lovely
Member
I am simply pointing out that the Law of Moses is a written code of laws given to Jews and Jews only. So no Gentile can do the "works" of the Law of Moses precisely because it is a set of laws given to Jews only. It is clear that Paul believes this - in the following text he explains that if salvation were based on the Law of Moses, only Jews could be saved:
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works [s]of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one
And let me be clear: Just because I choose to believe Paul in Romans 2 where he asserts that final salvation is based on "good works" does not mean that I do not also believe that we are justified by faith.
I will try to explain why the "faith vs works" is a false choice in a later post.
I understand your position on the 'Law' of Moses and I agree. I also understand your position on Romans 2 already, and knowing more about your position based on previous discussions, I know now that you are not saying that we are NOT justified by faith. I guess I am just trying to understand your definition of good works better. I would say faith-works or love commands, because of the coupling with faith and the out-working of love...It seems like you think that they must be connected. I don't want to get off topic, but I am just trying to be clear as I read along. Do you believe good works can only be done in faith, or can they be done apart from faith?