A new day
Super Member
in eph2: 8-9, we are justified initially by the grace of God through faith... agree?
continuing to v10, it tells us that God has prepared some works for us to do, in other words, it is God’s will for us to do these works... correct?
in other words, it is not the works that God prepared for us that saves us because we were initially saved by grace in v8-9.... correct?
what happens if we fail to do these works, can we still enter heaven? i do not think so.
as catholics, we believe that we are saved by the grace of God alone, but faith and works do play a role in our salvation.
Lets look at Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the remission of sins.
We can’t please God in our flesh. We have nothing to offer Him that would impress Him or satisfy His holy justice. That’s why Paul makes the clear point – “not a result of works, so that no one may boast”
meritorious works according to the Rcc, nullifies the grace of God, for if meritorious righteousness can be earned through works, merits, sacraments, or anything else other than Christ alone, then Christ died needlessly. Any system that mingles works with grace preaches a distorted message and a distorted gospel.
Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 15:9
He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
Acts 16:31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved
Notice the above passages does NOT say, believe and do meritorious works.
In regard to verse 10, paul is NOT speaking of meritorious works of the Rcc, but of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That come as a result of being born again from above. None of our works, can cause us to receive or maintain salvation and eternal life.
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