Are you saved by grace alone?

[Matthitjah]

Grace alone brothers and sisters! Let me prove this.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Cavalry, there they crucified him, and the thieves, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Luke23:39 And one of the thieves which were hanged railed on him, saying, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us."

Luke23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying "does not thou fear G-d, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?"

Luke 23:41 "And we indeed JUSTLY;for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, " Verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Now when did this thief, being in his own words Justly condemned, have time to do good works? I know he didn't climb down off the cross and help an old lady across the street. Of course I'm being absurd to prove a point.

Yet he was in paradise that very same day with the Lord. The Lord don't lie! How did he also know that thief would die that day? Maybe the thief could have lingered there a day or two. He knew because he has the very hairs on your head numbered. Praise Jesus, Amen.

[tsth]

I know he didn't climb down off the cross and help an old lady across the street. Of course I'm being absurd to prove a point.

No, he didn't.  But the question is would he have?  It was the intent of his heart.   We know that from his profession of faith, and Jesus' response to him, that, if he had been able to climb down off that cross, he would have done good deeds, because he believed Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for him. He believed Jesus was the Christ.  

Now the question is....would there have been a difference between the 2 men, if they had been able to climb down off the cross?  I certainly hope so!  

In His Truth,

Suzanne

[Guest suzie]

But do we do things to earn or keep salvation or because of our salvation.

[Matthitjah]

The point is his works did not save him. Faith brings Grace. Grace brings good works. Even so. What good, say a homeless shelter worker, who is an atheist. Will G-d forbear judgement on this person because of their works.No less a man than Paulthe Apostle wrote. Romans4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before G-d.

Romans4:3 For what does the scripture say?

[traveller]

Amen Dr Luke! Excellent post! And welcome to the boards!

:thumb:

[tsth]

Dear Luke,

Please don't misunderstand me.  I am in no way promoting salvation by works.  I just always want to present both sides of the truth, which is, that if someone professes to be a Christian, then there will be evidence of fruit to go with it.  I believe 1 John to be Truth.

I am always so distraught by those who claim to be Christians, yet live as the "world".  You cannot have a foot in both.  And just as those who profess to be Christians, yet live like the devil, cause the lost to profane the name of "Christian".  We need to walk in the name we profess, especially before the lost world we live in, so that they will believe us when we say that Jesus Saves us from our sins.  Do we believe that?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Matthitjah]

Dear Suzanne,

                We are in agreement. Works cannot save you. Once you have grace then good works will follow.The only thing is don't do the works thinking you'll recieve praise in heaven. The works are expected of you. Rich lost men(ie; Ted turner) do good works as well. They recieve their praise and reward when everyone says, see how good he is. Do your good works knowing only the father sees them, then your reward will be in heaven. When he says true and faithful servant.                                                          

               Yes we must not be hypocrites. Remember also what Paul said about how he loathes his flesh. He does the things he ought not. While we are here we are clothed in flesh and sometimes we will stumble. None are perfect save Jesus.

               I personally am a work in progress. I am gradually changing for the better. I'm looking up looking nigh my redemption is coming. All the signs are right. Praise Jesus! Amen. :thumb:

[Guest suzie]

Ephesians 1:7-8 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

I love the word "lavished".....how great is God's mercy and love that he would bestow upon us his saving grace that we do not deserve nor can ever earn by any act we may do.....awesome God.

[tsth]

The only thing is don't do the works thinking you'll recieve praise in heaven. The works are expected of you. Rich lost men(ie; Ted turner) do good works as well. They recieve their praise and reward when everyone says, see how good he is. Do your good works knowing only the father sees them, then your reward will be in heaven. When he says true and faithful servant.    

And the only thing I say is don't claim "grace, grace", without true repentance.  And if you want to claim I speak of works because I include repentance on our part, then so be it, but it must be a part of the process.  It is very easy to speak always of grace, yet not quite as well received is the mention of  "repentance", yet it is vital to salvation.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Matthitjah]

Again we go back to the man on the cross next to our savior.

He was given grace and forgiven his sin only for professing that Jesus was G-d. If we must do penance, then the whole notion of the crucifiction is void. Why is it said the most noble thing a man can do is lay down his life for another? The Son did the will of the Father. He paid the price for the sin. Confess your sin only to G-d. You will be forgiven. No one is perfect, save Jesus. Do your works after you have grace.What a noble gift were given. I tear up when I'm reminded the price he paid.

Surely that man on the cross repented his sin when he confessed Jesus. No less a man than Simon Peter Thrice denied he knew Jesus. Surely he's in Heaven. Moses struck that rock one extra time. Surely he's in heaven. He believed G-d and like Abraham is was accounted to him for righteousness.

I'm repentant, I loathe some of the things I've done in the past. That sin is erased though washed white with the blood of Jesus. I can not stand before the Father through any work of my own. It's all worthless. Jesus stands between the father and me. He say's this one is mine Father. The Father says here is my Son in whom I am well pleased. The Angels and Cheribim and the Saints testify. "Who is worthy to open the book of life" "The Lamb who was slain is worthy!"

Peace be with you Sister. :inlove: