Grace

I seem to have stirred a hornet’s nest with my discussions on works.
Sigh… I will try one final time to convey what I interpret the Bible to say about the subject. It is my interpretation that works do not get anyone into heaven. That is a gift of God and is due to His loving grace saving us through our faith. It is not from anything we do in the way of works. However my singular point is if one does not have works such as witnessing, attending church, studying the Word of God, praying, tithing, helping others, etc., then I think they must question whether or not the Spirit of God resides in them. The Bible says you will know them by their fruits, going on to say you do not get thistles from a fruit tree or similar analogy. The bottom line is if you are really a Christian you will act like one by doing the will of your Father in heaven. This is not to say that we are perfect. Indeed we continue to sin. When we do, we feel bad about it, we ask for forgiveness and make every effort within our power to not allow it to happen in our lives again. In short if one is really a Christian they will be working for the Lord and as a result they should have some good works to show for it.

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For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should
boast.
For we are His workmanship
created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God prepared beforehand
that we should walk in them.