Imagican said:
You know me............... I like #5. No, I don't 'like it'. But I certainly find the discussing of it 'interesting'.
So, if this is what you would like to discuss, pick it up and I'll RUN WITH IT.
MEC
The consensus is to answer both # 3 & # 5.
I'm going to try and combines them both in an answer.
Deception occurs when the concept of works is ignored in the Christian's life.
No works, no faith.....
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
The problem most people have, is separating human works, from the works God performs 'IN' a person.
Most people are down on the concept of works, in a Christian's life because they are thinking of what
they must do, themselves, in their own human strenght....and, this is where a person is....Damned !
THe value of works, in a Christian's life is to let God....work His will in a person's life....because it brings glory to God.
Works, in a person's life, is allowing God to bring about perfection of character, which the human being can NEVER accomplish on their own.
The will of God is.....
Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.
BUT, it CANNOT be done, in human strenght alone.
That is where the power of God comes into play, in a Christian's life.
Romans 10:4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
As Jesus said: 'Without me, you can do nothing' !
Chapter 7 of Romans is about a person 'wanting' to do good, but can't.
Romans, chapter 8....is the person, who accomplished that goal, thru the power of God.
Romans, chapter 6 is about God's grace, which is more powerful than sin, grace, being the power of God, to overcome sin.
The person who DOES NOT use grace, properly...is Damned (2 Corinthians 6:1), because they have receive grace, in vain.
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