Christians, if you are saved by grace and works do not matter, then why do sins even exist?

Question

Since it doesn't matter what you do anyway


If I missunderstood this in any way, it is because of other christians who lied or could not express themselfs.

This question does not apply for catholics and orthodox, since they believe works do matter

robert b, you didn't really ht the spot here :) I am questioning your beliefs, but that doesn't mean I believe in them too :)

Answer 1

You've hit on a topic that Christians debate amongst themselves--the 'once saved always saved' idea. I'm going to skip that debate and go straight to your question.

Sin separates us from God, and grace removes that separation. This is possible because Adam and Eve sinned for us all, and put sin into the nature of man, so that we will all be sinners at some point in our lives. God's gift of grace removes this separation--by accepting Jesus' sacrifice (though he lived without sin, he still died and was punished for it), you remove this barrier between you and God. Future sins can bring you further from God, but since you have grace it is (depending on which side of the debate you agree with) either automatically absolved or a relatively simple matter to absolve--you have to admit you were wrong and pray to be forgiven.

A lot of the grace/works teachings are a part of Jesus' larger teaching that religion is more about being spiritually centered and living your life for God than being about following a list of rules. When you have a spiritual union with God, following that list comes naturally, while a person could live by all the commandments and other rules for the most part, but failing to have God in the center of it all can lead not only to being punished for sin, but can lead to pride in yourself (for following the rules better than the next guy), making poor judgments of other people's character, and 'faking' your devotion, like the Pharasies who would put a pained look on their face the whole day they are fasting so that everyone could see that they are fasting.

I know that may not have answered this completely, but whole books have been written on this topic. If you are really seeking the answer, I'd advise a reading of Matthew and later Romans. Matthew will give you a good idea of what Jesus' ministry was all about, and Romans will give you more practical information on what you must do to reach heaven.

Answer 2

Uh oh, here it comes. *walks away*
I seriously hope you're not expecting an answer that makes sense. Good luck with that. :D

EDIT: OK, looks like an ex-Christian is going to have to actually answer. The following verse is used to come up with this idea; 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 problem is various verses can be used to "prove" any idea that a particular group wants to believe. It all boils down to the fact that faith doesn't need proof, and is meaningless if there is proof. Faith also doesn't have to make sense in any real way, as long as it works for the believer. Nobody will ever come up with a real answer to this question, any more than they can tell you why they have faith to begin with. It is entirely a matter of personal choice, and what you have been taught is right. All of the beliefs pushed by different denominations, including this one ARE Biblical, but most of them have no basis in modern life. The Idea of sin is just about the only universal in Christianity, so it had to be included. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

You misunderstand because it suits you.
Why do 'sins' exist ? It can only be ultimately because God says something is His will and you say , I don't care.
I do not believe that every Christian you ever knew let you hold that 'it doesn't matter what you do anyway'.
You can know (conscience anyone !!) that you shouldn't do something without any rational underpinning at all. But you know you should or shouldn't do something.
I'll tell you what your question makes me think : that you wouldn't do a good thing UNLESS it mattered. And that in itself is obviously sinful. Just picture yourself after death before God's judgment and you say 'works don't matter so I did whatever the hell I wanted' Right after that you would hear St Peter say 'Next !'

Answer 4

Works do matter, but works don't lead to salvation. God charges us to live Holy as He is Holy. Grace is what allows us to be free from eternal punishment for sin. It doesn't free us from the consequences of sin. For example grace doesn't free us from debts we owe one another. Grace doesn't free us from penalties for violating laws. Clearing these kinds of things will require works.

God also calls us to good works: to show compassion for the sick, the poor, the widow and fatherless. In James 2:26 the scriptures remind us that faith without works is dead. For instance, if I see someone in need and have the ability to help them I should. Too often we just pray for people in need, when WE are the answer to their prayers. We can show that by giving, loving, listening, etc.

Ephesians 2:10 lets us know that since we are God's workmanship, that we were created to do good works. So, don't devalue works, for they are only evidence of who you serve. But, know that good works alone is not sufficient for salvation. It's trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior that is required. Good works will naturally follow.

Answer 5

Lovely hit

Answer 6

The New Testament is full of passages where Jesus tells us that much more than faith is required to enter Heaven.

Answer 7

You can never do enough good deeds to earn your way into heaven (that would be works)...why? because the only way you can get to heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ...Grace is that God sent Jesus to us to die for our sins. (God did not have to but He did).

Answer 8

Wrong !!

Works do Matter.

Paul for one thing was not in Contradiction with James.

Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.


Jam 2:18 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.

Answer 9

Huh? Works and sins are completely different things.

Answer 10

To let you know you need God's grace.