Subject: "Once Saved Always Saved" |
Bible Note: Romans 4:3 (NASB) For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." "No no no. Romans 4. Go read it. Abraham was decalred righteous not because of the good things he had done, but rather his faith in God's promise to Him." Joe: Yes. Yes. Yes. You are absolutely correct. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. "Cf. (compare) James 2:24. These are two aspects of one truth. Paul speaks of that which justifies man before God, viz.: faith alone, wholly apart from works; James of the proof before men, that he who professes to have justifying faith really has it. Paul speaks of what God sees--faith; James of what men see--works, as the visible evidence of faith. Paul draws his illustration from Genesis 15:6; James from Genesis 22:1-19. James' key phrase is "ye see" (James 2:24), for men cannot see faith except as manifested through works." Scofield, C.I. "Scofield Reference Notes on Romans 4". "Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)". (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/ScofieldReferenceNotes/) |