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NASB | John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:3 Jesus answered him, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God." |
Subject: Isn't believing Christ for salvation suf |
Bible Note: Greetings TheLord'sChurch! Welcome to the thread my friend! Let's deal with the easiest point first. You said: "Paul calls faith a work 1 Thess. 1:3." Does he really? The verse says: "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." He says that the work is produced by their faith. Literally, the Greek says 'of you the works of faith'. The genitive 'of faith' describes the kind of works. Just as, 'coals of fire' literally means 'burning coals', so also 'works of faith' means 'faithful works'. But, nowhere in this verse (or anywhere else does Paul says that 'faith is a work'. 1 Thess. 1:3 is in full agreement with Eph. 2:8-10. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Then, once we are saved, we will produce works as a result of our faith and salvation - not to earn salvation. As far as applying that 'one verse' to salvation goes, what was the question Paul was asked? Was he asked, 'How do I get to Ephesus?'. Was he asked, 'What kind of toga goes best with my eyes?' Or, was he asked, 'What must I do to be saved?' What was Paul's response? "You must believe, be baptized, live a good life, go to synagogue every time the doors are opened, and maybe (if you are good enough) you might be saved!" No! He said 'believe and YOU WILL BE SAVED'. (Acts 16:31). No one is denying that Christians have an obligation to obey Christ and serve Him once we are Christians. But, Scripture is clear that we do not earn salvation, we simply have to trust in the finished work of the cross. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |