Agreed, they are distinct. That's why I said they connect 'in the following sense' -- plus I was trying to tie my the other post (about belief). Sorry if I wasn't clear.

Actually, it's much more profound the way you said it. They lead to each other.

I just checked. I can't find my first post (somehow it got 'deleted')...so I'll repeat it here.

It's in response to undine's original comment...

Think about this for a moment....

Let's say you had a dad that was loving and very successful. He gave you advice the entire time you grew up, hoping that if you took that advice you'd have a great life.

Let's say you could repeat back every single piece of advice your dad ever gave you. That would only mean that you memorized what your dad said.

But when would you know that you believed the advice your dad gave you?

Only when you grew up and you were out on your own. If you lived the way your father taught, then you actually believe him.

Belief is acting out your faith. Memorization is fine, but it doesn't fulfill the requirement in John 3:16 -- 'When you believe in the Son, you are destined for eternal life.'

Believing in the Son is having been persuaded by God that what Jesus teaches is the best way to live your life. And if you have been persuaded of that, then you do live your life that way. In other words, your 'works' are your faith.

No one (except an idiot) believes that they 'earn' their way into heaven. It is a free and unmerited gift from God. But if I believe what God has told me, then I live my life that way. My works are indistinguishable from my faith.

Those of you who think that Catholics think they 'earn' their way into heaven are misguided. We don't. You simply don't understand what the Greek word 'pisteuon' means. That word, in John 3:16, means to believe, to have been persuaded, to adopt a worldview, and to live out that worldview.

Anyone who does not do that, does not believe...and therefore risks not receiving the promise contained in John 3:16. You only need to read as far as John 3:36 to have Jesus confirm it for you.

God bless you.