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NASB | Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
Bible Question:
Dear friends: I have posted the following statement several times and feel that new Christians should understand what Christ has done for them. "Our security is anchored in the worth and work of our Lord Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for our redemption. The eternal life which is ours when we trust him is a gift which is given to us the moment we rest in the finished work of Christ by faith. (Romans 6:23) In Eph 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" God's word does not support faith in the work of Christ plus the works of man equals salvation. In fact to add works is an insult to the work of Christ which he purchased with his own precious blood. Robert |
Bible Answer: The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. |