Subject: Do Jesus and Paul agree on salv by faith |
Bible Note: It is tied into understanding the distinction between justification and sanctification. The classical Protestant understanding is that our sins are forgiven and Christ's perfect merit is put on our account, by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. That is justification. However, all those God justifies he also sanctifies. Sanctification is the work of grace in our hearts which bring us to obedience and make us more like Jesus Christ in practice. Justification is a one time event. Sanctification shows itself in our works and starts at the same time we believe (justification), but continues throughout the lives of those who truly are justified. So Jesus is addressing sanctification in many passages (although passages like John 3:16 and John 5:24 point out that faith is what justifies). Simply put, we are saved by faith, not works; but no evidential works likely means no faith. We can never earn our place in heaven, but God in his grace makes true believers more obedient to His law. True believers show their true faith in the way that Jesus describes. Incidentally, passages like 1 Corinthians 6:11 show that Paul also agrees that works follow faith. Certain people will not inherit the kingdom of God, and their works often show them to be false believers. --Joe! |