Is faith alone enough to save?

Interesting comments, especially on Eph. 2:8-10. Not trying to get too deep into this, "saved by grace through faith", but is there not at least one verse that states, "...thy faith hath saved thee..."(KJV) Ed

 

the teaching of faithworks makes me sick...
Which one is it?

Gaatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

ok...

Jaames 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith ONLY.

Please be of an understanding heart, there are TWO justifications in the bible...

if not then who should we believe paul of james?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

ok...

Matthew 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus taught faith and works but he did not mix them else would his be cunfused.

 

It all boils down to rightly dividing scripture. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Out of a heart of gratitude to the One who saved us for eternity, we involve ourselves in works: witnessing, sharing, assembling ourselves together, reaching out to the poor, sending or serving as missionaries, providing free medical care and emergency services to those with a demonstrated need, teaching, preaching, evangelizing..... it's a long, long list of opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission.

 

This is a description of a true salvation experience and subsequent Christian life. No question. But what if someone starts the right way but then falls away, perhaps blaming God for losing his job or for the death of his child. He never again attends church and his life goes back to exactly what it was before his salvation or worse. Let's say he goes so far as to curse God and even starts worshipping Satan. He then dies. How will this man be treated at the Judgement?

 

He wasn't saved in the first place. He will be "in court" at the Great White Throne judgment.

If you insist that he was authentically saved, then it was God who ended his life. He will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

 

It's a good thing that salvation is based on works!

This man will have much to answer for at the Judgment Seat of Christ, undoubtedly. However, what about the person who taught him that if he were truly a Christian, then only good things would happen?

 

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)

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-2)

Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. The works are the RESULT of salvation, not the CAUSE of it. We are saved FROM sin, not TO sin. (Gal. 5:13)

 

Where is it stated that the thief on the cross repented? He only acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord from the text. Faith alone saves. You can repent without faith.

 

Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

 

Now, you're talking about pleasing him, not him saving you.

This is talking about rewards if you please him.

 

The next verse clarifies this question. It says that Noah became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

**********************************************
Hbr 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hbr 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

 

Yes faith alone is enough to save. Read Galatians sometime you'll see plenty said about how the law does not justify.

 

"For by grace are you saved through faith..." Plus what?

 

What rewards in Heb. 11?

You don't think receiving Christ is pleasing God?

Read the whole chapter to find out what the context of Heb. 11 is. "By faith . . ."


John 1:12

 

The entire book of Hebrews is written to saved people (Hellenistic Jews), not lost.

 

These words are a warning for anyone who falls away from the faith, Jew or Gentile.

Hbr 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised
Hbr 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hbr 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hbr 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Hbr 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Hbr 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Hbr 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Hbr 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Hbr 10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

Absolutely! It's written to saved people to warn them about unfaithful living.

 

Hebrews 11:6 says it all

 

Is repentance "turning from sin to Christ?"

It could be. But METANOIA is a change of the mind. As such, it can essentially be faith, if it refers to a change of mind regarding who Christ is.

But in general "repentance" is a recognition that we are sinners and need a Savior. Repentance doesn't save... when we believe, trust in Christ, we pass from death into life. Hence repentance is not the vehicle through which we actualize God's grace - faith is. But without a repentant mindset we will not trust in Christ.

To say that faith is not enough means that there is something which we must do, which means that we could boast about it. And "yes," to say that faith is not enough IS to bring works into the picture. I wish more Christians who think that faith is not enough wouldn't hem-haw but just say that works are required. I can deal with that... but when the definition of faith keeps getting changed, and that is what is happening... Faith is simply relying on Christ's death in our place. While we will not do so if we do not have a repentant mind/attitude, we must not think of repentance as "turning from sin" or as another "condition" for realizing God's grace in our lives.

BTW, METANOIA/METANOEW (repentance/to repent) is used not one time in John's gospel. It's not used one time in Galatians... and only once in Romans.

How can repentance be a requirement if the 3 books in the NT which speak of the gospel more than any others barely even mention it?

We are saved...
by grace
through faith

it's...
not from ourselves
God's gift
not from works

so...
no one can boast.

If works are involved in any way, then it IS works, we can boast about something, and it is not a gift.

FA