I dealt with that already. However Believing is something man is commanded to do Acts 16:31
31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
If you get saved because you kept a commandment, that is works, and salvation by commandment keeping !
Also, if you were not Born of the Spirit before you believed, then you did something that scripture says you cannot do, and that is please God in the flesh Rom 8:7-8
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Can you direct me to the post where you dealt with it, not saying you didn't, I just haven't seen your answer to this scripture where Paul clearly states believing is opposite of works.
And yes, believing on CHrist sure does please God. That is not our issue with your expositioning.
Maybe after you look for it ! That takes a lot of time.
Paul did not say believing was not a work, because it is, its something man does with the mind or heart. The definition of a work is this, it is the greek word
ergon:
business, employment, that which any one is occupied
a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind[/B]
3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work
Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What is so hard about the above verse to understand and believe?
You have completely ignored this verse. Why? Because it goes directly against what you teach. Where is your answer? Deal with the verse, not with others.
It is not even remotely arguable that Paul did not declare works and believing total opposites. Yet you declare Paul, God's Word, does not say any such thing! Why do you declare this? ....because SBM says so. Why don't you adjust your beliefs to God's Word rather than denying God's very word on the matter?
If you are so opposed to God's Word on this matter of belief which Paul clearly states is the opposite of works, then I don't see how you expect others to take seriously any of your other postings which you try to teach others your pov on doctrines.
You the one that opposes God's word. You state that as a natural man in the flesh, unregenerated you pleased God by believing in Christ for salvation, which Paul writes under inspiriation that Rom 8:7-8
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Then after you defy that, you are claiming that you are saved by your work, by your pleasing God, when scripture plainly says Eph 2:8-9
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Well, I believe Jesus is Lord. Is that something God's Word says? I believe God is a Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, does God's Word say this?
I believe you are resorting to saying silly statements in your frustration. Remember Paul's words, written under inspiration of course (I guess we need to remind each other of this) .....
"And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1Cr13:2)
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity." (1Cr13:13)
How would you rate yourself brother? Do you have the greatest gift of all?
Maybe you do, however, you have serious issues with being saved by your works and being able to please God while in the flesh, those issues are anti scriptural !
If simply amazes me, SBM, how you won't touch this verse. You avoid it like the plague. You know it will destroy every belief you have. You have not given one attempt to explain or exegete this verse. Are you so completely ignorant of this verse that you have to deny and avoid it?