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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | BradK | 120320 | ||
Rowdy, Part 2: "The Requirements for Salvation Faith. Since the grace method of salvation is incompatible with works, it must also be true even by logic alone that the application to individuals of the salvation provided in that grace principle must also be of such a nature as to exclude works. And we do indeed find that the biblical presentation confirms our logical supposition. In order to see this it is necessary to look at (1) the meaning of faith, (2) the object of faith, and (3) the source of faith. We should note that the words variously rendered in English as “faith,” “faithful,” “believe,” “belief” and “trust” are translations of related words in Greek. The first presentation of the faith principle in Scripture is found in Gen. 15:1–6. There Abraham, who was childless, simply trusted God when He said He would give him physical heirs even though he and Sarah were past the age of having children. The exposition of this is found in Rom. 4. The point is that God promised, and Abraham believed He would do what He had promised. Abraham acknowledged that he could not establish his own line of physical descent (vv. 17, 19) and that God could and would do it. Abraham’s faith is not specifically exercised with regard to his own eternal welfare, but only with regard to God’s provision of an heir. But this was the issue for him. Further, Abraham believed that God was able to bring life from where there was death (vv. 17, 19; cf. Heb. 11:19). So Abraham acknowledged his inability, relied on God’s promises and ability, put confident trust in God despite outward circumstances (v. 17—God views the things that don’t exist as though they did), and counted on the life-giving ability of God. Paul’s discussion of Abraham’s faith is designed to show what saving faith is for those in any age. In general, then, we can say that faith is firm reliance, trust, and confidence in a God who provides what we cannot, especially when it comes to providing life (see Rom. 1:16–17 and its quotation of Hab. 2:4). From what we’ve already said, it is evident that the object of trust, saving faith, is the God who saves. It is not the faith that saves a person, but the object of faith. It’s not the faith itself as a psychological phenomenon that saves, but the work of Christ applied by the Spirit. Faith is the human requirement used by the Spirit. It is important to notice that the Bible never says that a person is saved on account of his faith, but rather through it. Why isn’t faith really a kind of work on our part? Our previous illustrations clarify this: 1. The grace principle excludes works. 2. Faith acknowledges our inability to do what is required to correct our relationship with God. 3. Faith is simple saying “I can’t, but God can. I can’t work, but God can and will.” 4. God has already provided salvation. It is spoken of as a “gift of grace.” (AV) J. Gresham Machen says: The reception of that gift is faith; faith means not doing something but receiving something; it means not the earning of a reward but the acceptance of a gift. A man can never be said to obtain a thing for himself if he obtains it by faith; indeed to say that he obtains it by faith is only another way of saying that he does not obtain it for himself but permits another to obtain it for him. Faith, in other words, is not active but passive; and to say that we are saved by faith is to say that we do not save ourselves but are saved only by the one in whom our faith is reposed. . . . As to the origin of faith, it is God Himself. There are a number of direct statements that demonstrate this: 1. Heb. 12:2—Jesus is the “author and perfector of our faith.” (NIV) Although the primary emphasis here may be on Jesus as an example for us to follow, it is also likely that the verse indicates that He is the source of our faith. One writer points out that our faith “is initiated and sustained by him because he has prayed the Father that we may come to faith.” 2. Phil. 1:29—Here our suffering and believing are linked; if we believe, then we can expect suffering, and both have their source in God. In fact the verb translated “given” (AV) and “granted” (NASB, NIV) suggests, more than the usual verb for “give”, a free, unsolicited gift. 3. Acts 3:16—Faith comes through the name of Jesus, apparently as individuals give Him His due. 4. Acts 13:48—Those appointed to eternal life believed (exercised faith). Although it is not specifically stated that faith comes directly from God, it is implied that they could not have had faith without some work of God. 5. Acts 16:14—Lydia’s response is made possible only by God. We conclude, then, that faith has its source in God, is the only divinely appointed channel for receiving God’s gracious provision in Christ, and is not a work." [Paul S. Karleen, The Handbook to Bible Study] I hope this helps, BradK |
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2 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120322 | ||
I just looked briefly over both of your two posts in response. It's going to take a little more time to digest it all which I'll do and will attempt a more thorough response but meanwhile... Please forgive me but I scanned for a response to my two main points from James 2 and Matt 25 and didn't see anything specifically addressing those points. Did I miss them? If so, I'll see them upon my more thorough review. IF by chance you didn't respond to those specific points, I was hoping to get your "chop" on those two topics. I guess you've already noticed my statement that I'm not contesting the idea that God's Grace does save us but it's our works that prove that we have that faith in us as described in James 2. Of course, after doing all this study from Mr. Karleen's Handbook, you're entitled to a break, so just let me know. Thanks and God bless. --Rowdy. |
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3 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | BradK | 120332 | ||
Rowdy, Regarding James, I think we can agree that as a principle, scripture cannot contradict scripture. Realizing that many good men, such as Martin Luther have been perplexed by this as you noted. I believe that focus of Romans is Doctrinal, and that of James is more the practical outworking of our faith. The weight of doctrine regarding our salvation, justification, and redemption is found in the Pauline Epistles. We must give proper weight and consideration to the context of each book in scripture- though all are inspired- not all have the same emphasis! The focus- context- of James would be in line with Eph. 2:10. James cannot contradict Romans- they must be harmonized. For example, lets look at 2 contrasting and apparently contradicting verses: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace." (Heb. 11:31) "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" (James 2:24-25) Both verses appear to be contradictory, yet thet're not! In Hebrews the writer tells us that, "by faith" Rahab... This is true because the passage tells us so. This is dealing with the justifying faith of Romans 4. Now, James seems to be stating the opposite, that "Rahab the harlot was justified by works". However, again as scripture cannot contradict- the passages in question must be dealing with 2 different aspects of faith. I would submit that the Hebrews passage is speaking of justifying faith as it relates to our salvation, where the James passage is dealing with the practical outworking of our faith. We should show good works AS EVIDENCE of our faith.( Gal. 5:22) I see both Eph. 2:10 and James 2:24 as dealing with this aspect of faith. Possibly some others would care to comment or offer a hopefully clearer understanding of this "dilemma". Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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4 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120334 | ||
I appreciate your open hearted and honest response to Point 1 from James 2. Do you have or are you working on your reply to Point 2 from Matt 25. Good discussion as I forecasted. Anyone else? God bless you all. --Rowdy |
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