn my life over to you,and allow you to become Lord of my life.Its really that simple.God bless you He did all the work.
2006-11-27 20:26:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with salvation by faith and works through grace, but you're mincing words a bit on this one. Try this verse:
James 2:24- You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (RSV)
2006-11-27 20:25:02 · answer #8 · answered by madelaine_girard 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No ...." Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved , and thy household".
" Not by works of righteousness we have done , but according to His mercy He saved us..."
--From The Scripture
2006-11-27 20:22:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well we arent going to get into heaven on works alone.
2006-11-27 20:23:36 · answer #10 · answered by Nickerbockers 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋