These two groups are using the same Bible, but with the different understanding of what they have believed.
If you are one sided, you will find out that you are to depend on the one you believe it's the truth.
And the worst thing is that, if you don't have a proper understanding of the biblical and doctrinal issue about salvation, you ought to die for your belief.
Unless you are searching for the truth, you will brutally depend on your belief even when you are most likely knew that your belief is actually wrong or in error.
Now..!
In Order to Understand Properly Which is the Correct Between the Two, We Need To Sum Up The Two Phrases.
Here we go!
About salvation by faith alone:
FAITH = SALVATION (faith alone - wrong)
FAITH + GOOD WORKS = SALVATION (error)
FAITH + SALVATION = GOOD WORKS (salvation is by faith alone - but faith is not alone)
I don't see any problem on the last one. I have searched how this side is being the correct one for me and I've found out that the Bible ultimately declared that Faith alone can save a sinner and no additional work to add to it.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10
Many failed to understand what it means SAVED THROUGH FAITH - not of works.
Consider the Bible used the term SAVED that means Past Tense salvation. Finished - already have done and no need to add something to attain it, because it's done.
Many people will argue.... No.... we need to look at other references in the Bible to prove that salvation is by faith plus good works.
Okay...! Let's assume you are correct - according to your own interpretation. Then, if that is so, you added something to what is already done. You meant you are not yet saved, the reason you are doing something is just to get saved.
But the Bible is very clear that it says, "... are ye saved through faith;..."
To understand properly about Biblical Salvation, we need to see the three TENSES of SALVATION.
1. Saved from the Penalty of Sin.
God SAVED (past tenses salvation) YOU by sending His son to die for our sins.
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you, first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:.." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Christ died as our substitute. He saved us from the penalty of our sin.
So, if you understood and received the gospel of Christ now (no more additional works for us to do)..., the Bible said YE ARE SAVED (past tense)...!
SAVED from the penalty of sin, because Jesus saved you.
2. Saved from the Power of Sin.
God TRANSLATED YOU (to live in the present - present tense) by transferring you from darkness to light.
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:.." Colossians 1:13
Now...!
Understand that, all passages above was written addressed to all who have faith in Jesus Christ - people who heard and received the gospel of Christ and already SAVED.
SAVED from the power of sin, because God delivered you from the power of darkness (SIN & SATAN) to become a servant of God.
3. You will be SAVED from the Presence of Sin.
God shall change our vile body (Future Tense)
" For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 1:20-21
SAVED from the power of Sin.
All of the tenses of salvation, there is nothing that man could do. Only God..!
And only faith that matters.
Wait... wait... wait...!
You may say.... No! Not by faith alone it is faith plus works.
Okay...! If that is so, you meant you have to purchase salvation by your good works?
Here is what you believed:
FAITH + GOOD = SALVATION
Have you seen the problems of that belief? Honestly.... can you say no problem! Okay give me your verses that support your belief.
Now for instance...! Let me ask you some questions...
Is salvation a free gift of God? Yes or No!
Can salvation be purchased? Yes or No!
Is Salvation a reward? Yes or No!
Can your good works buy salvation? Yes or No!
If your faith and good works can save you, who saves you? God or YOU!
If your faith and good works can save you, how much good works do you do to save you? Is there an amount of good works to get saved? There is or None!
These are only a few questions to consider.
How About The Verses You Quoted To Support Your Belief?
Yes, several verses found in the Bible that seem salvation is not by faith alone.
However, upon cross-examination of those verses with the understanding of what is the proper Biblical Salvation doctrine, all of those verses agreed and support that salvation is by faith alone.
The verses used by faith plus works equals salvation that we are going to see one by one what does it mean to not contradict the passage above.
Note: If you fail to understand the following verses, you make the Bible contradict itself - and you've got a worse problem of all.
Here are the few of them:
Again...! Take Note:
All the verses below were written addressed to all already believers of the Gospel. The people who were already saved from the penalty of sin and the power of sin.
I will tackle these verses next time.........
1 Peter 1:22,23 - We purify our souls in obeying the truth.
There is nothing about salvation here. This speaks of the purification of the soul in obeying the truth. The people whom Apostle Peter wrote are already redeemed.
Romans 6:17,18 - Servants of sin must obey from the heart in order to be made free from sin.
Hebrews 5:9 - Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
James 2:24 - Man is justified by works, not by "faith only."
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