You are misunderstanding what that verse is saying. Once you are saved, you will by nature do good works great or small. Trying to say you can do a lot of good stuff and earn your way into Heaven is a slap in the face to Jesus’ perfect finished work on the cross. Christ did it all, the only thing we have to do is accept him and we are saved. I’m sorry if you don’t like that, but it’s really just your ego telling you that you can do righteous works and earn your salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
That isn't what I'm saying at all - nor is it what James is saying. I do not believe in a works based faith. "Once you are saved, you will by nature do good works great or small." This sentence is closer to what I, and James, is saying.
The thief on the cross next to Jesus is proof that faith (justified belief) is all that's required to enter Paradise. If you don't die right after your true confession, then you will by nature (new nature) do good works.
So you're saying, a total unbelieving asshole will not go to heaven if he dies after just receiving Jesus Christ as his lord and savior at an alter call?
See? You're wrong. Belief is all that's required. Behavior isn't a contingency.
This is a fair question, and I hope it shows you the complex nature of God that goes beyond our comprehension. Belief alone, will not get you into heaven. It is the first step and without it you won't get in, even if you live a mostly good life (no one can live a perfect life). God must also come to know you during your time on earth by imaging Christ. Grace made it possible though, because we cleanse ourself in the blood of Christ that allows us to enter the Kingdom without being destroyed. This is made evident throughout the Bible. You must do good works AND accept Christ by loving Him will all your heart, mind, and strength. So if you live a sinful life and reject God until the very last minute, do you get into heaven? Only God can answer that, he can see your true nature, but I would argue no (at first). But this doesn't mean you are doomed either. Hell is another concept many Christians don't seem to fully understand. Hell is the holding cell before your final trial. There is pain and suffering in hell, much like we see in today's world, but that isn't the end judgement. The final judgement comes on the day of the Lord, and if you still have a hardened heart, you get tossed into the lake of fire (which is what the common belief of hell is now). Hope this helps explain somethings!
Nowhere does it say you must be a good person to enter heaven... Just forgiven. Your beliefs determine your reward, not your behavior.
Isn't that great?!
Wrong, again. You really need a better understanding of what you are accusing, Mr Pastafarian.
"Faith without works is dead."
Read the book of James. It's short.
You are misunderstanding what that verse is saying. Once you are saved, you will by nature do good works great or small. Trying to say you can do a lot of good stuff and earn your way into Heaven is a slap in the face to Jesus’ perfect finished work on the cross. Christ did it all, the only thing we have to do is accept him and we are saved. I’m sorry if you don’t like that, but it’s really just your ego telling you that you can do righteous works and earn your salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
That isn't what I'm saying at all - nor is it what James is saying. I do not believe in a works based faith. "Once you are saved, you will by nature do good works great or small." This sentence is closer to what I, and James, is saying.
The thief on the cross next to Jesus is proof that faith (justified belief) is all that's required to enter Paradise. If you don't die right after your true confession, then you will by nature (new nature) do good works.
My apologies if I misunderstood your point. God bless.
So you're saying, a total unbelieving asshole will not go to heaven if he dies after just receiving Jesus Christ as his lord and savior at an alter call?
See? You're wrong. Belief is all that's required. Behavior isn't a contingency.
This is a fair question, and I hope it shows you the complex nature of God that goes beyond our comprehension. Belief alone, will not get you into heaven. It is the first step and without it you won't get in, even if you live a mostly good life (no one can live a perfect life). God must also come to know you during your time on earth by imaging Christ. Grace made it possible though, because we cleanse ourself in the blood of Christ that allows us to enter the Kingdom without being destroyed. This is made evident throughout the Bible. You must do good works AND accept Christ by loving Him will all your heart, mind, and strength. So if you live a sinful life and reject God until the very last minute, do you get into heaven? Only God can answer that, he can see your true nature, but I would argue no (at first). But this doesn't mean you are doomed either. Hell is another concept many Christians don't seem to fully understand. Hell is the holding cell before your final trial. There is pain and suffering in hell, much like we see in today's world, but that isn't the end judgement. The final judgement comes on the day of the Lord, and if you still have a hardened heart, you get tossed into the lake of fire (which is what the common belief of hell is now). Hope this helps explain somethings!
Okay