Christians, will you help me with this verse?

Question

I just asked this question; Christians, what are your beliefs about good deeds having to do with salvation? I mentioned that I read a verse that sounded like it contradicted the "saved by faith only" thought. The verses are Matthew 25:31-46. Can someone please explain that to me, or give me more supplimentary verses (to go with the ones I just received from the other question.)
Here is the link to Matthew 15 at Biblegateway.com if you want to read it there:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=25&version=31&context=chapter

That is why I need help...I don't think it does, but I'm not seeing any harmony between this and other verses.

Answer 1

Good question...

Obviously the Bible does not contradict itself and it teaches quite clearly that we are saved by faith and not of works, by faith only, but it also teaches that faith without works is dead in James 2.

In the passage you mention we are not to suppose that these good works will entitle us to receive salvation. These good works done for God, through Jesus Christ, are, as it were, showing the character of believers, showing the fruit of the spirit in their lives and conduct, and as the effects of grace bestowed on those who do them.

It is drawing attention to the character of a Christian, not that this character is the foundation for salvation, but that this character is the result of one already having received salvation.

There are many verses which show how or what the character of a Christian should be, probably the best in my opinion would be the sermon on the mount beginning in Matthew 5.

I hope this helps

JB

Answer 2

Well, I'm not sure if my answer will be adequate but I will try.

Titus 2:11-12 says:

'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,'

When you believe in Jesus and His sacrifice for you, you receive His gift by faith (meaning you trust what God says) and in the process, you are reconnected to God.

You are then given something called grace which is more than just mere forgiveness. Out of the love that comes from God the Father, you then learn to walk with Him and obey Him as a child would the best of fathers
BECAUSE
he loves the father and knows that the father loves him, wouldn't do anything intentionally to hurt the father and would do his best to please him. And the best part is the father always helps him along knowing there are just some things his son/daughter can't do on his own. He picks him up when he falls and bandages his wounds when there are any.

With ALL that in mind, that is what enables Christians to do good deeds, because they accept this grace and believe it (faith again) and though they are not perfect, because their security is with God, they can give love because they have it.

Notice that the parable uses sheep and goats.
The sheep rely on the Shepherd for everything and in return, trust, love and obey the Shepherd in turn.
However, goats are notorious for their stubborn attitude, wanting the food and provision but constantly wanting their own thing as well, NOT receiving the instruction and love of the Shepherd in it's entirety and getting itself into trouble.

In short, this grace is a GIFT (not something you earn) that helps you to do meaningful and good deeds because it doesn't come from you anymore, it comes from God's love. EVERYTHING is provided for. If you reject even that, then you really have no excuse in the end.

Answer 3

Faith without works is dead.
Taking in accurate knowledge and applying what you are learning, putting faith in Jesus and the one whom sent him forth, Jehovah God.
Also preach the Good News of Gods Kingdom to all the inhabited earth for a witnesses until the end comes.
Dedication and water baptism are also necessary.
This is just the beginning

Answer 4

Faith justifies initially, but works perfect and complete our salvation. If all it takes to be saved is "to confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead" (Romans 10,9) then why must I change? Oh sure, I should change my sinful ways. I should try to please God. But if I don't does it really matter? My salvation is assured?

Salvation is a process of perseverance through faith, hope and love. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that one is justified or saved by "faith alone." On the contrary, man is not justified by faith alone. A person is justified by faith and works acting together, which comes solely from God's divine grace. Faith alone never obtains the grace of justification. Also, the word "justified" is the same word Paul uses for justification in Romans 4,3 in regard to Abraham (so Protestants cannot argue James is not referring to "justification" in James 2,24 unless they argue Paul wasn't either in Romans 4,3).

(See also: Luke 24,47; Acts 2,38, 3,19, 17,30; John 3,36; 2 Corinthians 10,15; 13,15; Galatians 5,6)

Peace and every blessing!

Answer 5

We are saved by GRACE(unmerited favor) through Faith.
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Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast

The verses in Matt 25:31-46 spoken by the Lord Jesus are indeed speaking of works..however the works are a symtom or natural progression of an inward change...they are indicative of the salvation experience not a way to Earn it.

Answer 6

The bible does not contradict itself.

Read 2 Timothy 2:14
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

James says it perfect.

James 2: 17-18
.
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.


Do you see what James is saying. Paul says it as well, in different epistles.
It is true we are saved by grace and it is not of any works we have done or can do to save us, but even though faith is not of good works, one will do good works as a result of one's faith.

Do you see, good works always come after true faith. You don't do good works to try and merit yourself. You can't. You do good works because of your faith. Good works that you do show that your faith is alive and real.

So the following verses do not contradict each other,they go hand and hand

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

James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?