What does this verse mean to you? What does it "say?"?

Question

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works.

So how can any of us as Christians say faith alone is enough? Truthfully faith is the most important but it must be expressed in our works and deeds.

Answer 1

For Christianity, your faith and works is what propels you to grow spiritually. The intent of your heart to do things for others, then blessings will be bestowed upon you. If you want things for yourself: I want this or I want that or gimme, gimme, gimme--you'll make Satan smile.

The intention of the heart (faith) should be for others (works).

Damn, I can't believe I'm saying this. OK, I'll shut the hell up.

Answer 2

Debra,
Thanks for a question that actually discussed R&S w/o trying to slam somebody else!

I like to look at a passage in the context of the passages around it. In Matt 16:21-23 He had just rebuked Peter for tryng to direct things - for trying to force his own agenda on God's plan (specifically Jesus' pending death on the cross). Then right after that Jesus talks about true discipleship - meaning you turn your will and life over to God and endeavor to live your life according to God's plan, not your own.

He was also quoting Psalms 62:12, where He says that God recompenses every man for his work (read: deeds or life choices).

If you are talking about salvation through faith vs works, I would go to the mat with the idea that a man is saved by faith - but the writing in James is pretty clear that a faith w/o associated works is not a living faith - it's just an opinion. So I expect to see the appropriate fruits (works) in people who are living by faith.

Thankfully I do not have to make that judgement - Jesus will do that when Matt 16.27 is completed.

Peace

Answer 3

Interesting thought with Mathew 16 : 27 perhaps not in the lime light what you tried to project but in another plane with Veda and Vedantic themes. First time jk has seen such a quote from Bible.

In line with your thrust point, Sathya Sai Baba say,

"Work is Worship, Duty is God, Love All and Serve All, Hands that help are holier than lips that Pray. Help Ever, Hurt Never"

But since we are experts in interpretations and not much inclined to involve too much physically with the never ending needs of the needy, we tend to interpret,

Worship is also Work,

God is our first Duty, our profession to earn is God,

Love All, including family members, kith and kin and Serve All, including family members, kith and kin.

Hands that help are holier doesn't mean that lips that pray are not holy, Help also your own close ones.

Help whenever there is Time, Money and Mood and Hurt Not wherever possible.

So these are the modified interpretations practiced by majority, which of course should be good as leading into the initially stated All inclusive and Holistic practice.

But few exemploraries like Mother Theresa or Victor Kanu practice these in Fullest in Full Discipline and Devotion irrespective of whatever the circumstances provided to them.

But its very heartening and encouraging for us also, the half practioners, to see the number of such people are now in an increasing mode with more and more are getting attracted to Idealism and its Honest Practice.

http://www.saibaba.ws/experiences/kanu.htm

http://www.saibabalinks.org/media/sathyasaithemiracleschool.htm


Truly the Mathew 16 : 27 should be at work

SAI RAM

Answer 4

Ah...Words Vs. Works

My view is this: As long as we live lives that proclaim God's glory, we shall be saved. By living holy and righteous lives, we allow ourselves to be great role models for children and even for adults. When I walk around town i greet people, I hold no grudges and always make the best out of what has been given to me. I do this because by doing so, another person who might be questioning or completely without God, may see my mood and my actions and believe that there is something greater in the world than what we can see.

Each human has their own God given talents. I happen to be a great teacher of math and so that is how I glorify god and praise him. Am I blessing kids in my classroom and telling them all about God...no unfortunately I can't by law, but do I set an example so that kids may ask me why I am such a joyous person...yes.

A person who goes out to do mission work is a great person, and Iwish I could be a person to go out and do that, however God has given me the ability to teach and this is the path that he has chosen for me.

I don't believe there should be a question of words vs. works, but rather how are we living our lives. If God looks at how I am living my life, is he goingto see a person trying to set an example to open others eyes to christ, or is he going to see someone engulfed in the humanism of this world?
That is what I believe is meant by the latter part of the verse " and then he will render to every man according to his works."

If you want to know more or hve more questions email me @ [e-mail]. I know not to creative eh :)

Answer 5

Christians will not stand at the great white throne judgment. That will only be for those who reject Jesus Christ. Christians are NOT saved by their works. We are saved by grace, through faith; just as the verse in Ephesians tells us.

This being said, Christians will be given rewards, at the judgment seat of Christ, for the things done on this earth. No one says that after being saved, you just sit back and do nothing. Of course we should do good works. But good works do NOT SAVE YOU. Very important to make this distinction.

Answer 6

Personally, I believe it means that Jesus Christ will return to Earth, with the blessing from his Father, and he will pass judgement on the people of Earth according to the deeds they have done in their lives. When it comes down to it, it simply should be taken as; be a good person, not for the next life, or anything; just to better the current world we all live in. Religion or not.

Answer 7

Our works reveal our thinking.

This is the return Of Jesus

He returns glorified by God with angels.

It is of no value to to do other than what God's work for us is to do.
By these works Jesus will render.

Mathew 16:25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?

Answer 8

The reward is for works. The salvation is through Faith.

Answer 9

For those following this path - DOING and being involved in your community are more important than words/prayers alone.
For those not on this path - seeing a person that is involved in their community should be an invitation to get to know them - as they are worth getting to know. They posses a gift you should investigate. People that want something better are worth knowing.

Answer 10

I think that the "Son of Man" represents the Lord God in judgement so it makes sense.

Many people read over the fact that "Son of Man" is not the exact same verbiage as "Son of God."