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NASB | Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. [Rom 1:20] |
Subject: Created "in " Christ Jesus |
Bible Note: Haven’t had a reply about Steve’s being on staff, so guess I’ll talk awhile more. I say “yes” to the 1st of your questions: “Do we maintain our salvation by our righteous living (by which we could boast)?”; qualifying the boasting part, below. I agree that some verses can be interpreted more than one way, and weighing them with all other texts on the same topic is the best way to come to a conclusion. I know that no amount of good works one might do will earn salvation; conversely, I know that salvation by grace cannot be attained without righteous works produced by faith. In both OT and NT God has demanded obedience from his people. I know of no place where this is more plainly taught than in Ezekiel 18. Since you posted your note, I’ve studied John 10, and Rom 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10. Much there applies to the topic of grace vs works. But, I’ll start with the scripture you alluded to – Eph 2:8,9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” I have to reconcile that with James 2, emphases on verses 14, 19, and 26, “Faith without works is dead,” and verse 24, “...a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” Paul goes on to say in Eph 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” These are the works I must do to keep my salvation. As touching on boasting, the works in verse 9 are apparently different from those in verse 10. Consideration of Romans 3, emphases on verses 20, 27, and 28 helps to clarify. ‘…therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight…” “27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” Another key scripture is Romans 9:32; the Jews sought righteousness by the works of the [old] law, but not by faith. There are many exhortations to live righteously and many warnings about not doing so. Here are reminders of a few. (I think it is important to remember that all the epistles are addressed to people in the church; those who were already saved.) · If you do these things, you will never fall. II Pet 1:5-10 · Raised to walk in newness of life. Rom 6 (This sure seems to me to be a description of the new birth) · Be not conformed to the world but be ye transformed… Romans 12 · Walk in the light. I John · Love not the world I John · Abide in the doctrine of Christ II John 9 · God will make a way of escape from temptation (it’s our responsibility to find and use the escape hatch) I Cor 10:13 · be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, II Peter 1:5-10 · “….work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Phil 2:12 · “…He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…” Heb 5:9 · Heb 11 is a powerful list of examples of faith combined with works. · let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, Heb 10-24 · For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise Heb 10-36 · “…you have purified your souls in obeying the truth…” I Peter 1:22 · “…taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…” II Thes 1:8 · But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-25 · We are judged not only by our works but our words: “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matt 12:37 · So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” Luke 17:10 · Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. Ecc 12:13-14 Regarding John 10:27-29 and Romans 8:38-39. In light of other scriptures, I have to interpret these texts to mean that while nothing and no one can separate me from God, I myself can make the choice to turn away from Him and be lost. (e.g., the Prodigal Son.) Added note. If I believed all men were born totally depraved, I’d need to believe God would have to “make me” respond to Him, and if I believed he “made me do it,” I would have to believe there is nothing I could do to undo it. But, I believe God gives us the responsibility for making the choices, and that scripture tells us we have the ability to make righteous choices, and that we are accountable for how we choose, until death. Later posts on the thief on the cross, Cornelius’ household, deathbed conversions. Striving for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I love you back. J. Elkins |