Bible Study Death’s Deliverance

[Jim Parker]

I think a lot of miscommunication comes from semantics. That is why proper definitions are so important.

As far as being in err, by not believing I worked for my faith, how can the passage in Ephesians be seen any clearer that we were given faith by God, not a result of our own works, but because of His work? If I worked for my faith, or anything else, then I have room to boast. Not so if He does the work.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

And as far as Him sanctifying me, and not me doing it by my own works, Paul says;

1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sanctifying and obeying are two different things.
God sanctifies.
We obey by doing the "good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

iakov the fool

 

[th1b.taylor]

In that I believe you err.

Abiding and obeying are your proper works.

Amen to that.

We're down to semantics now.

iakov the fool

I tend to disagree with this Jim. I work because I am grateful that God has called me and in doing so, He gave me the measure of faith I needed. I am a works freek from the git go, knowing all the while I will gain nothing for other than the satisfaction of knowing I served someone else.

 

[Jim Parker]

I tend to disagree with this Jim. I work because I am grateful that God has called me and in doing so, He gave me the measure of faith I needed. I am a works freek from the git go, knowing all the while I will gain nothing for other than the satisfaction of knowing I served someone else.

You may expect to hear the Lord of Lords and King of Kings say to you, "Well Done, thou good and faithful servant!"