Belief in The Third Day Resurrection of Jesus in The Correct Way as The Only Salvation According to Scripture and Quotes from Church Fathers of the First Three Centuries After Christ on Earth.

THE OFFICIAL DOCTRINE OF SALVATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS "FAITH PLUS WORKS" AS SPECIFICALLY & EXPLICITLY MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE & CHURCH HISTORY. AND THERE ARE 4 LAWS AND STEPS OF SALVATION AS EXPLAINED BELOW. Works here mean Good Works as in Romans 2:6-10; James 2:17-25; 2:14,24.

The Book of the Gospel of John starts out in the beginning of the book with the following:

1. The purpose of why Jesus came to earth was to preach Faith AND Works Salvation, and Faith AND Works is the essence of his being. NOTE: Not just Grace, but Grace AND Truth (Works): "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace AND truth (works)." John 1:14.

2. The Law of Moses was not replaced with the Gospel of Grace, but with the Gospel of Grace AND TRUTH (Works): "For the law was given by Moses, but grace AND truth (works) came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17.

3. "TRUTH" according to the book of John IS SOMETHING YOU DO: "But he that DOETH TRUTH cometh to the light, that his DEEDS (Works) may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."  John 3:21

4. "TRUTH" in the book of John means DEEDS (WORKS): "But he that DOETH TRUTH cometh to the light, that his DEEDS (Works) may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."  John 3:21.

5. "TRUTH" (WORKS) IS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the TRUE worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in TRUTH (Works): for THE FATHER SEEKETH SUCH to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him MUST worship him in spirit and in TRUTH. John 4:23,24.

6.  "TRUTH" has been defined many times as "Works" throughout the Bible. 1 John 3:18; Psalm 25:10; Psalm 26:3; 1 Kings 2:1-4 & 3:6, note how the word "truth" in 2:4 & 3:6 is defined as works in these passages.

7.  "TRUTH" as defined as "Works" is consistent with all the Bible passages below.

THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE ELEMENTS OF "FAITH + WORKS" & ARE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION: SEE ALL POINTS 1-7 BELOW.

FOR A QUICK BUT THOROUGH EXPLANATION OF HOW WORKS ARE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION SEE "WORKS & GRACE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION" UNDER  POINT 4. "HAVE GOOD WORKS" BELOW.

To have eternal life one must:

1. REPENT: Have sorrow for their sins and repair sins they can immediately repair & have intention and commitment to restore the wrongs they have done and intention and commitment to change their wrong ways for the future, THIS INCLUDES NEGLECT FROM DOING WHAT IS RIGHT & NEGLECT OF DOING GOOD WORKS IN THE FUTURE. See Acts 26:20 below. This is required to qualify to receive forgiveness for their sins to receive salvation, and if it's real repentance it must result in works, and that this sorrow and intention and commitment to restore their wrongs and wrong ways to righteousness comes BEFORE receiving Grace and forgiveness for their sins. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8; Matt 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14. "Do WORKS meet for repentance" Acts 26:20.  Here are some more verses that prove this: Mark 1:3,4; 1:15; 2:17; 6:12. Matthew 3:3,8,11; 9:13. Luke 1:77; 3:3,4,8; 5:32; 13:1-5; 19:8,9; 24:47. Acts 3:19,24; 19:4; 26:19,20. Romans 3:23.2 Corinthians 7:10. 1st John 1:8,9. And many others.

Therefore, works in the sense of immediately stopping the wrongs you know you are doing, & committing to living right in the future comes before receiving forgiveness of, & are required for, forgiveness & remission of sins, & works also comes after forgiveness & remission of sins to continue & abide in salvation. It is continuing in faith & works, not a level to reach before you are saved. Read everything below.

NOTICE JESUS SAID THE REPENTANT TAX COLLECTOR WAS SAVED BECAUSE HE REPENTED FOR HIS SIN, JESUS SAID NOTHING ABOUT FAITH & GRACE FOR HIS SALVATION AT THAT MOMENT. We know it is understood in that passage that the tax collector obviously had faith in Jesus for forgiveness, but the explicit emphasis is on repenting for his sins. See immediately below:

"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, "I" RESTORE him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, THIS DAY IS SALVATION COME to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Luke 19:8,9

NOTICE: "SALVATION " came to the tax collector 1.When he immediately stopped taking from others by false accusation, a sin of Commission. 2.When he committed to giving half his of his goods to the poor, that is, no longer committing sins of Omission. 3. And restoring four fold of what he had already taken by false accusation, a sin of Commission.

Notice, the definition of repentance is: 1. "re" which means "back", "renew", and "over again", and  2. "Penitent", which means sorrow and willing to atone, "Atone" means to make AMENDS, RESTORE or REPARATION. Notice in Luke 19:8,9 that "SALVATION" came to the tax collector when he was willing & promised to "RESTORE" the wrong he did AND immediately stop stealing.  So, God is not waiting for you to restore in the future to immediately save you, but for you to immediately stop doing wrong & restore your wrong you are currently doing & have commitment & intention to stop doing wrong & not neglect to do what is right in the future before He saves you.

Also, Jesus did not say to his disciples to preach remission of sins, BUT TO PREACH REPENTANCE and remission of sins. Repentance plus remission. Repentance + remission. You cannot receive forgiveness for your sins and be saved if you are not sorry for your sins and attempt restore the wrongs you did and change your wrong ways. (Sometimes you cannot go back, but the heart has to change, if your heart did change then you will try to go back and restore the wrong you did). Examples of the use of the word Amend: Leviticus 5:16; 2 Chronicles 34:10; Jeremiah 7:3,5; Jeremiah 26:13; 35:15; John 4:52.

THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL IS REPENTANCE. YOU CANNOT HAVE FORGIVENESS OR REMISSION OF YOUR SINS WITHOUT REPENTANCE

REPENTANCE OF SIN ALSO AFTER YOU ARE SAVED REQUIRED TO STAY SAVED

"For godly sorrow worketh REPENTANCE TO SALVATION" 2 Corinthians 7:10. The context is to Saved Christians.

Also, in Genesis 6:6 it says that God repented that he had made man because man had sinned. It's not implying God made a mistake, see Numbers 23:19, it would be like if someone who had a child and the child grew up to be a criminal. The parent would feel sorrow for having the child. But the point here is by definition of repentance, God restored the situation by creating a temporary way to reconcile man through the sacrificial system of the Livitical priesthood (which was a prophetic symbol of Jesus' crucifixion) and by sending His only begotten Son Jesus to be that sacrifice for our sins for a permanent restoration.

So, REPENTANCE COMES FIRST: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth" Luke 3:4,5. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight". Matthew 3:3. "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways" Luke 1:76 with Mark 1:4 "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS."

IF YOU DON'T FORSAKE YOUR SINS YOU CANNOT BE FORGIVEN

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13

IF YOU DON'T TURN FROM YOUR SINS YOU CANNOT BE REDEEMED

"And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, & unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD" Isaiah 59:20

EVEN THE THIEF ON THE CROSS HAD TO REPENT OF HIS SINS & HAVE GOOD WORKS FOR SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE.

2. BELIEVE that JESUS CHRIST WAS, and IS GOD. Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14; 8:8; Revelation 1:8 with 22:13; Isaiah 43:10,11; John 4:42; Exodus 3:13,14; John 8:24,58; John 18:5,6; John 10:33; John chapters 1 and 2. Matthew 19:16,17; Luke 18:18,19.

3. Have FAITH or BELIEVE that ONLY the death, resurrection and the blood of Jesus Christ on and from the cross is the ONLY thing that can possibly REMOVE their sins and brings God's FORGIVENESS of sins. The Bible words used to describe the removal and forgiveness of sins are "ATONEMENT", "GRACE", "REMISSION", "JUSTIFICATION" in the context of the passages talking about forgiveness and removal of sins, and "REDEMPTION" : Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Revelation 7:14; Acts 4:10-12; Isaiah 43:10,11; John 4:42; John 11:25; Acts 17:18; Romans 4:23-25; 1st Peter 3:21.  

The Bible says the wages of sin is death, Romans 6:23. Jesus took the death penalty for us out of love.  

AT THIS POINT YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT JESUS WILL GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE & YOU MUST BELIEVE AT THIS POINT YOU ARE SAVED &  THAT ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE & GIVE ETERNAL LIFE Acts 4:10-12. BUT YOU MUST ALSO BELIEVE & DO STEPS 4-7 BELOW TO CONTINUE IN THIS SALVATION.

TO BECOME SAVED OR RECEIVING, ATTAINING OR OBTAINING SALVATION IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH & CONTINUING IN GOOD WORKS & FAITH TO CONTINUE IN SALVATION OR ELSE BE CUT OFF & LOSE THAT SALVATION.

There are many passages in the Bible that explain first getting saved & staying saved. One is John 1:12 which uses the words "received' & "to become". Also,  Romans 9:30-33, & chapters 10 & 11 where the words "attained" & "obtained" are used regarding salvation, BUT IN THE VERY SAME PASSAGE, the words "goodness" & "continue" & "cut off" & not sinning are mentioned regarding salvation Romans 11:17-22. Also note: in 11:22 the word "his" is in italics which means it was not originally in the Bible, not in the original Greek. It says to continue in goodness in context of not sinning. Other words in the Bible for "Attained" & "Obtaining" salvation are "Election" in passage above, also other words in the Bible for "Continue" is "Abide" & "Remain" & others see point 5 below, as well as point 4.

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "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 unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Verses 8 and 9 are referring to God's "grace" and the salvation that the "grace" gives and that this "grace" comes through faith. The "grace" does not come by works, lest anyone should boast. It does not say that salvation does not come by works and not of yourself, but it specifically says grace does not come by works and not of yourself. According to the context of the book of Ephesians the "gift" referred to in Ephesians 2:8 is "grace", see Ephesians 3:7,8 and 4:7 specifically, as well as the whole book. Read Ephesians chapter 2 from beginning to the end and pay attention to vs. 4 "mercy", vs. 5 "grace', vs. 6 as a continuation, vs. 7 as a continuation, vs 7 "grace", vs. 8 as a continuation, vs. 8 "grace", and vs. 9 as a continuation, and the rest of the chapter. Read chapter 3, pay attention to vs. 7 "gift of the grace" & vs. 8 "grace". Read chapter 4, pay attention to vs. 7 "grace" & "gift".  
 
According to correct grammar, the word "that" would refer to "grace", not "faith" and not "saved" because "grace" is the subject of the sentence. and the word "saved" is a verb and the word "that" is a pronoun. Pronouns refer to nouns not verbs. Grace is a noun, and the word that the word "that" is referring to. A pronoun can refer to a clause, but the subject of the clause in 2:8,9 is Grace as noted above.

Also, obviously the words "not of works" in vs 9 refer to the word "Grace" in vs 8 & not to the word "saved" in vs 8 because if it were to refer to the word "saved" that would directly contradict the very next vs, which is vs 10 that says we were "ordained by God' that we should walk in "good works". The word "ordained" means: to order, to decree, to command as a requirement as in an official legal court. * SEE THE SECTION ON THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT BELOW.

THE VERY PASSAGE SOME USE TO PROVE SALVATION IS NOT BY WORKS IS THE VERY PASSAGE THAT DOES PROVE SALVATION BY WORKS:

In Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ORDAINED that we should walk in them" NOTE: "ORDAINED" means "ORDER" which means "COMMAND". SO God COMMANDS GOOD WORKS, & HIS COMMANDS & GOOD WORKS ARE REQUIRED, according to Revelation 22:12 & 14 to HAVE A RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE & TO ENTER THROUGH THE GATES OF THE CITY See Revelation 22:12,14 below, THE LAST PASSAGE IN THE WHOLE BIBLE!!!!

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city"

And also, that is why Romans 2:6 is footnoted to Revelation 22:12 in the King James Bible. Vs 7 in Romans 2 says these Good Works are required for 'Eternal Life"

NOTE: There is a footnote in the KJV Bible that says for the word Ordain "or Prepare". The words there in vs 10 are "Before Ordained", or, Before Prepared.  "Prepared" only makes sense if it is referring to the commandments Jesus gave "Before" in the 4 Gospels & Acts to "Prepare" us how to walk & have Salvation. THAT IS WHY THE KING JAMES WRITERS USED THE WORD "ORDAINED" INSTEAD OF "PREPARED" IN THE TEXT.

The main point of Ephesians chapter 2:8,9 is saying that we have no boasting in our salvation because even though works are required for salvation and we do those works, we are also saved by Grace & Grace is something we could not do for ourselves.

Also, by definition grace is a gift, faith by definition is not necessarily a gift and not referred to in the Bible as a gift. Salvation & Eternal Life is a gift but no where mentioned in the Bible as a "Free" gift & as Jesus said there was a "Cost" for Salvation & Eternal Life, but  Justification from past sins & Righteousness substituted for past sins is mentioned as a "Free" gift, but grace by definition & as mentioned in the Bible is always a "Free" gift.  A "gift" by definition in the Dictionary & in Daniel chapter 2 is NOT always "Free". The point of Ephesians 2:8,9 is you can't be saved without God's forgiveness, which is a gift, so you can't boast that you got saved by yourself without God involved because you cannot remove your own sins, only Jesus can do that.

What is the "Workmanship" ?   "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 This "Workmanship" would be God's word, Ephesians 2:20; John 15:4-10; 1 Peter 1:23, and the Spirit.

BUT EPHESIANS, NOR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE BIBLE,  DOES NOT SAY THAT "SALVATION IS NOT BY WORKS". IT SAYS GRACE IS NOT BY WORKS.  IT DOES NOT SAY THAT SALVATION IS BY "FAITH ALONE" OR "FAITH ONLY" OR THAT SALVATION IS BY "GRACE ALONE" OR BY "GRACE ONLY".

Notice, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that (the grace) not of yourselves it (the grace) is the gift of God". BUT again, NOTICE, IT DOESN'T SAY HERE, OR ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE THAT"SALVATION" IS BY "GRACE ALONE" or "GRACE ONLY" or "ONLY BY GRACE" or "ONLY BY FAITH" or "FAITH ALONE" or "FAITH ONLY".  

***In fact, the words "GRACE ALONE", "GRACE ONLY", "ONLY BY GRACE"."FAITH ALONE","FAITH ONLY" and "ONLY BY FAITH" DO NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE!!!! Except in James 2:24 where it says we are NOT justified by faith only!!!! ***

BUT, THE BIBLE DOES SAY THAT SALVATION IS NOT BY FAITH ALONE, but ALSO BY WORKS. James 2:14,20 and 24. This is explained below. SEE ALSO THE FOLLOWING VERSES IN POINTS 5 AND 6 BELOW.

God's forgiveness for our sins comes through his grace and it removes our sin. Works do not remove our sins. Only the blood of Jesus can take away sins. BUT WE ARE NOT SAVED BY THE REMOVAL OF SIN ONLY. God's grace removes the sin that you have done in the past, and if we sin again it removes sin if we confess with a repentant heart. If we confess with intent to sin again that is not repentance by definition. Grace is the removal of sin. See also all the verses under points 1. and 5. and 6.

Note, continuing, Ephesians verse 10 following 8 and 9 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ORDAINED that we should walk in them." ORDAINED means "commanded" and "required".

Also note, if the grace mentioned above is Christ's work, and the "good works" that he ordained that we should walk in are his workmanship due from that grace ("For we"), then if we don't have those "good works" then we don't have his grace and we are not his workmanship. And notice how this "workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works" is supposed to come about, "ye put on the new man , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:24. 

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SAVED BY GRACE ALONE or BY FAITH ALONE after first coming to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins because in the very same book, Ephesians, it says in verses 5:1-5 that if Christians, who are saved,1:1; 5:1; 5:1-5, partake in the sins mentioned in that passage they will have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. This, of course, would include heaven since the passage is addressed to Christians already saved and says that if they partake in those sins will not have "ANY" inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

THE KING JAMES TRANSLATORS &/OR PRINTERS DID NOT INTERPRET EPHESIANS 2:8,9 AS SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE & NOT BY WORKS!!!!  In the first edition of the King James Bible, the 1611 edition, each chapter is proceeded with a synopsis of that chapter. Note those notes for Ephesians chapter 2 of the 1611 KJV: "1 By comparing what we were by 3 nature, with what we are 5 by grace: 10 He declareth, that wee are made for good workes; and 13 being brought neer by Christ, should not lie as 11 Gentiles, and 12 foreigners in time past, but as 19 citizens with the Saints, and the family of God." NOTICE: There is no verbiage as "by faith alone" or "grace alone" or "not by works".

Even if you interpret Ephesians 2:8,9 as RECEIVING or OBTAINING salvation, you must stop doing the sins you know you are doing that you have strength to stop, see Repentance pt 1 above, before receiving Grace, & you have to still have to have good works, live a holy life & obey God to "continue", "remain" & "abide" in that salvation. See below point 4 "Works" & point 5  "Continuance, Remain and Abide".

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE UNDER GRACE, WE ARE STILL UNDER THE LAW FOR SALVATION.

RIGHTEOUSNESS,SPIRIT, HEART OF THE LAW FOR SALVATION VS. LETTER OF THE LAW

INWARD PART OF THE LAW FOR SALVATION VS. THE OUTWARD PART OF THE LAW 

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE OUTWARD LETTER OF THE LAW OF MOSES WAS FOR REMISSION OF SINS , THIS IS WHAT JESUS SUBSTITUTED IN REGARDS TO SALVATION.  SEE SECTIONS 1 & 2 BELOW:

1.

"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.....to every man that worketh good" Romans 2:6,7,10.

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13 

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" Acts 13:38,39

Therefore if the circumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his circumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not circumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:26-29

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1Timothy 1:7-11

"For ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans 6:14,15 & Romans 3:20 "by the deeds of the law there shall be no flesh be justified in his sight" is referring to "Remission of sins that are past" Romans 3:23-25 & before coming to Christ because "all have sinned & come short of the glory of God" vs 23, which is the subject of chapters 3-5, & which is the context of Romans 6:14,15 & 3:20. "Ye are not under the law" is not for Continuance after, as chapters 2 & 6 say, & the actual word "Continuance" is mentioned in 2:7 & in other places, & as that would DIRECTLY CONTRADICT the following verses WHICH ARE IN THE SAME BOOK Romans 3:31; 2:13; 2:6-10; And 6:22,23 WHICH IS IN THE SAME CHAPTER, & also 11:18-22 which is also in Romans, & which also mentions the word "Continue" in vs 22 as a condition for salvation. It would also contradict many passages such as Galatians 5:19-21 & Hebrews 10:24-31. Also note, the word "his" in 11:22 is in italics, which means it is not in the original Biblical Greek text. So it correctly says "if  thou continue in goodness".

You could also say that it is not by the law that you "Attain" or "Obtain" or be "Elected" to righteousness, which means to reach, come to or arrive at, Romans 9:30,31; Romans 11:7,30.31; Romans 11:5-7. But, this does not apply to AFTER initially attaining righteousness. But would if you Accidently sinned in the future & confessed & repented.

"But if ye be lead of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law" Galatians 5:18 is referring to not being under the curse of the Law 3:10-13, because the Spirit fulfills the Law 5:14; 5:13-26, because you reap everlasting life by doing good 6:8-10.

3:10-13 is referring to those who are trying to continue to be justified without Christ or before coming to Christ, it's not referring to after coming to Christ.

See also James 2:8-13, and then read 2:8-26.

ARE THESE CONTRADICTIONS? A. "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED" Romans 2:13 B. "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans  3:20 C. "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." Galatians 2:16 These are not contradictions. The Apostle Peter said that some of the writings of the Apostle Paul were "Hard to be understood" 2 Peter 3:15,16 A. Romans 2:13 above CLEARLY & SPECIFICALLY says that the "Doers of the Law" shall be "Justified" by their "Deeds" vs 6 & to him that "Worketh Good" vs 10 to obtain "Immortality" & "Eternal Life" vs 7. Read 2:6-16. 1. Romans 2: 21-29 explains the difference between the Righteousness, Spirit, Heart & Inwardness of the Law, such as not stealing, not committing adultery, no idol worship etc etc vs 21,22, as opposed to the Letter or Outwardness of the Law, such as the Jewish practices such as circumcision, animal sacrifices etc Roam 2:26-29;  Col 2:14-22.  2. "Justified by works" by the Righteousness, Spirit of the Law is clearly AFTER remission, redemption & forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ. The Bible calls this "Continuance", "Remaining" & "Abiding". See point 5 under link 9 or 10 in www.thefirstreligiononearth.org  3. This Righteousness or Spirit of the Law cannot, nor can good works, provide remission, redemption, forgiveness, grace, "Justification from Sins' nor removal of sins ( all of these are the same thing ), Romans 3:19,20,23,24,25. 4. Note above, there is Justification by Works & Justification from Sins.   B. Romans 3:20 is talking about exposing your sin BEFORE COMING TO JESUS FOR REMISSION OF SINS to show your need for Him Romans 3:19,20,23,24,25. Note in vs 25 the emphasis in this passage here is that remission was for "sins that are past", even though you may still need remission in the future, but that is not the point here. That is, the law without Jesus. Also, the Jewish Law cannot remove sins because it was just a prophecy of Jesus, which when now He has come, the Letter of the Law is to be done away with. See Hebrews among many other passages. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is no accident that the book of Romans precedes all of the other books in the Bible. And it is no accident chapter 2 of Romans precedes everything else in Romans. Romans chapter 2 sets the stage, and is the foundation of every other doctrine in the New Testament after. If you don't read Romans chapter 2 first before you read what comes after it, you might not understand the rest of the New Testament. This is probably one of the biggest problems in the Church today, & even in the past. C. Galatians 2:16, & 3:11, is also talking about before remission of sins by Jesus, 3:23 "BEFORE FAITH", & was to expose your sins to show your need of remission of them by Jesus 3:10,22,23.  ALSO,  2:16 is mostly talking about the "works of the law" as in the Letter of the Jewish Ceremonial law, see 2:14. 1. Paul in Galatians was concerned that some Jews were telling Christians they had to be circumcised & to observe holy days as in the Jewish Letter of the Law. Circumcision: 2:1-4,14; 5:2-4,6,11,15; 6:12-13, & 2:7-9,12. Holy days 4:9,10; 5:1-4.  Paul was concerned Christians would turn to, or go back to, the Old Covenant of the Letter of the Law which could not provide remission of sins, see above.  2. This is the Letter of the Law Bondage he was referring to, he was not saying living holy & doing good was bondage 2:4; 4:21-31; 5:1-4.  3. The Liberty he was referring to was from this Letter of the Law, not from doing good or being holy 5:1-4, 2 Peter 2:19.  4. He was obviously not doing away with the Righteousness or Spirit of the Law after remission of sins by Jesus or that would be a direct contradiction of 5:19-21; 6:1-10, Especially 6:7,8 & Romans 2, which is placed before Galatians, & Ephesians 5:3-6 which he wrote. And would be a direct contradiction of many other passages in the New Testament.  5. NOTE: There is NO mention to not try to pursue holiness nor good works to be Justified, explicitly nor implied. Only the Letter of the Law works such a circumcision & to observe holy days is mentioned in regard to this.  6. Gal 2:17,18 is clearly talking about doing away with the Letter of the Law, not the Righteousness/Spirit of the Law. Vs 18 "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor". Was Paul trying to destroy holiness & good works?

IS THIS PASSAGE IN CONTRADICTION WITH ITSELF?     WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT IF WE SIN WE GET ETERNAL DEATH?

TO BE SAVED TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT ON YOUR PART:

Many false teachers & preachers of these last days say you are saved with no effort, this is very popular these days. But God says the exact opposite! See just a couple examples below.

2 Corinthians 8-11 ".....to be PRESENT WITH THE LORD. WHEREFORE WE LABOUR (L-A-B-O-U-R), that, whether present or absent, we may BE ACCEPTED OF HIM, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore THE TERROR OF THE LORD."

1 Corinthians 9:27 "But I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY."

NOAH'S ARC: Read about Noah's Arc in the Old Testament, it is a type & shadow of our salvation, the Bible says that Noah saved himself and his family by believing God by faith AND by doing the WORK IN BUILDING THE ARC HIMSELF. God did not build it for him.

GRACE IS LIMITED IT IS ONLY FOR NON-WILLFUL SINS, AND ALSO NOT FOR NEGLECTING GOOD WORKS:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.....the Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall in the hands of the living God" Hebrews 10:26,27,30b,31

Note vs 26 & 27 is specifically and explicitly referring to Saved Christians, in vs 26 "no more sacrifice for sins" refers to Christ's sacrifice mentioned in vs 12, & vs 26 & 27 are a continuation & a reference to vs 24 prior which say "let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to GOOD WORKS", and to vs 25 prior which is speaking to Saved Christians to not forsaking the gathering of themselves, AND, vs 26 starts with the word "FOR", which shows a continuation & reference to vs 24 & 25. IT SHOWS THE WORDS "NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS" REFERS ALSO TO THE WORDS IN VS 24"TO PROVOKE UNTO LOVE & TO GOOD WORKS". SO GRACE DOES NOT COVER WILLFUL NEGLECT OF GOOD WORKS. 

And vs 29 shows this is referring to those that were already Sanctified by Jesus's Blood. And vs 30 shows this is referring to "His people" Now read the whole passage to see that the this is true: Hebrews 10:22-31. So, if you willfully sin or willfully neglect good works after you're saved you will have to repent & ask for forgiveness, & commit to not doing that sin again or to not neglecting good works.

THE WORDS "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight,  for by the law is the knowledge of sin." in Romans 3:20 REFER SPECIFICALLY TO EVERYONE BEFORE RECEIVING FORGIVENESS FOR SINS, & TO REDEMPTION vs 24, & REMISSION OF SINS vs 25 ONLY, otherwise it would contradict "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13 & other vs. Read the context of that passage Romans 3:10-25. Also See the section by these same words right before "The 4 reasons why......" under point 4 "Having Good Works". Remission of sins are required for salvation, but not the only thing as God has said.

IF YOU INTERPRET TITUS 3:5-7 AS OBTAINING OR RECEIVING SALVATION BY FAITH ALONE,  WE STILL MUST KEEP HIS COMMANDS TO STAY & BE SAVED  Titus 1:16; 1 John 1:6,7; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 5:1-3, & all the other verses in link 10 of this sight. Note in 1 John 5:1-3 Believe = Born of God = to Love God = to Keep His Commandments. See point 5 "Continuance, Remain and Abide" below, and also see the explanation of Titus 3:5-7 immediately below.

Titus 1:16 and 3:5,7 "They profess that they know God: but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate"..... "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration , and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Chris our Saviour"  

As you can see, by the lack of good works, mentioned in Titus 1:16, you can lose your Salvation or if you don't stop doing willful sinning (Repentance) you will prevent Christ's mercy to receive Salvation. His mercy is not by works of righteousness we have done, but, by lack of good works, that is, willful sinning or refusing to repent of sins to receive or maintain Salvation, or willfully neglecting doing good works after receiving Salvation, we can lose the Salvation we have or prevent receiving Salvation.

Also, it is very possible that the words "Not by works of righteousness which we have done" refer to the part of vs 4 right before which says "after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared",  notice: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done", so the love of God did not appear because of works of righteousness which we have done, and so the words in vs 5 "not by works of righteousness which we have done" very possibly may not refer to the words "but according to his mercy he saved us" in verse 5 because that would be changing the subject without a transitionary word like "but" before the words "not by works of righteousness". The word "but" actually is before "according to his mercy...." and that's when the transition to another subject happens. Want proof of that?  Read the whole passage of vs.1-7 in chapter 3 all the way through, it is awkward to all of sudden change the subject after "after that the love of God appeared" all of a sudden without a transition to the subject "Not by works of righteousness".

WHY THIS MISREADING HAPPENS: The grouping of the chapter & verse divisions, capitalizations & punctuation give an impression of what the verse is saying. You should read a passage of the Bible without relying on the grouping of the words of the verses and also not relying on capitalizations & punctuation WHY?  a) The Bible originally had no chapter & verse divisions & was all in capitals & no punctuation. b) No chapter & verse divisions existed till over 1500 years after the New Testament was written. c) The chapter & verse divisions & capitalizations we use today were not used in the first 6 Bible versions, not until the Geneva Bible. d) They were influenced and biased by Calvinism since Robert Estienne, the creator of them, was heavily a Calvinist.

BUT THERE ARE STILL MANY VERSES IN THE BIBLE WHERE A VERSE STARTS AS A CONTINUATION OF THE PREVIOUS VERSE: Example Acts 17:7. AND THERE ARE MANY VERSES IN THE BIBLE WHERE THE SUBJECT CHANGES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VERSE: Example 2 Timothy 2:19 starting at the word "and". SO EVEN THE CURRENT GROUPING OF THE WORDS IN TITUS 3:5 IN OUR CURRENT KING JAMES NEED NOT HINDER THE CORRECT READING OF IT.

But, if you still refuse to read Titus 3:5 as suggested above, do note that it does say "but according to his mercy he SAVED us" It is past tense. After you repent & accept God's grace, you are saved at that point, but, whether you "continue" or "abide" in faith & obedience & works for salvation & eternal life, as the Bible says, & as shown in this link, depends on you. Otherwise you would have to contradict Titus 1:16, & all the other verses in the Bible.

IF YOU INTERPRET 2 TIMOTHY 1:9, see below, AS OBTAINING OR RECEIVING SALVATION BY FAITH ALONE, OR, IF YOU WANT TO BELIEVE WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, EVEN THE INWARD RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW James 2:14-26 (which we are)  WE STILL MUST KEEP HIS COMMANDS TO STAY & BE SAVED  1 John 1:6,7; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 5:1-3, & all the other verses in link 10 of this sight. Note in 1 John 5:1-3 Believe = Born of God = to Love God = to Keep His Commandments. See point 5 "Continuance, Remain and Abide" below, and also see the explanation of 2 Timothy 1:9 immediately below.

Misreading of 2 Timothy 1:9: Some misread 2 Timothy 1:9 to mean "saved" is not by works, but if you read the words in verse 9 exactly as they are, and note the word "purpose" in verse 9, and also note the whole context of chapter 1 starting in verse 6 through verse 14, then you will see that in 1:9 the words "not according to our works" refer to the words "called us with an holy calling" and "his own purpose", and that the calling and purpose in this passage is referring to Paul's imprisonment and that we should be a partaker of Christ's afflictions, that's why it says "according to HIS PURPOSE" WHEN REFERRING TO "NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS".  It's according to HIS purpose, not ours, even if it includes imprisonment.

This passage starts with verse 6 where Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gift Paul had given him with the laying on of hands, and why this gift was given him, and that he was in prison and to not be ashamed of that & to be partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, these points are the main points of this passage and the whole subject of the passage. The words "not according to our works" refer to those points, not to "who hath saved us" as the words "not according to our works" is preceded by "called us with a holy calling" is followed by "according to his purpose and grace".  The mention of God saving us is mentioned as the reason for the calling and purpose.

If you reject the above explanation keep in mind the word regarding salvation is "saved", it is past tense, it doesn't refute being saved by works after accepting His grace. Otherwise interpretation of always being saved not according to our works would contradict everything mentioned in link 10 of this site, i.e. all the verses in the Bible that would contradict that belief and the letters of all the Church fathers that were from the first 2 centuries, see quotes at the end of the numbered points in this link 10 of this site, and sources you can look up yourself online and David Bercot's books "Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up" & "Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs"

Note 2 Timothy 1:9 isolated, then note 1:9 in context of the passage as follows:

2 Timothy 1:9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

Now 2 Timothy 1:6-14: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

WE STAND IN GRACE AND IT IS CONTINUAL, BUT WE CAN FALL FROM IT AND LOSE IT  Romans 5:2, now see Romans 11:18-22, notice the words vs 19 & 20 "thou wilt say then...& thou standeth by faith"  See also Hebrews 6:4-8.  Hebrews 12:15,15 and Hebrews 10:26, and then read 10:26-31

"NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF THE LAW" in Philippians 3:9 REFERS EXPLICITLY TO WHEN FIRST COMING TO CHRIST OR BEFORE COMING TO CHRIST AS VS 9 REFERS TO VS 6 WHICH IS PAST TENSE SINCE THE WORD "WERE" IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS IN VS 7. ALSO, TO "WIN" CHRIST IN VS 8, & "FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS" IN VS 8 SHOWS VS 9, WHICH REFERS TO VS 6, ARE BOTH PAST TENSE.

ALSO, "NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF THE LAW" IN VS 9 MAY ONLY REFER TO THE OUTWARD JEWISH LETTER OF THE LAW ONLY SINCE VS 9 IS A REFERENCE TO VS 6 WHICH PAULS SAYS HE WAS "BLAMELESS" IN THE RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE LAW & THIS WOULD BE A CONTRADICTION TO THE IDEA THAT "NOT HAVING MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF THE LAW" IN VS 9 MEANS GOOD WORKS & HOLINESS AS HE JUST GOT DONE SAYING HE WAS BLAMELESS IN THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW IN VS 6, & ALSO VS 6 WOULD ALSO BE A CONTRADICTION TO HIS CLAIM THAT "ALL HAVE SINNED" IN HIS BOOK OF ROMANS IF VS 6 & 9 ARE NOT REFERRING TO THE OUTWARD JEWISH LETTER OF THE  LAW.

EITHER WAY, "NOT HAVING MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS" IN VS 9 CANNOT REFER TO SALVATION AFTER REMISSION OF SINS AS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE DIRECTLY CONTRADICT THE VERY NEXT VERSES THAT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW, VS 10-19 which is Salvation by Faith + Works (**see below), AND CONTRADICT VS 2:12, see below, WHICH 2:12 IS THE VERY CHAPTER PRECEDING THIS PASSAGE, & OTHERWISE WOULD DIRECTLY CONTRADICT 1 JOHN 3:7, THE WHOLE BOOK OF 1 JOHN, 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9,10 (note the word "unrighteous" in vs 9), Romans 2:6-13 & almost every verse in this web site.  See below.

A) Philippians 3:1-7 describe Paul as a Pharisee before coming to Christ, vs 8,9 describe the moment when Paul came to Christ after repenting of his sins of course, & vs 10-21 describe after coming to Christ. The words  "not having a righteousness of my own" only refer when first coming to Christ, as it says when you "win" Christ. When you win something it happens at a moment in time. It doesn't refer to after first becoming saved as that would contradict vs 10-21 that follow & contradict vs like 1 John 3:7, Romans chapter 2 & many other passages. Note the subject in vs 10-21 is to "attain unto the resurrection of the dead" in vs 11, & to avoid walking that will lead to where that walking whose "end is destruction" vs 18,19. Notice it says "end", where that type of walking "end".

Therefore Note vs 10-21 refer to remaining saved by your own effort, not just in the power of the Spirit, &having to yield to the Spirit, note the words "by any means" vs 11, "I follow after" vs 12, Reaching vs 13, "I press toward" vs 14, some are actually "Perfect" vs 15, "Let us walk" vs 16, "be followers" vs 17, Walk vs 18. 

Verses 3:1-6 all mention acts of the Jewish Law, NOT any works of holiness, it does not say feeding the poor, being generous, being loving etc. Also, the words "touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" cannot mean good works of holiness because Paul said he was "the chief of sinners" & condoned murder, & persecuted innocent people. NOTE: Verses 1-6 precede vs 9, setting the subject & context. Also, the words "not having mine own righteousness" is immediately followed by "which is of the law" which means what he just got done talking about, the Jewish Law. NOT good works. Some may think the words "touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" in vs 6 refer to the INWARD righteousness of the law mentioned in Romans 2:13,14,26-29, but that is not the immediate context as just explained. Even the Matthew Henry Commentary says these words refer to the outward & letter of the law, not the spirit or the INWARD righteousness of the law as mentioned in Romans 2:13,14,26-29.

It is amazing how some will pull a few words out of a passage and completely ignore all the other verses around them. In Philippians chapter 3 the list of all the things Paul refers to that he "counted losse for Christ" and as "doung, that I may win Christ" were in his past, not what he was currently doing or what he intended to do in the future. Then, after mentioning his past he refers to "the knowledge of Christ", "for whom I have suffered the losse of all things", again "have suffered" refers to his past, and then mentions "that I may win Christ, and be found in him".

Compare Philippians 3:9 with 1 John 3:7  SO, the words "not having mine own righteousness" cannot be a reference to Holiness & Good Works as that would contradict the very next verses that immediately follow, vs. 10 - 14, and vs. 17-21, and 2:12.  Verse 10 refers to his own holiness and good works and verse 11 shows the purpose was for salvation. Verses 17-21 shows that if you don't have your own holiness and good works you don't go to heaven.  AND, it would directly contradict 1 John 3:7 "Little children, LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU: HE THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS, EVEN AS HE IS RIGHTEOUS."

Philippians 2:12 says to "...as ye have always OBEYED...WORK out your own "salvation" with fear and trembling." IT IS THE VERY CHAPTER RIGHT BEFORE CH 3. It precedes and sets the context for chapter 3 and the words in chapter 3 above. And directly contradicts any false interpretation of this passage that your own Righteousness is not involved in your Salvation. It's true vs 2:13 mentions God working "to will and to do", but if your own righteousness wasn't involved you wouldn't "fear" and "tremble".  Note: It is YOU that has to do the WORKING OUT OF YOUR OWN SALVATION BY OBEYING, NOT JUST GOD. Note: you are told to FEAR & TREMBLE. You would not fear & tremble if you didn't have something to lose. What you are to fear & tremble about is exactly what Jesus already said in Matthew 10:28, "fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell"

**  Philippians 3:9-19 means Salvation by Faith + Works.

   All 4 steps, or Laws, of Salvation in Philippians chapter 3: Repentance vs. 7,8.  Faith vs. 9.  Works vs. 10,11.  And Abiding, or Continuance vs. 12-21. He would not have to repent for doing  "the righteousness of the Law" unless he thought that it would be a benefit to him without Jesus as he knew about Jesus but had rejected him, but he would have to repent of everything else in the list in vs. 5 and 6.

Does "going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God" Romans 10:3 refer to Christians or Jews?

SEE WHAT THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS OF THE FIRST 3 CENTURIES, & WHO WERE THE DIRECT STUDENTS OF PAUL SAY ABOUT WORKS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION:

Clement of Alexandria (c.195, E) "For by grace are we saved"- BUT NOT, INDEED, WITHOUT GOOD WORKS" and "We have discovered faith to be the first movement towards salvation. After faith, fear, hope, and repentance (accompanied by temperance and patience) lead us to love and knowledge." (Here Clement of Alexandria is not ignoring repentance, but that repentance makes you eligible for salvation, whether you consider repentance as the first step or eligible for salvation the outcome is the same, faith he says is the first step, then works.)

Polycarp (c.135, E) said, "Into his joy, many persons desire to enter. They know that "by grace you are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ ...But he who raised Him up from the dead will raise us up also IF we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness."

 Justin Martyr (c.160, E) said, "Blessed is the man whom the Lord does not impute sin" [Ps. 32:2]. That is, having repented of his sins, he can receive remissions of them of God. But this is not as you [Jews] deceive yourselves, and some others who resemble you in this. For they say, that even though they remain sinners, the Lord will not impute sin to them, because they know God.

 And many many other quotes.  For more quotes on this topic see the book "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" by David Bercot among many other sources.

4. Have Good WORKS:

"God who will render to EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: To them, who by patient continuance in WELL DOING, seek for glory, and honour, and IMMORTALITIE, ETERNAL LIFE:

But unto them that are contentious, and DO NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, but obey UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, INDIGNATION, and WRATH, tribulation, and anguish upon EVERY SOUL of man that DOETH EVIL,

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man THAT WORKETH GOOD.

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD". Romans 2:6-13.

ROMANS 2:6-13 PRECEDES, COMES BEFORE, IS THE BASIS & THE FOUNDATION OF ALL THE EPISTLES, THE REST OF THE NEW TESTAMENT & THE REST OF ROMANS.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; THEY THAT HAVE DONE GOOD, UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28,29. NOTICE:  The beginning of the book of John very clearly teaches faith plus works salvation John 1:14,17; John 3:21; John 4:23,24. In chapter 5 of John vs 24 teaches salvation by faith, and vs 28,24 teach salvation by works also.

THE BIBLE USES THE WORD "PERFORMANCE" AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION.

Even though many false teachers say Salvation is not a matter of Performance, this is the exact word used in an exact Greek to English transliteration of the passage above John 5:28,29. The words above "they that have done good unto the resurrection of life" are transliterated "those that GOOD PRACTICED TO A RESURRECTION OF LIFE". See for example  George Ricker Berry's "Interlinear Greek-English New Testament"

You must have Good WORKS and live a holy life with all your strength to stay saved. Your strength comes first: 

The very 1st Command of Jesus Christ is to use your own strength. As long as you are trying to live right & serve God with all your strength & repent of sin, you are saved. Mark 12:29-34; Luke 10:25-28.  AND, as you can see from the verses below, to love God, as mentioned in this 1st Commandment, means to obey Him.

Your OWN EFFORT in OBEDIENCE to God is REQUIRED BEFORE you get the help and power of the Holy Spirit. "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" John 14:15-17.

 "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." Acts 5:32

The Holy Spirit makes you better and also perfect at times, often perfect for very long durations, but not till you exert your own strength, effort, & obedience FIRST. God can intervene according to his will in times of crises with the help of the Holy Spirit, but a heart of effort and obedience needs to come first in order for that help to come.

The parents of John the Baptist "were both RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD, WALKING IN ALL THE COMMANDMENTS & ORDINANCES BLAMELESS." Luke 1:6

The help and the power of God comes through the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, 2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:16. Some more verses regarding works required for salvation: John 5:28,29; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; Luke 13:23,24; James 2:14,20,24; Galatians 5:16; John 8;3,4,11; John 4:10-18; John 3:3; Matthew 7:21,23; John 14:21-24. If you read the Bible in its entirety you will see for salvation God expects you to do good works and live in holiness: 1. Sometimes completely in your own strength. 2. Sometimes in your strength and through the power of the Holy Ghost at the same time. 3. Sometimes completely by yielding to and obeying the Holy Ghost. 

You can also know you are saved by the Holy Ghost bearing witness with your spirit as the Bible says, this is an experience as the Bible clearly says. Jesus told the Apostles to tarry until they received it, they therefore could only know when to stop tarrying if they had an experience. He did not say you will know you have it when you speak in tongues. He said tarry till you are endued with POWER from on high Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8, & it will feel like FIRE Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16. So you keep seeking till you feel power not from this earth, that is from Heaven, & you feel fire. Also, even though you are saved by works as well as faith, there is not an amount of works to attain to be saved because the Bible describes salvation as a "walk" & a "way",  like a way you live.

Works & Grace Required For Salvation Explanation After You Have Initially Repented of Known Sins & Have Believed on Jesus for Grace for Forgiveness of Past Sins & Non-Intentional Sins in the Future:

1. Sins of Commission & Sins of Omission: Commission = Sins you commit: Being drunk, lying, stealing, murder, impatience etc. Omission = things you omit doing that you should have done: ignoring someone who needs your help, sending money to help the poor when you have the money to do so etc.

2. THE FIRST & GREAT COMMANDMENT - WHAT YOU MUST DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE & LIVE: Overcoming sin & producing good works that you can with your own strength you have in yourself is required for salvation, that is, doing your best with the strength you have - This is the very 1st commandment, this comes BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE after repentance & faith.  AND, to "love God", as this command requires, means you will obey His commandments, words & sayings, plural, as well as repent of sins & have faith in Him. Mark 12:29-34; Luke 10:25-28 Note "What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life" vs 25 & "This do & thou shalt live" vs 28; Matthew 22:36-40; Deut 6:5,6 notice the word "Heart" in both vs then read all of ch 6; 10:12,13,16; 30:2,6,8,10,16,20; 2 Kings 23:25; 2 Chron 34:29-33. Note: All these versus are not talking about doing this in the strength of the Holy Spirit as they refer to YOUR Heart, Mind, Soul & YOUR STRENGH. Power by the Holy Spirit comes after this, see pt 6 below.  See also Ephesians 5:26,27. To "Love God" includes obeying His commands, words & sayings: Deut 6:4-9; John 14:15,21,23,24; 15:1-17; 1 John 5:3. Now also see Matt 19:16-19; 19:20-22. Mark 10:17-19; 10:20-22. Matt chapter 25. And many more.

3. You have to have some good works & holiness too stay saved. John 15:1-17; Luke 10:25-37. Also, Romans 6:21,22; 7:4,5; James 3:18; Jude 12. And point 9 below.

4. The whole Bible ends with the last message saying that obeying Christ's commands, and having good works, is required for eternal life, not mentioning there accepting Him as saviour, even though that is mentioned throughout the Bible. Revelation 22: 14. Revelation 22:12 & 22:11-14. 

5. For sins you have done that you didn't realize you did or didn't know was a sin, Grace will cover those. But see point 10 below on certain Sin Situations. See Psalms 19:12,13; Hebrews 10:26-31; Leviticus chapters 4 & 5, especially 5:17-19, & Numbers chapter 15 on sacrifices for Known Sins, for Unknown (hidden) Sins (or none required for "hidden" sins), for Sins of Ignorance & no sacrifice available for Presumptuous Sins but being cut off for Presumptuous Sins, that is, being killed in the OT & in the NT losing your salvation & requiring repentance of that sin to regain salvation. For Known Sins you must repent of that sin to stay saved, Unknown Sins & Sins of Ignorance need to be repented of when you become aware you committed them in order to stay saved. You are covered by Grace until you become aware you committed that sin or sins then confession & repentance is required to stay saved. Thus if a sin is done not willfully it is covered by grace if you don't know its a sin, unless point 8 below, and it's covered by grace if you didn't know you did it, unless point 10 below.

6. To qualify to receive the Holy Spirit, that is, The Baptism in the Holy Ghost, you have to obey God's commandments with the strength you have in yourself first as you seek & wait on the Holy Spirit, unless God sees this in your heart & gives you the Spirit sooner, see point 2 immediately above, AND John 14:15-18; 14:21; 14:23-26. Also read Isaiah 64:5 with 1 Cor. 2:9,10 & with Isaiah 64:4,5. Note, to him that works righteousness God meets with the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost will give you the power to overcome sin you don't have the power to overcome, reveal sins to you that you didn't know were sin, & reveal to you sinful circumstances to avoid. See also Acts 20:1,2; Acts 18:24-28, and also note the Feast of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, and also note immediately after Passover was the Feast of Unleavened Bread where for 8 days you had to remove leaven from your house yourself.

7. Jesus taught that Holiness, Good Works & Obeying His Commands was to be done even before the Day of Pentecost, before the Holy Spirit was available, Luke 19:8,9. Read all of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. The Bible teaches you can't be perfect without the Holy Spirit for very long though.

8. Any sin you have that you become aware of Confess it, Repent of it & ask Jesus to forgive you of it.

9.  BEARING FRUIT (WORKS) 30, 60 OR 100 FOLD ETC:  Jesus commanded to be perfect Matt 5:48; 5:29, AND said  perfection was attainable, at least for a time,  BUT not required for salvation only if you are trying to do your best, unless you are willfully sinning & unless you are committing a specific list of some sins that will not be covered by grace until they are stopped, pt. 10 below: Matt 13:8,23 says some will produce 100, 60 & 30 fold good works. Mark 4:2 regarding this uses the words HIS DOCTRINE so this teaching is needed for salvation, see to Mark 4:1-20 which says some produce 30,60 & 100 fold.  Also, Luke 8:4-15 mentions  seed producing 100 fold.  NOTE: These passages are referring to being "Saved" Luke 8:12 and not giving in to "Temptation" to not "Fall Away" or lose being "Saved" Luke 8:13; Luke 8:12,13.

Note: Fruit means works Matt 3:7-10; Matt 7:16-21; Matt 12:50 is the last verse that precedes Matt chapter 13; Mark 4:19-29; Mark 3:35 is the last verse preceding  Mark chapter 4; Luke 3:7-14; Luke 8:16-21; Luke 6:43,44; John 8:16-21; John chapter 15; John 15:7,8 (fruit) 9,10; Romans 6:21,22; 2 Cor 9:9,10; Phil 1:9-11; James 3:17,18; Psalms 1:1-3; Jeremiah 32:19. And many other passages. Now see Philippians 3:12. Since Jesus said obeying His commandments were required for salvation Rev 22:14, & others, & commanded to pursue perfection Matt 5:48; 5:29 then pursuing perfection as a goal is required for salvation. Also Note Regarding Fruit Means Works Mark 4 esp. vs 19 & Mark 4:19-29 esp vs 28 & Matt 13:24-30 the fruit is wheat on a blade, not another blade, and the difference between the good seed and the tares is Fruit of the good seed. See other references to the word Fruit.

The parents of John the Baptist "were both RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD, WALKING IN ALL THE COMMANDMENTS & ORDINANCES BLAMELESS." Luke 1:6

Entire Sanctification is an Experience that happened frequently among Christians of the mid 1800's to the mid 1900's & is "sinless perfection" accomplished by being completely filled with the Baptism in the Holy Ghost & completely yielding & submitting to it. Galatians 5:16; Matthew 5:48; John 17:23 & many others.

10.  SIN SITUATIONS NOT COVERED BY GRACE:  There are certain sin situations that you may not know you are doing or didn't know were a sin where God has a right to overlook temporarily through Grace, or God has the right to not overlook by Grace until you know about them & repent or are able to repent even after trying with all your strength.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-7; Ephesians 5:26,27.  Note in these versus there are no exceptions.

11. WILLFUL SINNING REMOVES SALVATION: Sinning willfully without repenting will result in you losing your salvation, Hebrews 10:25-27, Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost & accepting the Mark of the Beast can never be forgiven.

12. The whole OT picture of symbols & types of the Passover event from the 10th of the 1st month to 50 days after the Sabbath after the Passover represent all 11 points above. If the Passover represents remission of sins by Jesus today, so do all the other events of Passover represent points 1-11 above for us today, you must be consistent in your interpretation of scripture. SEE THIS EXPLAINED IN "PASSOVER" BELOW.

13. There is a difference between ELECTION & CONTINUANCE and between WILLFUL SINNING & NONWILLFUL SINNING.

Election is when you first get saved after repenting & is by faith alone, BUT, you must ADD to election works, that is add to your faith works, to make that election sure, that is, to CONTINUE in salvation. Election by faith alone Romans chapters 9 & 10. And you must ADD to that election works to CONTINUE in election or salvation, so salvation requires faith + works 2 Peter 1:5,10,11; 2 Peter 1:5-11; Romans chapter 11, note the word "continue" in vs 22, note that the word "his" in vs 22  is in italics which means.it is not originally in the Bible, so the passage literally says "if thou continue in goodness otherwise be cutoff". Also see Romans 2:6-13 & note the word "CONTINUANCE" in vs 7.  Read John 14 notice the words keep, keepeth. John 15 note the words abide, continue & keep.

Also see point 3 right above, point 4 "Have good Works" (this section you're in now here) & point 5 "Continuance, Remain and Abide" below.

Regarding Willful sinning makes you lose your election, or lose your salvation, see point 11 right above. 

BREAKDOWN OF THE ABOVE 13 POINTS: 1. THE FIRST & GREAT COMMANDMENT: Obey God with all of your own strength.  2. BEARING FRUIT  (WORKS) 30, 60 OR 100 fold ETC: What you sinned doing or not doing after trying with all your strength will be covered by grace except situations in the next 2 points. 3. WILLFUL SINNING REMOVES SALVATION: If you willfully sin you will lose your salvation until you repent. 4. SIN SITUATIONS NOT COVERED BY GRACE:  Sins situations not NOT COVERED BY GRACE whether you knew you did them or not or knew they were a sin or not or still did them after trying your best till you know you sinned or know they are sins & are able to repent, see pt 10 above.

JESUS TEACHES WORKS SALVATION IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH: 

"And if thy right eye offend thee (or do cause thee to offend), pluck it out, and cast it from thee. For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if they right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." Matt 5:29,30.

"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire." Matt 18:8,9.

"And if thine eye offend thee, (or cause thee to offend), pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, then having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. See all of Mark 9:43-48.

NOTICE: Jesus mentions works salvation by your own strength with just these same illustrations above a total of SEVEN (7) times in the Gospels.

See "TO BE SAVED TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT ON YOUR PART" in point 4 above.

FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION: 

2 Examples among many: James chapter 2, & 2 Peter chapter 1. See below

James 2:24, "Ye see then, how that BY WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED and NOT BY FAITH ONLY". This is EXPLICIT.  NOTICE: The subject of this passage is being "SAVED" in vs. 14 & which precedes the word "JUSTIFIED" in vs. 24. Thus the word "JUSTIFIED" is referring to the word "SAVED". So, it means JUSTIFIED for SALVATION. See all of vs 14 right below.

James 2:14, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and HAVE NOT WORKS? CAN FAITH  S-A-VE HIM?" Notice: It EXPLICITLY says "can faith save him?" It does not say "can 'that type' of faith save him?" or "can a 'said' faith save him?"

James 2:17, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead BEING ALONE, or BY ITSELF." NOTICE, the "faith" is actually there, it is just alone, or by itself. It EXPLICITLY says "faith" and that it's "alone" or "by itself". It DOES NOT say, "is the 'wrong faith'", or "is the wrong 'type' of faith" or "is only a 'said faith'".

James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God, thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." NOTICE, it DOES NOT say the devils have a false belief, or the wrong faith, or the wrong type of faith. By saying "thou believest that there is one God thou doest well" it means he or they do actually have the correct faith. But that the devils also believe the correct things also. They know who Jesus is, God, and that he rose from the dead, that his blood removes sin. But the devils are incapable of DOING GOOD WORKS.

And James 2:20, "But what will thou know, O vain man, that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD?" It DOES NOT SAY "a 'said' faith is dead", or "the wrong 'type' of faith is dead". It EXPLICITLY says "FAITH".

James 2:22, "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Here it EXPLICITLY says "WITH", it DOES NOT SAY "because of his faith" or "by his faith" or "as a fruit of his faith". (see the note below on the "type" of faith in James vs. 1 and 18.)

And James 2:24, ."Ye see then, how that BY WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED and NOT BY FAITH ONLY". This is EXPLICIT.

Many American preachers try to deceive people by saying that the "justified" in the book of James means justified before man, not before God. But the immediate reference & context of vs 24 is Abraham offering his son vs 21,22 where Abraham & his son were isolated with no else around.  AND, in context of verses 14,17,19,20,22, and 24, as well as the whole book of James, the "justified" clearly means justified before God to be saved. NO WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY JUSTIFIED BEFORE MAN, this is a last days lie. 

James 2:1,18 teach a type of faith. A faith that believes you need to believe in God's grace for the forgiveness of your sins and that you need good works to be saved. James 2:14,17,19,20,22 and 24 teach you need faith plus works to be saved. In vs. 14-24 the reference to faith is in believing God's grace for the forgiveness of your sins. So vs. 14-24 teach you need faith plus works to be saved. Vs. 1 and 18 mention faith meaning the belief that you need to believe in God's grace and have good works to be saved. Both, the "type" of faith in verses 1 and 18 and faith plus works mentioned in 14-24 are saying the exact same thing.

James chapter 2 is talking about "Continuing" in salvation 1:25, not Election of salvation.

2 Peter 1:5-11 below EXPLICITLY says to "ADD" to your faith works to be saved. Verse 5 "Add to your faith" & then says what to add, Verse 10 gives the purpose of adding to your faith "to make your calling and election SURE", so you won't "FALL", this is in reference of the context of what is is already talking about, Falling from your calling & election, Verse 11 gives the whole purpose of all of this: "FOR so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

JESUS CHRIST SPECIFICALLY & EXPLICITLY PREACHED FAITH + WORKS SALVATION AND PREACHED AGAINST FAITH ALONE SALVATION.

"But he that DOETH TRUTH cometh to the light, that his DEEDS may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21.  NOTICE: The word "TRUTH" in the book of John is something YOU DO. And in the book of John the word "TRUTH" means WORKS, mentioned as "DEEDS", which is the same as WORKS. See the following verses.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace A-N-D TRUTH." John 1:14. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace A-N-D TRUTH came by Jesus Christ." John 1:17. "But he that DOETH TRUTH cometh to the light, that his DEEDS may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21. NOW NOTICE THE PURPOSE OF DOING TRUTH. "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the TRUE worshippers shall WORSHIP the Father in spirit and IN TRUTH: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23,24. NOTE: The Father seeks those that are worshipping him with TRUTH, that is WORKS. If you are not worshipping God with WORKS also, besides Faith & Grace, YOU ARE NOT A TRUE WORSHIPPER!! And you are NOT SAVED!

BESIDES THIS, NOTE: If Jesus was full of Grace AND Truth, and if Grace AND Truth came by Jesus, as in the verses above, AS OPPOSED TO THE LAW OF MOSES as mentioned in the verse above, then the passage is clearly talking about SALVATION, AND THAT SALVATION IS BY GRACE + WORKS.

JESUS SPECIFICALLY PREACHES AGAINST FAITH ALONE!!!!!  See the next verse below.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that DOTH the will of my father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : Depart from me, ye that WORK INIQUITY" Matthew 7:21-23. Notice:  1. It says "INIQUITY", Not "unbelief".  2. They already believe, "have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"  3. It SPECIFICALLY & EXPLICITLY says you must "DO" to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. "He that DOETH".  4. THE VERY NEXT VERSE SHOWS JESUS IS TALKING ABOUT WORKS: Matthew 7:24: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and DOETH them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.  5.  The verses IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING Matthew 7:21-23 are SPECIFICALLY TALKING ABOUT WORKS Matthew 7:12-20. 6. The verses immediately following this passage, vs 24-29, is continuing this passage, note the word "Therefore", and specifically mentions "Doing", i.e. Works.

Many American preachers try deceive people by stopping the passage before verse 23 and then skipping to John 6:29 where it says that the work of God is to believe in the one who he sent. Jesus said this in John 6:29 because he just told the people to labor not for what will perish in terms of bread and meat, but for what will not perish, to which the people inquired to what that labor or work was. In fact in this passage Jesus did say "labor" for what will not perish. Thus these preachers change the context of the passage in Matthew 7:21-23, by stopping before verse 23 and skipping to John 6:29. And in the process have to change the context of John 6:29 as well. In this passage Jesus was making a point of spending your time on this earth on eternal things not temporary things, not that you should not try to be holy and just believe.

.ALSO, BELIEVE MEANS TO KEEP HIS COMMANDS: Regarding John 6:29 The work of the Lord to believe on Him whom He has sent, the Bible says BELIEVE THE LORD MEANS TO DO HIS COMMANDS. 1 John 3:23,24. 1 John 2:3-6. 1 John 1:6,7. 1 John 5:1-3 Notice in 1 John 5:1-3 that to Believe = Born of God = to Love God = to Keep His Commandments.

"FOLLOW peace with all men, and HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD" Hebrews 12:14. Notice, it's you who is commanded to do the "following" to see the Lord. And you have to actually do the "following", the "holiness" is not just granted.

"...as ye have always OBEYED...WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling" Philippians 2:12.

It's true vs 2:13 mentions God working "to will and to do", but if your own righteousness wasn't involved you wouldn't "fear" and "tremble".  Note: It is YOU that has to do the WORKING OUT OF YOUR OWN SALVATION BY OBEYING, NOT JUST GOD. Note: you are told to FEAR & TREMBLE. You would not fear & tremble if you didn't have something to lose. What you are to fear & tremble about is exactly what Jesus already said in Matthew 10:28, "fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell"

Galatians 5:19-21 addressed to Christians gives a list of sins and says "that they WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God." Heaven is in the kingdom of God. Inherit means to receive, thus you won't receive heaven, or eternal life.

Ephesians 5:1-6 is addressed to Christians and continues in that same address v.5, "FOR this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, not covetous man, who is an idolater, hath ANY inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

JESUS SAYS THAT IF YOUR HAND CAUSES YOU TO SIN, IT WOULD BE BETTER TO CUT IT OFF THAN TO GO TO HELL, Matthew 5:30. DEFINITELY NOT FAITH ALONE. 

Also, John 14:21-24 and John 15:1-11 says if you obey Jesus's commandments, words and sayings you will be and remain in his love. His love for you is conditional on obeying his commandments, words and sayings. Note "commandments", "words" and "sayings" are plural, unlike verse 12 in this passage that follows-"commandment" to love, which is singular and is simplifying and showing the purpose to His commandments and words and sayings. Thus you cannot just "love" others and continue to sin. Jesus wants you to obey ALL his commandments. Note in John 15:7 it says. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you," not if my commandment (singular) abide in you, but words, not just some but all his words abide in you, thus to abide means to be doing all his words.


DOING AND ADDING TO BE SAVED :

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous unto life eternal." Matthew 25:34-46.  

JESUS TEACHES SALVATION BY WORKS

REPENTANCE IS NEEDED FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND WORKS IS NEEDED FOR REPENTANCE, THEREFORE WORKS IS NEEDED FOR SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE: "Do WORKS in meet of repentance" Acts 26:20

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE SAVED & GO TO HEAVEN:  

1 John 3:3: "And every man that hath this hope in him PURIFIETH HIMSELF, even as he is pure."

1 John 3:7: "Little children, LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU: HE THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS, even as he is righteous.

1 John 3:10b: "...whosoever doeth not righteousness is NOT OF GOD,...." 

Isaiah 64:4,5 with 1Corinthians 2:19-14. Note, vs 6 of Is 64 continues to vs 7 & the rest of the chapter.

2 Peter 2:19-22

Revelation 22:11-13

AND MANY MORE

WORKS BY YOUR OWN EFFORTS IS A FORMAL DOCTRINE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

Romans chapter 6 says that works by your own efforts as a requirement for salvation is a formal "Doctrine", not that God's help in many instances is not helpful or sometimes needed. Read all of chapter 6 and note 6:5,6; also note "ye yield yourselves servants to" and "obedience" in vs 16, the word "Doctrine" in vs 17, and "ye become the servants of righteousness" in vs 18, "now yield your members servants to righteousness & holiness" in vs 19 and note Romans 6:22, "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." All of this shows that this "doctrine" is required for salvation. 

THE BIBLE TEACHES YOU MUST ADD TO YOUR FAITH TO BE, OR STAY, SAVED: 

 1 Peter 1:5-11 says, "And beside all this, giving diligence, ADD to your FAITH virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that HE WAS PURGED FROM HIS OLD SINS. Wherefore the rather, BRETHREN, give diligence to make your CALLING and ELECTION SURE: FOR if ye DO these things, YE SHALL NEVER FALL: FOR so an ENTRANCE shall be ministered unto you abundantly INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Notice, the Brethren do these things to make their calling and election sure, or stay. And the ones who did have their sins purged and who were saved, and don't do these things don't have their calling and election sure.

Matthew 7:17-20  "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

John 15:2 "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

See also Matt 3:10; Luke 3:9; Luke 13:7-9; John 15:6-8.

THE VERY LAST MESSAGE & PASSAGE OF THE WHOLE BIBLE IS ABOUT REQUIRING WORKS FOR SALVATION:

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man ACCORDING AS HIS WORK shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that DO HIS COMMANDMENTS that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:12-14. Read 22:11-15.

CLINICALLY, SCIENTIFICALLY DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE YOU NEED WORKS & HOLINESS TO AVOID HELL

"Beyond Death's Door" & "To Hell & Back" are two books by cardiologist Maurice S. Rawlings M.D. documenting the fact that everyone either goes to Heaven or Hell. He was the personal physician to Dwight Eisenhower before becoming a US Pres., General George Patton & staff physician at the Pentagon. In his book To Hell and Back, chapter 4, page 80 in my edition, tells of a Baptist Sunday School teacher who died & was revived to report that he had gone to Hell. He died again & again revived to report this time had gone to Heaven. Rawlings believed this person had repented of sins he was willfully committing after his experience in Hell.

WE MAY NOT BE "UNDER THE LAW", as the heretics say, which they mean to say the Letter of the Law and/or the Outward Law as in Romans chapter 2, BUT WE ARE UNDER HIS COMMANDMENTS TO HAVE SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE, as the above explanation of Rev 22:12-14 above proves, & as all the other verses in this web site prove.

Romans 5:9 "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

YOU ARE ACCEPTED BY GOD BY FAITH & BY GOOD WORKS

"But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" Acts 10:35

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE UNDER GRACE, WE ARE STILL UNDER THE LAW FOR SALVATION.

RIGHTEOUSNESS,SPIRIT, HEART OF THE LAW FOR SALVATION VS. LETTER OF THE LAW 

INWARD PART OF THE LAW FOR SALVATION VS. THE OUTWARD PART OF THE LAW

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE OUTWARD LETTER OF THE LAW OF MOSES WAS FOR REMISSION OF SINS , THIS IS WHAT JESUS SUBSTITUTED IN REGARDS TO SALVATION.  SEE SECTIONS 1 & 2 BELOW:

1.

"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life....to every man that worketh good" Romans 2:6,7,10.

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" Acts 13:38,39

Therefore if the circumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his circumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not circumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:26-29

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1Timothy 1:7-11

"For ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans 6:14,15 & Romans 3:20 "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight"  is referring to "Remission of sins that are past" Romans 3:23-25 & before coming to Christ because "all have sinned & come short of the glory of God" vs 23, which is the subject of chapters 3-5, & which is the context of Romans 6:14,15 & 3:20. "Ye are not under the law" is not for Continuance after, as chapters 2 & 6 say, & the actual word "Continuance" is mentioned in 2:7 & in other places, & as that would DIRECTLY CONTRADICT the following verses WHICH ARE IN THE SAME BOOK Romans 3:31; 2:13; 2:6-10; And 6:22,23 WHICH IS IN THE SAME CHAPTER, & also 11:18-22 which is also in Romans, & which also mentions the word "Continue" vs 22 as a condition for salvation. It would also contradict many passages such as Galatians 5:19-21 & Hebrews 10:24-31.  Also, note the word "his" in 11:22 is in italics, which means it is not in the Original Biblical Greek text. So it correctly says "if thou continue in goodness."

You could also say that it is not by the law that you "Attain" or "Obtain" or be "Elected" to righteousness, which means to reach, come to or arrive at, Romans 9:30,31; Romans 11:7,30.31; Romans 11:5-7. But, this does not apply to AFTER initially attaining righteousness. But would if you Accidently sinned in the future & confessed & repented.

"But if ye be lead of the Spirit, ye are not under the Law" Galatians 5:18 is referring to not being under the curse of the Law 3:10-13, because the Spirit fulfills the Law 5:14; 5:13-26, because you reap everlasting life by doing good 6:8-10.

3:10-13 is referring to those who are trying to continue to be justified without Christ or before coming to Christ, it's not referring to after coming to Christ.

See also James 2:8-13, and then read 2:8-26.

ARE THESE CONTRADICTIONS?

A. "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED" Romans 2:13

B. "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans  3:20

C. "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." Galatians 2:16

These are not contradictions. The Apostle Peter said that some of the writings of the Apostle Paul were "Hard to be understood" 2 Peter 3:15,16

A. Romans 2:13 above CLEARLY & SPECIFICALLY says that the "Doers of the Law" shall be "Justified" by their "Deeds" vs 6 & to him that "Worketh Good" vs 10 to obtain "Immortality" & "Eternal Life" vs 7. Read 2:6-16.

1. Romans 2: 21-29 explains the difference between the Righteousness, Spirit, Heart & Inwardness of the Law, such as not stealing, not committing adultery, no idol worship etc etc vs 21,22, as opposed to the Letter or Outwardness of the Law, such as the Jewish practices such as circumcision, animal sacrifices etc Roam 2:26-29;  Col 2:14-22.  2. "Justified by works" by the Righteousness, Spirit of the Law is clearly AFTER remission, redemption & forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ. The Bible calls this "Continuance", "Remaining" & "Abiding". See point 5 under link 9 or 10 in this site.  3. This Righteousness or Spirit of the Law cannot, nor can good works, provide remission, redemption, forgiveness, grace, "Justification from Sins' nor removal of sins ( all of these are the same thing ), Romans 3:19,20,23,24,25. 4. Note above, there is Justification by Works & Justification from Sins.
 
B. Romans 3:20 is talking about exposing your sin BEFORE COMING TO JESUS FOR REMISSION OF SINS to show your need for Him Romans 3:19,20,23,24,25. Note in vs 25 the emphasis in this passage here is that remission was for "sins that are past", even though you may still need remission in the future, but that is not the point here. That is, the law without Jesus. Also, the Jewish Law cannot remove sins because it was just a prophecy of Jesus, which when now He has come, the Letter of the Law is to be done away with. See Hebrews among many other passages.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is no accident that the book of Romans precedes all of the other books in the Bible. And it is no accident chapter 2 of Romans precedes everything else in Romans. Romans chapter 2 sets the stage, and is the foundation of every other doctrine in the New Testament after. If you don't read Romans chapter 2 first before you read what comes after it, you might not understand the rest of the New Testament. This is probably one of the biggest problems in the Church today, & even in the past.

C. Galatians 2:16, & 3:11, is also talking about before remission of sins by Jesus, 3:23 "BEFORE FAITH" & was to expose your sins to show your need of remission of them by Jesus 3:10,22,23.  ALSO, 2:16 is mostly talking about the "works of the law" as in the Letter of the Jewish Ceremonial Law, see 2:14.

1. Paul in Galatians was concerned that some Jews were telling Christians they had to be circumcised & to observe holy days as in the Jewish Letter of the Law. Circumcision: 2:1-4,14; 5:2-4,6,11,15; 6:12-13, & 2:7-9,12. Holy days 4:9,10; 5:1-4.  Paul was concerned Christians would turn to, or go back to, the Old Covenant of the Letter of the Law which could not provide remission of sins, see above.  2. This is the Letter of the Law Bondage he was referring to, he was not saying living holy & doing good was bondage 2:4; 4:21-31; 5:1-4.  3. The Liberty he was referring to was from this Letter of the Law, not from doing good or being holy 5:1-4, 2 Peter 2:19.  4. He was obviously not doing away with the Righteousness or Spirit of the Law after remission of sins by Jesus or that would be a direct contradiction of 5:19-21; 6:1-10, Especially 6:7,8 & Romans 2, which is placed before Galatians, & Ephesians 5:3-6 which he wrote. And would be a direct contradiction of many other passages in the New Testament.  5. NOTE: There is NO mention to not try to pursue holiness nor good works to be Justified, explicitly nor implied. Only the Letter of the Law works such a circumcision & to observe holy days is mentioned in regard to this.  6. Gal 2:17,18 is clearly talking about doing away with the Letter of the Law, not the Righteousness/Spirit of the Law. Vs 18 "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor". Was Paul trying to destroy holiness & good works?

IS THIS PASSAGE IN CONTRADICTION WITH ITSELF?       WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT IF WE SIN WE GET ETERNAL DEATH?

See "TO BE SAVED TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT ON YOUR PART" above in point 4. Many false preachers claim "Salvation is not earned and obtained with no effort on your part". As you can see from the mentioned section in point 4 they are the false teachers preaching for itching ears the Bible warns about in the last days.

THE WORD "WORKS" IS SPECIFICALLY USED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION IN THE BIBLE"

James 2:14,24  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not WORKS? can faith SAVE him?.... Ye see then how that by WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY.  NOTE: The word "JUSTIFIED" in vs. 24 is in reference to the word "SAVED" mentioned in vs 14. This was also explained above regarding James 2:14,24.

Acts 26:18-20  To open their eyes, and to turn them FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may RECEIVE forgiveness of sins, and INHERITANCE among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do WORKS meet for repentance.

NOTE: "to turn them from darkness to light" in vs 18 means to walk without sin as Jesus did, that is good works. "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" 1 John 1:6,7.

In vs. 18 the FIRST purpose to "turn them from darkness to light", which means to walk without sin, is for INHERITANCE. The only reference to inheritance in the Bible for Christians is being saved and receiving eternal life-going to heaven.

Thus the mention of "WORKS" in vs 20 above is in reference to vs 18 to have an explicit explanation of what is required for the inheritance.

OTHER WORDS USED FOR WORKS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION:

FRUIT: Also, as mentioned under Repentance in point number 1 above, to receive Grace you must repent, and to repent means to have "fruit meet for repentance" Matt 3:8, so again, "works" is required for salvation.

DEEDS Romans 2:6,7  Also, the use of the word "DEEDS" as a requirement for "ETERNAL LIFE" in Romans 2:6,7 is the same definition as "works".

And there are many many other words used in the Bible for "works" as a requirement for salvation.

BEING BORN AGAIN MEANS NOT SINNING

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." 1 John 3:9; 1 John 3:8-10. 

"We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" 1 John 5:18.

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him" 1 John 3:6.

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:6,7

Also, 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:23,24.

GRACE IS LIMITED IT IS ONLY FOR NON-WILLFUL SINS, AND NOT FOR NEGLECTING GOOD WORKS:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries....The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" Hebrews 10:26,27,30b,31.

Note vs 26 & 27 is specifically and explicitly referring to Saved Christians, in vs 26 "no more sacrifice for sins" refers to Christ's sacrifice mentioned in vs 12 &  vs 26 & 27 are a continuation & a reference to vs 24 prior which say "let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to GOOD WORKS", and to vs 25 prior which is speaking to Saved Christians to not forsaking the gathering of themselves, AND, vs 26 starts with the word "FOR", which shows a continuation & reference to vs 24 & 25. IT SHOWS THE WORDS "NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS" REFERS ALSO TO THE WORDS IN VS 24"TO PROVOKE UNTO LOVE & TO GOOD WORKS". SO GRACE DOES NOT COVER WILLFUL NEGLECT OF GOOD WORKS

And vs 29 shows this is referring to those that were already Sanctified by Jesus's Blood. And vs 30 shows this is referring to Christians "The Lord shall judge His people". Now read the whole passage to see that the this is true: Hebrews 10:22-31. So, if you willfully sin or willfully neglect good works after you're saved you will have to repent & ask for forgiveness, & commit to not doing that sin again or to not neglecting good works.

YOU MUST "DO" THE WILL OF GOD & NOT LOVE THE WORLD TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE

NOT ALL GIFTS ARE FREE ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE AND THE DICTIONARY: 

See Daniel 2:6,48 and Daniel 5:17. Also see the dictionary.


EVEN THOUGH ETERNAL LIFE IS A GIFT, THERE IS A COST: 

Luke 14: 27-35 is a passage about the "COST" of and "WHETHER HE BE ABLE" to be a disciple of Jesus, v.33 says, "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that FORSAKETH NOT ALL that he hath, he CANNOT be my disciple" NOTICE, there is no indication in the Bible that you can be saved without being a disciple.  

NO WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY SALVATION IS FREE.  THE BIBLE SAYS ONLY THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION FROM PAST OFFENCES FOR REDEMPTION, THAT IS, GRACE IS FREE. Romans 3:24; 5:15-18. And that we drink freely the water of life after we go to eternal life Revelation 21:6; 22:17.

YOU MUST "LABOUR" TO BE "ACCEPTED" BY THE LORD AFTER DEATH OR FOR THE RAPTURE.

THE WORDS "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight,  for by the law is the knowledge of sin." in Romans 3:20 REFER SPECIFICALLY TO EVERYONE BEFORE RECEIVING FORGIVENESS FOR SINS, & TO REDEMPTION vs 24, & REMISSION OF SINS vs 25 ONLY, otherwise it would contradict "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13 & other vs. Read the context of that passage Romans 3:10-25. See explanation immediately below.

THE 4 REASONS WHY SOME CHRISTIANS HAVE FALSE DOCTRINES REGARDING SALVATION: And see important examples after this section.

 1. Not being able to distinguish between ELECTION & CONTINUANCE, to use the Bible terms.  ELECTION: Other Bible words for this is Receiving, Attaining (which means to arrive at), & Obtaining Salvation, which is by Faith for Grace & not by works but only after Repentance,  & CONTINUANCE: Other Bible words for this is to Continue in, Continuance of, Abiding & Remaining in Salvation, which requires both Faith for Grace AND Works. That is, some people are not being able to differentiate between verses specifically talking only about forgiveness or remission of sins or Justification From Sins, & verses talking about after initial remission of sins. that is: "Continuance", "Abiding" or "Remaining", see point 5, that is: Justification by Works as the Bible says.

2. Not being able to differentiate between verses talking about good works and verses about perfection, that good works are required for salvation even though perfection is not.

3. Not being able to differentiate between verses about the works of the Letter of the Law, that is the Jewish Law of outward rituals, and verses about works of the Righteousness, Spirit or Heart of the Law, that is, good works like Holiness, Obedience etc. & again, Justification by Works as the Bible says.

4. The Point in Time a particular passage is referring to: that is, whether it is before accepting Jesus's forgiveness or remission of sins, in other words, without Jesus, & verses after accepting Jesus's forgiveness or remission of sins.

Regarding point 1. Example A. The context of the book of Romans is man will be judged whether or not he gets eternal life based on his works Romans 2:6,7,10; & Romans 2:13, following the Righteousness of the Law, which is required for salvation, verses the Letter of the Law, which is the Old Testament Jewish Law of outward rituals, which cannot remove sins or give salvation Romans 2:25-29.  

Note, this is in chapter 2 setting the context for chapters 3 & 4 & the rest of the book of Romans. Chapters 3 & 4 is about the justification FROM SINS, or the removal, forgiveness, remission or atonement of sins, and this done by grace freely. One of the things it says here is this removal or justification from sins cannot be done by the law, whether the Righteousness of the Law, which is needed for salvation after your sins are removed, nor can it be done by the Letter of the Law. Chapters 3 & 4 are not talking about, as the Bible puts it,  "Continuing", "Abiding" or "Remaining" in Salvation, see pt 5. THE PROOF of this is Romans 3:24,25 where it says that Jesus's blood is for "SINS PAST ". And proof of this is in the passage right before - Romans 2:6,7,10 & 2:13, ALL OF WHICH COMES BEFORE CHAPTERS 3 & 4 .

IMPORTANT, Romans 3:20 is interpreted by what follows it, vs 3:24,25 through 4:7. NOTE, vs 4:7 interprets vs 4:6. So the interpretation of 3:20 is, since the Law will show you have sinned, you need Jesus to forgive & remove your sins-redemption & remission of sins. But it doesn't of course contradict what just came before it in chapter 2. Read all of chapters 2-4. Which also means 3:20 also refers to reason 4 above, 3:20 refers to the Law before coming to Jesus for forgiveness, or the Law without Jesus.

We know from other verses the blood of Christ can remove sins in the future and for right now, BUT NOT in Romans chapter 3. Here it is making a point specifically of something that is done for something "IN THE PAST". What about the future? You are supposed to live righteous.

THEREFORE: The context of chapter 2, the fact that the Righteousness of the Law needed for salvation and whether a person gets judged to have Eternal Life, & the fact that it will be based on his works, precedes and is the context of chapters 3 & 4, that justification and the removal of sins is done by grace and not by works. Thus, you need to be righteous and you need grace, BOTH, to be saved. One doesn't necessarily produce the other, although according to the Bible it is supposed to.

B. So, another example of false doctrine is the misinterpretation of Romans 4:4,5, & "to him that worketh not" which refers to the Remission of sins only, NOT to Continuing, Abiding or Remaining in Salvation. That passage isn't all of sudden contradicting 2:6-13 as mentioned above & is not directly contradicting "TO HIM THAT WORKETH GOOD" regarding salvation in vs 10. Read 3:24-4:8 which shows that passage is talking about Remission of sins, not Continuance of salvation.

C. Another example is Romans 6:14,15, "not under the law". This refers only to Not Being Under the Law Regarding Condemnation to Death because of Sin as the result of the "Atonement" or Remission of sins & "being MADE righteous",  as specifically mentioned in the immediate context in 5:11,16,19-21. And is NOT referring to Continuing or Abiding or Remaining in Salvation as THIS WOULD CONTRADICT THE IMMEDIATE CONTEXT of all of it's own chapter, ch 6, and Especially vs 22,23 where it specifically mentions "but now being made free from sin" you need "fruit unto holiness" being required for "everlasting life", BECAUSE the "wages of sin is death".

Also, this is obvious in the context of the precedence set before it in 2:6-13.

OF COURSE GRACE FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS IS STILL ALWAYS AVAILABLE AS NEW CHRISTIANS GROW, OR IF WE MAKE A MISTAKE IN SIN.

Regarding point 2 above,  see Philippians 3:12-17 as proof that good works are required for salvation even though perfection is not as one example. But perfection is our daily goal: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48. And since Matthew 5:48 is a command, in reference to Mark 12:30 & Luke 10:25-28, to be done as it can be done in our strength, this goal as a commandment is required to get to Heaven Revelation 22:14.

Regarding point 3 above, see Romans 2:20-29 & Colossians 2:14-22 as just 2 of many examples.

Regarding point 4 above, examples would be Romans 2:13; James 2:14,24; Romans 3:20 & Galatians 2:16 & the section "Are These Contradictions?" above, and the example right below.

Romans 11:5-7, which refers to the "election by grace" which is not by "works". 1. Notice: it does not say  "Salvation by grace" which is not by "works", for a very good reason. Works after Repentance & Grace is indeed required for Salvation. It may imply first receiving salvation by grace and not by works in vs 11, but it says in the very same chapter works for salvation is also needed after first receiving it, see point 3. below. 2. IMPORTANT: The conclusion of the passage at this part here is vs 7, which says Israel has not obtained what it was seeking for, because it was done by works, but obviously the works Paul was referring to may not be Good Works or Holiness which is proven by vs 3, which shows Israel was committing 1st degree murder & digging down the Alters, but he was referring to that the works Israel was doing to obtain what is was seeking for was the works of the Letter of the Law such as the Ceremonial law such as animal sacrifices, rituals of cleansing, holy days etc. Obviously Israel was not trying to obtain salvation by doing good works. You may not see that first hand the way this passage is worded unless you keep in context vs 3. Keep in mind 2 Peter 3:16 says the writing of Paul are hard to understand.

3. Also, if Romans 11:5-7 meant we are not saved by works after grace it would be an obvious direct contradiction to a) the rest of the chapter vs 18-22 which says by boasting (sin) you can lose that very salvation you just obtained, and by b) Romans 2:6-13, which Paul just got done mentioning in the very same book & is the basis & foundation for the rest of Romans & all of the Epistles.

IMPORTANT EXAMPLES OF THE POINTS ABOVE:

ARE THE FOLLOWING VERSES A BIBLE CONTRADICTION?

A) ".. by works a man is JUSTIFIED, and not by faith only." James 2:24

B) "... by the works of the law shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED." Galatians 2:16. And "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED in his sight" Romans 3:20.

A) above is talking about the goal of Salvation, to get to Eternal Life, that is, going to Heaven. And B) is talking about trying to be justified without remission of sins, that is, it is showing you the need of Jesus to forgive your sins. Works Justification comes after initial Remission of  sins, & of course, you will continue to need Remission of Sins if you sin in the future, but only if you repent of them.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have DONE GOOD, unto the RESURRECTION OF LIFE; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.  John 5:28,29
 

TO HAVE YOUR NAME IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE YOU MUST HAVE GOOD WORKS AND AVOID BAD WORKS:
 
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK OF LIFE : and the dead WERE JUDGED out of those things which were written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they WERE JUDGED every man ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was NOT FOUND written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:12-15

And there shall in NO WISE ENTER into it any thing THAT DEFILETH, neither whatsoever WORKETH ABOMINATION, or MAKETH A LIE: but they which are written in the Lamb's BOOK OF LIFE. Revelation 21:27

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  Revelation 22:12

Blessed are they THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, and MAY ENTER in through the gates into the city. FOR WITHOUT are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.  Revelation 22:14,15

NOTE:  In verse 12 above, the word "reward" is referring to what follows in verses 14 and 15. Even if you don't believe that, that doesn't negate verses 14 and 15.

He that OVERCOMETH shall INHERIT all things; and I WILL BE HIS GOD, and he SHALL BE MY SON.  BUT the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART in the lake which BURNETH with FIRE and BRIMSTONE: which is the second death.  Revelation 21:7,8

NOTE: The word :"BUT" above in verse 8 means a continuation of verse 7, and a distinguishing between those who overcome, of who, will inherit and that God will be their God and will they will be God's sons, and what they overcome in verse 8 because the word "BUT" is a continuation of point at hand.

These following 2 verses may not refer to the point of the verses above but some may want to apply it to those verses above. Therefore, it is important to point out that verse 17 below is a continuation and in context of verse 11. It would be good to read chapter 12 entirely if needed.
 
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Revelation 12:11.
 
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Revelation 12:17
 

WORKS BY YOUR OWN EFFORTS IS A FORMAL DOCTRINE REQUIRED FOR SALVATION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

Romans chapter 6 says that works by your own efforts as a requirement for salvation is a formal "Doctrine", not that God's help in many instances is not helpful or sometimes needed. Read all of chapter 6 and note 6:5,6; also note "ye yield yourselves servants to" and "obedience" in vs 16, the word "Doctrine" in vs 17, and "ye become the servants of righteousness" in vs 18, "now yield your members servants to righteousness & holiness" in vs 19 and note Romans 6:22, "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." All of this shows that this "doctrine" is required for salvation.

THE LAW WAS NOT GIVEN TO SHOW WE CANNOT LIVE A HOLY LIFE:   

No where in the Bible does it say this. In fact, Genesis 26:5 says Abraham obeyed & kept God's Law. The Bible does say the Righteousness of the Law shows we have all sinned & need Jesus for remission of sins, but it says what the law was for: Galatians 3:19, " Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." Many misinterpret Galatians 3:24 to mean the law was given to show that we couldn't do it. We couldn't keep up with the outward rituals which were to be done away with, but the Bible in the Old Testament calls many "righteous" and "blameless", we are to follow the "righteousness" of the law and the "inward" part of the law as the Bible states. Here is Galatians 3:24, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The meaning of this verse is not your imagination, but what it is exactly in the immediate context of this verse. "Schoolmaster" is to mean works or deeds we are to actually do. Note Galatians 4:2 in this context the words "tutors" and "governors", as ones we are to be following, the purpose of them in this context is not to prove our failure. And, the words "to bring us unto" before the word "Christ", does not mean here that we needed Christ because we couldn't live holy, the words "to bring us" first of all is in italics, and in the exact immediate context of this passage the word "unto" means "until the time of Christ". Note Galatians 3:18 the word "till", and in 4:2 the words "until the time", and in 4:4 the words "fullness of the time".

YOU MUST BE COUNTED WORTHY BY YOUR OWN WORKS TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN

YOU MUST BE AN OVERCOMER & OVERCOME SIN & THE NEGLECTING OF DOING GOOD & GOOD WORKS TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE & AVOID THE LAKE OF FIRE

PASSOVER

 FOR A FULL EXPLANATION OF PHILIPPIANS 3:9 REFER TO THAT SECTION IN POINT 3 ABOVE

. 

All 4 steps, or Laws, of Salvation in Philippians chapter 3: Repentance vs. 7,8.  Faith vs. 9.  Works vs. 10,11.  And Abiding, or Continuance vs. 12-21. He would not have to repent for doing  "the righteousness of the Law" unless he thought that it would be a benefit to him without Jesus as he knew about Jesus but had rejected him, but he would have to repent of everything else in the list in vs. 5 and 6.

THE WORDS & COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS ARE FOR OUR DAY & AGE, NOT JUST FOR A PREVIOUS DISPENSATION, AS JESUS & JOHN THE BAPTIST CLEARLY SAID

"And saying, THE TIME IS FULFILLED & THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND: repent ye & believe the gospel" Mark 1:15.

"And saying, Repent ye: for THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.......Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make His paths straight." Matthew 3:2,3.

SEE WHAT THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS OF THE FIRST 3 CENTURIES, & WHO WERE THE DIRECT STUDENTS OF PAUL SAY ABOUT WORKS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION:

Clement of Alexandria (c.195, E) "For by grace are we saved"- BUT NOT, INDEED, WITHOUT GOOD WORKS" and "We have discovered faith to be the first movement towards salvation. After faith, fear, hope, and repentance (accompanied by temperance and patience) lead us to love and knowledge." (Here Clement of Alexandria is not ignoring repentance, but that repentance makes you eligible for salvation, whether you consider repentance as the first step or eligible for salvation the outcome is the same, faith he says is the first step, then works.)

Polycarp (c.135, E) said, "Into his joy, many persons desire to enter. They know that "by grace you are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ ...But he who raised Him up from the dead will raise us up also if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness."

Justin Martyr (c.160, E) said, "Blessed is the man whom the Lord does not impute sin" [Ps. 32:2]. That is, having repented of his sins, he can receive remissions of them of God. But this is not as you [Jews] deceive yourselves, and some others who resemble you in this. For they say, that even though they remain sinners, the Lord will not impute sin to them, because they know God.

Theophilus mentioned in Luke 1:3 & Acts 1:1 (c. 180 E) said "He who ACTS RIGHTEOUSLY WILL ESCAPE THE ETERNAL PUNISHMENTS, and he will be thought WORTHY OF THE ETERNAL LIFE FROM GOD"

Theophilus quoting from Romans 2:6-13 (c. 180 E) said "He...will examine all things, and will judge righteous judgement, rendering MERITED awards to each. To those who seek IMMORTALITY by patient endurance in WELL DOING, HE WILL GIVE LIFE EVERLASTING"

 And many many other quotes.  For more quotes on this topic see the book "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" by David Bercot among many other sources.

5. CONTINUANCE, REMAIN and ABIDE: These are the precise words the BIBLE ITSELF uses as requirements for salvation and eternal life. Many '"Statements of Faith" had these exact words as requirements for salvation. The Salvation Army still uses "continuance" in their statement of faith as a requirement to be saved. For example for "continuance" see Romans 2:6,7. For "continue" see Romans 11:22.  Search in the New Testament in the KJV for all forms of the word "Continue", including "Continuance" & "Continuing" for many more.

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries......The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall in the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:26,27,30b,31.

Note vs 26 & 27 is specifically and explicitly referring to Saved Christians, in vs 26 "no more sacrifice for sins" refers to Christ's sacrifice mentioned in vs 12, & vs 26 & 27 are a continuation & a reference to vs 24 prior which say "let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to GOOD WORKS", and to vs 25 prior which is speaking to Saved Christians to not forsaking the gathering of themselves, AND vs 26 starts with the word "For", which shows a continuation & reference to vs 24 & 25. And vs 30 shows this is referring to Christians "The Lord shall judge His people."  SO GRACE DOES NOT COVER WILFULL NEGLECT OF GOOD WORKS . Now read the whole passage to see that this is true: Hebrews 10:22-31. So, if you willfully sin or willfully neglect good works after you're saved you will have to repent & ask for forgiveness, & commit to not doing that sin again or to not neglecting good works. And vs 29 shows this is referring to those that were already Sanctified by Jesus's Blood, & vs 30 is referring to His People.

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned." Hebrews 6:4-8

NOTE: In Hebrews 6:4-8 above it is specifically & explicitly referring to saved Christians who have been Baptized in the Holy Ghost, vs 4 "partakers of the Holy Ghost". And note the end of the passage, vs 8 "whose end is to be burned".

ROMANS 2:6-13 PRECEDES, COMES BEFORE, IS THE BASIS & THE FOUNDATION OF ALL THE EPISTLES, THE REST OF THE NT & THE REST OF ROMANS.

Luke 8:12,13 says in explaining a parable, "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." Whether this group was saved or not, this verse points out that believing is being saved. Continuing in verse 13, "They on the rock are they, which , when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." The people "believe", that is as we said above in verse 12, are actually "saved" for a while. But in time of "temptation" "fall away", that is, fall away from "believing", and fall away from being "saved". It's impossible to fall away from something you never had. Notice the falling away was due to temptation. Also, in the context here believing and avoiding temptation are closely related if not the same.

Your name can be blotted out of the book of life. Exodus 32:32,33 and Revelation 3:5.

"EXCEPT these ABIDE in the ship, ye CANNOT BE SAVED". Acts 27:31. Abide means remain. It's impossible to remain in something you are not in. So this passage can only apply to someone who is already in the thing that he is supposed to remain in. The ship in this passage is of course Christ, and therefore salvation. Whether it's backsliding into sin or losing faith, either way, if you don't remain you won't be saved.

YOU CAN BE "CUT OFF" FROM SALVATION:

ROMANS 11:18-24: Romans 11:5-7 is about "election of grace" (understood after repentence), however, one of the most clearest passages in the bible that proves man can lose that salvation is in that very same chapter, Romans 11:18-24 says, "Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shall be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in : for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?"

Notice, in this passage reference to boasting, which is sin, and standing by faith. You can lose your salvation if you lose your faith, you can lose your salvation if you continue to sin, otherwise it would not say in this passage not to continue to boast lest God "also spare not thee" and otherwise thou also shall be cut off.

"By which also ye are SAVED,  IF  ye KEEP in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS ye have believed IN VAIN." 1st Corinthians 15:2.

IF YOU DON'T CONTINUE IN GOOD WORKS JESUS WILL SPEW YOU OUT OF HIS MOUTH - YOU WILL LOSE YOUR SALVATION:

Jesus says in Revelation 3:15,16, " I know THY WORKS, that thou art neither cold not hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art LUKEWARM, and neither cold not hot, I WILL SPEW THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH."

YOU MUST ABIDE IN GOOD WORKS, JESUS' WORDS & HIS SAYINGS TO STAY SAVED:

Jesus says in John 15:2 "Every branch IN ME that beareth NOT fruit he TAKETH AWAY". Notice, you're IN CHRIST, you have NO FRUIT, then you're TAKEN AWAY FROM CHRIST. Thus you're NO LONGER IN CHRIST. Thus you are no longer saved.

Again Jesus says in John 15:6 "If a man ABIDE NOT IN ME, he is CAST FORTH as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and CAST THEM INTO FIRE, AND THEY ARE BURNED." Notice, abide means to remain, so in this passage a SAVED person who DOESN'T REMAIN is CAST FORTH, that is CAST FORTH FROM JESUS and thus CAST FORTH FROM SALVATION.

"EXCEPT these ABIDE in the ship, ye CANNOT BE SAVED". Acts 27:31. Abide means remain. It's impossible to remain in something you are not in. So this passage can only apply to someone who is already in the thing that he is supposed to remain in. The ship in this passage is of course Christ, and therefore salvation. Whether it's backsliding into sin or losing faith, either way, if you don't remain you won't be saved.

Also, John 14:21-24 and John 15:1-11 says if you obey Jesus's commandments, words and sayings you will be and remain in his love. His love for you is conditional on obeying his commandments, words and sayings. Note "commandments", "words" and "sayings" are plural, unlike verse 12 in this passage that follows-"commandment" to love, which is singular and is simplifying and showing the purpose to His commandments and words and sayings. Thus you cannot just "love" others and continue to sin. Jesus wants you to obey ALL his commandments. Note in John 15:7 it says. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you," not if my commandment (singular) abide in you, but words, not just some but all his words abide in you, thus to abide means to be doing all his words.

GRACE IS LIMITED IT IS ONLY FOR NON-WILLFUL SINS, AND NOT FOR NEGLECTING GOOD WORKS:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26,27

Note vs 26 & 27 is specifically and explicitly referring to Saved Christians, vs 26 & 27 are a continuation & a reference to vs 24 prior which say "let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to GOOD WORKS", and to vs 25 prior which is speaking to Saved Christians to not forsaking the gathering of themselves, AND, vs 26 starts with the word "FOR", which shows a continuation & reference to vs 24 & 25. IT SHOWS THE WORDS "NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS" REFERS ALSO TO THE WORDS IN VS 24"TO PROVOKE UNTO LOVE & TO GOOD WORKS". SO GRACE DOES NOT COVER WILLFUL NEGLECT OF GOOD WORKS.  Now read the whole passage to see that the this is true: Hebrews 10:22-31. So, if you willfully sin or willfully neglect good works after you're saved you will have to repent & ask for forgiveness, & commit to not doing that sin again or to not neglecting good works. And vs 29 shows this is referring to those who are already sanctified by Jesus's Blood, & vs 30 is referring to His people.

"Take HEED unto to THYSELF, & unto the DOCTRINE; CONTINUE in them: FOR IN DOING THIS THOU SHALT SAVE THYSELF & THEM THAT HEAR THEE." 1 Timothy 4:16.

VERSES USING THE WORD "CONTINUANCE" OR "CONTINUE" AS A CONDITION OF SALVATION

Isaiah 64:5, John 8:31, John 15:9,10, Romans 2:7, Romans 11:22, Galatians 3:10, Colossians 1:23, 1 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 8:9, 1 John 2:24, James 1:25.

Galatians 5:19-21 mentioned above, is a list of sins which Paul says that they which do those things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But notice in the whole book of Galatians, including and especially chapter 5, he is giving directions to people who are ALREADY Christians and are ALREADY saved. So if these Christians he is talking to in Galatia decide to do those sins, they will not inherit the kingdom of God, and heaven is in the kingdom of God. Inherit means to receive. Thus they will LOSE THEIR SALVATION and not receive a place in heaven.

Again, as mentioned above Ephesians 5:1-6 Paul is talking to the CHRISTIANS and SAVED people in Ephesus, and is giving them directions on how to live, giving a list of sins of which if they commit WILL NOT HAVE ANY INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Telling those believers in Ephesus regarding the list of sins "let it not once be named among YOU" (v.3) "FOR ("for" means "why" or "because") this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolator, hath ANY inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (v.5). (ANY would, of course, include salvation and heaven).

Hebrews 10:24-27: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to GOOD WORKS:Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching. FOR if WE sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation." NOTICE, it says "FOR if WE", not someone who just heard the Gospel and didn't accept it.

YOU MUST KEEP GOD'S COMMANDMENTS FOR HIM TO CONTINUE TO LOVE YOU

As mentioned above, John 14:21-24 and John 15:1-11 says if you obey Jesus's commandments, words and sayings you will be and remain in his love. His love for you is conditional on obeying his commandments, words and sayings. Note "commandments", "words" and "sayings" are plural, unlike verse 12 in this passage that follows, which is singular- "commandment" to love, and is simplifying and showing the purpose to His commandments and words and sayings. Thus you cannot just "love" others and continue to sin. Jesus wants you to obey ALL his commandments. Note in John 15:7 it says. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you," not if my commandment (singular) abide in you, but words, not just some but all his words abide in you, thus to abide means to be doing all his words.

IF GOD'S PEOPLE BACKSLIDE GOD CAN "LOVE THEM NO MORE" & "HATE THEM" Hosea 9:15.

Even though God's Covenant & Promises with the Israelites were "Forever" & "Everlasting", if they Backslid they could be Cut Off from God & could God could Hate them & Love Them No More. For Backsliding for the Jews & Christians see Hebrews 10:24-31; Hosea 4:16; 11:7; 14:4 & many places in Jeremiah. For "Forever" & "Everlasting" for the Israelites' Covenant & Promises search "Forever" & "Everlasting" in Genesis, Exodus. Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy. 

THE "DOCTRINE OF BALAAM":

In Revelation 2:14 Jesus says he hates the doctrine of Balaam. that the church in Ephesus is teaching. In 2Peter 2:15-19 and in Jude 4 and 11-16 Balaam's "way" and "error" is promising "liberty". That is, liberty to sin, Jude 4 "turning the grace of God into lasciviousness", that is lustful desires. The only way you could say someone has the "liberty", or the "liberty" to sin is to say that they are saved by grace alone, or "once saved, always saved". In Numbers chapters 22,23 and 24 it was Balaam that caused the Israelites to sin.

In the book, "The Works of Josephus", a first century historian, in the section "The Antiquities of the Jews" book 4 chapter 6 starting in verse 127, Balaam is quoted as talking to Balak the Midianite, "It is true no entire destruction can seize upon the nation of the Hebrews, neither by war, nor by plague, nor by scarcity of the fruits of the earth, nor can any other unexpected accident be their entire ruin. (128) for the providence (or predestination, or "forethought" as the word "providence" is defined in the 1600-1700's, the time of the translation of this book, [see glossary in the Cambridge King James Bible and other dictionary or word lists that have "archaic" definitions] ) of God is concerned to preserve them from such a misfortune; nor will it permit any such calamity to come upon them whereby they may all perish; but some small misfortunes, and those for a short time, whereby they may appear to be brought low, may still befall them; but after they will flourish again, to the terror of those that brought the those mischiefs upon them. (129) So if you have mind to gain victory over them for a short space of time you will obtain it by following my directions:-Do you therefore set out the handsomest of such of your daughters as are most eminent for beauty, and proper to force and conquer the modesty of those that behold them, and these decked and trimmed to the highest degree you are able. Then do you send them to be near the Israelites' camp and give them in charge, that when the young men of the Hebrews desire their company, they allow it them; (130) and when they see that they are enamored of them, let them take their leaves; and if they entreat them to stay, let them not give their consent till they have persuaded them to leave off their obedience to their own laws and the worship of that God who established them, and to worship the gods of the Midianites and Moabites; for by this means God will be angry with them."

In other words, Balaam was saying that since the Israelites can't die (or can't lose their salvation) because it is the predestination of God that they have "eternal security", or that since they are "once saved always saved", if they sin God will punish them but they won't lose their salvation.

But as you read in the Book of Numbers chapters 22,23 and 24 in the Old Testament, the Israelites DID DIE, and of a plague that God brought upon them for sinning. In fact the name "Balaam" means - destroyer of the people. And that's what Balaam and his doctrine did and does, destroys God's people.

VERSES WHICH USE THE WORD "CONTINUANCE" OR"CONTINUE" AS A CONDITION OF SALVATION

GOD HAS BREACHED HIS PROMISES IN THE PAST

"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know MY BREACH OF PROMISE." Numbers 14:34. Now read Numbers Chapters 11-14. Read all the passages in the Old Testament about Canaan being ETERNALLY PROMISED to the Israelites.

THE BIBLE CLEARLY SAYS YOU MUST FINISH THE RACE OR THE COURSE TO OBTAIN ETERNAL LIFE

Read these verses, they speak for themselves, but you can read their context also.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Luke 14:28-30; Hebrews 12:1; Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7.

FAITH + WORKS NEEDED FOR SALVATON MENTIONED IN JAMES CHAPTER 2 IS REFERRING TO CONTINUANCE 1:25.

THE BIBLE SAYS THERE WERE THOSE THAT WERE ACTUALLY "SAVED" BY "CONTINUANCE" BY THEM THAT "WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS"  Isaiah 64:5, of which Isaiah 64:6,7 show that this also applies to those after they come to Christ.  AND, the words "Thou (God) meeteth them .....that worketh righteousness" in vs 5 is a continuation of vs 4 of which shows righteous works is required to receive the Holy Spirit as 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 quotes Isaiah 64:4 & interprets Is 64:4 as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.   

MISINTERPRETED VERSES USED TO FALSELY SUPPORT "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED" OR UNCONDITIONAL ETERNAL SECURITY:


All verses people use for this either refers to something externally and not to the person and not to the persons own will or decision whether or not to obey and follow Jesus's commandments and have good works, OR, the verse is out of context of the passage and/or the chapter it is in, that is, the verse they use is completely conditional to whether the person continues to have good  works and be holy and follow the Lord's commandments, and those conditions are mentioned in the passage or the chapter of verse  they are referring to.
 
Examples:  "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."  John 10: 28,29.  BUT,  notice the very verse right before it: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME:" verse 27.  AND NOTICE in the very same book, the book of John, salvation is based on continuing in following Jesus and obeying him and having good works:  John 8:51; John 15:4-6: John 14:21-24 and John 15:1-11 and note John 15:7.  
 
And they often use verses like 2 Timothy 1:12,  "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."  This verse actually disproves their point. In this verse what God is able to "keep" is completely conditional upon what the verse within  itself says it is conditional on. He ONLY keeps those people or things that are  "committed unto Him",  thus, if we don't commit our life and walk to God then God DOES NOT keep us.
 
Another one they use: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5.
 
BUT within the very next book, 2 Peter, is the condition of good works: 2 Peter 1:5-11 says, "And beside all this, giving diligence, ADD to your FAITH virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and  abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that HE WAS PURGED FROM HIS OLD SINS. Wherefore the rather, BRETHREN, give diligence to make your CALLING and ELECTION SURE: FOR if ye DO these things, YE SHALL NEVER FALL: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
 
Notice, the Brethren do these things to make their calling and election sure, or stay. And the ones who did have their sins purged and who were saved, and don't do these things don't have their calling and election sure.
 
And they use verses like Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14, of which in the very same book are the conditions for salvation: Hebrews 6:4-8 and Hebrews 10:26,27.

WHAT THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS OF THE FIRST 3 CENTURIES & WHO WERE THE STUDENTS OF PAUL SAID ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY & "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED"

Letters of the early church fathers reveal that the Christian church did not believe "eternal security": "The whole past time of your faith will profit you nothing, unless now in this wicked time we also withstand coming sources of danger... Take heed, lest resting at our ease, as those who are called, we fall asleep in our sins. For then, the wicked prince, acquiring power over us, will thrust us away from the kingdom of the Lord...And you should pay attention to this all the more, my brothers, when you reflect on and see that even after such great signs and wonders had been performed in Israel, they were still abandoned. Let us beware lest we be found to be, as it is written, the "many who are called," but not the "few who are chosen" Barnabas (c. 70-130, E.)

[written to Christians:] "Since all things are seen and heard [by God] , let us fear Him and forsake those wicked works that proceed from evil desires. By doing that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come. For where can any of us flee from His mighty hand? Clement of Rome (c.96,W)

"Let us then practice righteousness so that we may be saved to the end." Second Clement (c.150)

"For the Lord has sworn by His glory, in regard to His elect, that if any one of them sin after a certain day which has been fixed, he will not be saved. For the repentance of the righteous has limits. Filled up are the days of repentance to all the saints. But to the unbeliever, repentance will be possible even to the last day...for the Lord has sworn by His Son, that those who denied their Lord have abandoned their life in despair." Hermas (c.150, W)

"It was not to those who are on the outside that he said these things, but to us-lest we should be cast forth from the kingdom of God, by doing such thing."Iranaeus (c.180, E/W)

"Knowing that what preserves his life, namely, obedience to God, is good, he may diligently keep it with all earnestness" Iranaeus (c.180,E)

"Those who do not obey Him, being disinherited by Him, have ceased to be His sons." Iranaeus (c.180, E/W)

"He who hopes for everlasting rest knows also that the entrance to it is toilsome and narrow. So let him who has once received the Gospel not turn back, like Lot's wife, as is said-even in the very hour in which he has come to the knowledge of salvation. And let him not go back either to his former life (which adheres to the things of sense) or to heresies." Clement of Alexandria (c.195, E)

"No one is a Christian but he who perseveres even to the end." Tertullian (c. 195, W)

"The world returned to sin...and so it is destined to fire, So is the man who after baptism renews his sins." (Tertullian (c.198, W)

And many many other quotes. For more quotes see the two David W. Bercot books, "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" and "Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up" for more early Christian writings among many many other sources.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1565633571

http://www.amazon.com/Will-Real-Heretics-Please/dp/0924722002

6. Believe in the physical literal RETURN of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 40:10; Psalms 97:6; Luke 9:26; 21:27; Matthew chapter 24; 25:19; 25:31. And many other verses in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

7. Spend ETERNITY with God which will happen if you do the above. John 3:16,19,20,21.

And many other verses for the above 7 points.

The four steps or laws to be saved: 1. REPENT, repairing sins you can repair immediately & an attitude, intention and a commitment to live right and correct wrongs in the future. 2. FAITH for FORGIVENESS, a gift, not obtained by works, but by grace. 3. WORKS, a changed person. 4. REMAIN.  NOTE: These are not only steps in order, but also they exist during each of the other laws or steps. EX: you must do WORKS,  in meet of repentance that you are able to do immediately before you can get God's Grace. See Luke 3:8, Acts 26:20. So you must do those works, works being law 3, before getting law 2. But the bulk of your works will come after Grace. EX: if you are getting drunk or stealing, you aren't going to get God's forgiveness if you continue doing those things.

1. REPENT 2. FAITH 3. WORKS 4. REMAIN Go Back Home