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What is a work?
- Thread starter e.r.m.
- Start date
sandy whitelinger
Veteran Member
Not in my understanding since we are saved by faith and not by works.
sandy whitelinger
Veteran Member
I see that the Bible describes two kinds of works, works of the law and works of faith. I give the scriptures for them here. That thread will also show why there is no work that saves you.Ok, thank you for explaining. I see the connection. More specifically, it is one of the works done by man, because there are others. Not a huge point, but wanted to make that clear. Again, the 'work of God' is a question of unclear grammar. It could easily refer to work done by man that is God related, especially since Jesus was answering their question "what shall WE DO?" not "What shall GOD DO?" And also because Jesus started this topic 'telling them to' work for food that endures to eternal life. Someone else in this thread referred to the other kind of work, as secular work (not directly God related). Now God does draw men, God enables men, but God doesn't make men believe in Him. Only the "extreme Elect" people believe this. "Drawing" and "Believing" are distinct things. Once drawn, once enabled, it is still our choice and responsibility John 3:18, Acts 17:26-27, and a work, John 6:29 to believe in Him.
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
Wow, this is important to you. I respect that. I had a good laugh reading through some of the responses it generated. I will read through your thoughtfully written article and respond, God willing. It's a lot so it may take me some time.
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waitasec
Veteran Member
well here is where it gets muddled.
belief is not passive...it expresses an action
you are saved by your ability to believe...john 3:16
sandy whitelinger
Veteran Member
Belief is not a biblical work.
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
I seem not to be alone.
waitasec
Veteran Member
we save ourselves as we are ultimately the ones who decide (verb) to believe (verb) for ourselves.
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
I wouldn't go that far. Jesus has the words of life, which we believe. From hearing the message all the way through to baptism for forgiveness of sins, it is God that saves us.
sandy whitelinger
Veteran Member
Yet, belief (verb) is still not a Biblical work (noun).
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
I'll get back to you on that.
waitasec
Veteran Member
no. belief and work are both nouns...
it's like saying...i am saved because i am me...
what is it about you that makes you saved...?
it is an action you do of something that sets you apart... believing (verb).
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e.r.m.
Church of Christ
huh? what?
waitasec
Veteran Member
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
If you're leaving God out of the equation or if you're putting yourself in place of God, then good luck.
Shermana
Heretic
Indeed. It seems many Christians like to run away from Phillipians 2:12:
"Oh wait I thought I was saved already! He must mean something else!"
e.r.m.
Church of Christ
There is our part, but it is ultimately God that saves you.
waitasec
Veteran Member
waitasec
Veteran Member
:yes: