Faith Alone, Equivalent to Nothing?

[Isaiah45_9]

All good things that come from a righteous man, come from thee:

50 Things the Holy Spirit Does

1.  He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

2.  He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

3.  He regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).

4.  He glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).

5.  He reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).

6.  He leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).

7.  He sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).

8.  He empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).

9.  He fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).

10. He teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).
11. He bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).
12. **He produces in us the fruit **or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23). frankviola.org/2010/11/18/50-things-the-holy-spirit-does/

The Holy Spirit gives the increase…not us. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

I love the Holy Spirit and the references about Him in Scriptures. However, this is my favorite one:

The Advocate. 15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.* 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. 18I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. 21*Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23Jesus answered and said to him, **“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
25“I have told you this while I am with you. 26The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that * told you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28*You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. 30I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world* is coming. He has no power over me, 31*but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.



The Holy Spirit will reminds us of what Jesus has said:

15*“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
21*Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.
23 “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

That does sound like we have to keep His commandments in order to Love Him.

You see the progression here?

Through Grace - by Faith with Good Works - produces Love.

“Faith Alone” has no room in our language, or any language for that matter.

“Divide and conquer”… ain’t that the truth…**

 

[bbbeatt]

The verse doesn’t say that justification is received without works. It says we are justified by faith. It doesn’t say by faith alone.
What kind of faith is Paul talking about? He can only be talking about a saving faith.

Would that be a dead faith without works or a saving faith with works?
Only a faith with works can justify.
James makes that point in James 2:14
“What does it profit a man, my brothers if a man says he has faith but has not works. Can FAITH save him?”
The answer is no. Faith does not save without works
I don’t have a problem with that statement. Works effect justification along with faith and not apart from faith.
The Catholic position is that faith is the “beginning” of our justification which actually takes place when we are baptized. Justification is the exact moment that we are “washed” and “sanctified and justified”. 1 Cor. 6:11
But he DOES state that we are NOT justified by faith alone. Something else is necessary along with our faith for it to be a “saving” faith.

I think what you are missing is that justification is a lifelong process. It’s seed is planted when we have faith then it is full grown at our baptism. We then go through a process of justification (which we can lose) our entire life.
How many times was Abraham justified? You must believe that he was only justified once but that is not what scripture tells us. .Abraham was justified three times. That completely destroys the Protestant position of imputed righteousness
You obviously want to continue to deny that Paul is talking about Old Covenant works such as circumcision. You are a hard nut to crack!
Yes. If you do them you will have eternal life and therefore if you DON’T do them you will not have eternal life. Works do play a role

Look at this passage. Even if you believe that Jesus is speaking symbolically, He still states that we must DO something. “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life in you, he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:53-54
Amen
OK…… BUT they arose out of a “saving” faith which must INCLUDE works and if a saving faith MUST include works then it is impossible to be saved by faith alone.
Not the works given by Moses. Not the works that the Jews did to obligate God to save them

That is why in Romans 4:4 Paul says, “Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due.”
The Jews had an employee/employer relationship with God instead of a father/son relationship based on love. Paul is not teaching that Christians do not have to keep the Commandments. He says, “The doers of the law will be justified” and “keeping the commandments is what counts”.

Why was the Council of Jerusalem called? What was the question that had to be settled?
I am really not sure how you are interpreting that verse. I know you want to use it to support the “bible alone” theory but that doesn’t work.
Is Paul telling them not to go beyond what is written in this particular letter? In the opening chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul quotes from the Old Testament six times. Perhaps he is telling them not to go beyond what is written in those six quotes.

Paul letters to the Corinthians was written probably around the year 56 which means it was written BEFORE the Gospel of John and Luke and the Acts of the apostles and certainly the book of Revelation. Is Paul telling us not to read those books? I think not

The King James translates it like this:
“that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

As you can see by the King James translation “not to go beyond what is written” has nothing to do with sola scriptura.
Same here and I hope and pray that you no longer believe that a person can commit adultery and still be a “saint” and inherit heaven.

One last thought. Remember what scripture says we must DO.

“PURSUE holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

God bless

We agree on many things. I am not defending a Protestant position… cannot agree with Calvin and Luther.

The gospel can be stated in SIX WORDS: "Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, “FEAR GOD AND GIVE HIM GLORY, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelations 14:6-7 NRSVCE

“FEAR GOD AND GIVE HIM GLORY” is how the gospel is explained by an angel.

I know when the Holy Spirit came into me. I had no intention of becoming a Christian. I thought I was one. I had come to a point where I could no longer continue. I said “Lord, I can’t carry the load. You will have to carry it.” In that moment, his peace flooded into me. I felt like I was floating. A light appeared in the room. I gazed at it for hours or minutes… I don’t know how long. I was in the spirit for three days. His spirit came into me at that moment. I am His. I belong to Him! He is in me and I in Him. In that moment, I ceased to be a deist… I trusted Him.

Paul states that salvation is NOT the result of works:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” Eph 2:8,9

Where in the text does Paul limit “works” to works of law?

In other books, Paul does say “works of law” but not here. Justification doesn’t equal salvation.

How does the text limit “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” in Eph 2:8 to mean “not the result of works of the law”?

Father of Heaven and Earth… bless Third Day and I with joy in your presence in this life… greater than any joy imaginable. Amen

 

[Third_Day]

=bbbeatt;10510728]We agree on many things. I am not defending a Protestant position… cannot agree with Calvin and Luther.

The gospel can be stated in SIX WORDS: "Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, “FEAR GOD AND GIVE HIM GLORY, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelations 14:6-7 NRSVCE

“FEAR GOD AND GIVE HIM GLORY” is how the gospel is explained by an angel.

If that were the only book and the only verse in scripture then you would be right BUT there are 72 other books that are also the inspired word of God. As Paul said:
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching…and training in righteousness." 2 Tim 3:16

I know when the Holy Spirit came into me. I had no intention of becoming a Christian. I thought I was one. I had come to a point where I could no longer continue. I said “Lord, I can’t carry the load. You will have to carry it.” In that moment, his peace flooded into me. I felt like I was floating. A light appeared in the room. I gazed at it for hours or minutes… I don’t know how long. I was in the spirit for three days. His spirit came into me at that moment. I am His. I belong to Him! He is in me and I in Him. In that moment, I ceased to be a deist… I trusted Him.

You definitely had a conversion moment but that doesn’t mean you have attained salvation. That was the beginning of your walk with the Lord. You have yet to find out where the Lord is taking you.

Paul states that salvation is NOT the result of works:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” Eph 2:8,9
Where in the text does Paul limit “works” to works of law?

What other works would Paul be talking about? That was the controversy that the infant Church was dealing with. Paul became so angry with the Judaizers that Paul tells the christians in Galatians 5:12
“I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!”

Paul was angry that they were preaching another Gospel

We can logically deduce that Paul is speaking about only about Old Covenant works that the Jews did to obligate God for salvation. That is why Paul often mentions “boasting” which the Jews did in front of the pagans.

Works of grace do not obligate God since God is the one giving the grace.

Paul talks about works of grace in Ephesians 3:10 where he says, “We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Paul talks about works of grace in Romans 2"4-7 “Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?..for God will give to everyman according to his works, to those who by patience and well -doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give **eternal life.” **

Paul talks about works of grace in Romans 2:13 For it is not the hears of the law who are righteous before God but the doers of the law who will be justified."

In other books, Paul does say “works of law” but not here.

The same Holy Spirit that inspired Paul to say that we are justified apart from “works” also inspired James to say we ARE justified by works and not by faith only."
James can only be speaking of works of grace and Paul can only be speaking of works of the old law. One justifies with faith another doesn’t.

Justification doesn’t equal salvation.

Not sure what you mean. Don’t you believe in imputed justification?

How does the text limit “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” in Eph 2:8 to mean “not the result of works of the law”?

Because that was the controversy in the beginning of the Church. That is why the Council of Jerusalem had to be called.

Peter said that Paul’s letters are hard to understand and the untrained and non-established twist to their own destruction. This is why Christ left us a teaching Church so that we “may no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the cunning of men.” Eph 4:14

I am not defending a Protestant position… cannot agree with Calvin and Luther.

But you are repeating their doctrine on faith alone. No one before them even contemplated such a thing.

God bless

 

[Siamus]

As it is written…

Faith, without works, is dead.

Do you have a charitable spirit?

Do you truly love your neighbor as you love yourself?

Do you honor your father and mother so that your days will be long on earth?

 

[bbbeatt]

If that were the only book and the only verse in scripture then you would be right BUT there are 72 other books that are also the inspired word of God. As Paul said:
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching…and training in righteousness." 2 Tim 3:16

You definitely had a conversion moment but that doesn’t mean you have attained salvation. That was the beginning of your walk with the Lord. You have yet to find out where the Lord is taking you.

What other works would Paul be talking about? That was the controversy that the infant Church was dealing with. Paul became so angry with the Judaizers that Paul tells the christians in Galatians 5:12
“I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!”

Paul was angry that they were preaching another Gospel

We can logically deduce that Paul is speaking about only about Old Covenant works that the Jews did to obligate God for salvation. That is why Paul often mentions “boasting” which the Jews did in front of the pagans.

Works of grace do not obligate God since God is the one giving the grace.

Paul talks about works of grace in Ephesians 3:10 where he says, “We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Paul talks about works of grace in Romans 2"4-7 “Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?..for God will give to everyman according to his works, to those who by patience and well -doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give **eternal life.” **

Paul talks about works of grace in Romans 2:13 For it is not the hears of the law who are righteous before God but the doers of the law who will be justified."

The same Holy Spirit that inspired Paul to say that we are justified apart from “works” also inspired James to say we ARE justified by works and not by faith only."
James can only be speaking of works of grace and Paul can only be speaking of works of the old law. One justifies with faith another doesn’t.

Not sure what you mean. Don’t you believe in imputed justification?

Because that was the controversy in the beginning of the Church. That is why the Council of Jerusalem had to be called.

Peter said that Paul’s letters are hard to understand and the untrained and non-established twist to their own destruction. This is why Christ left us a teaching Church so that we “may no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the cunning of men.” Eph 4:14

But you are repeating their doctrine on faith alone. No one before them even contemplated such a thing.

God bless

My question was:

How does the text limit “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” in Eph 2:8 to mean “not the result of works of the law”?

Your answer:
“Because that was the controversy in the beginning of the Church. That is why the Council of Jerusalem had to be called.”

Are you saying that everyone understood that Works really meant Works of Law? In Paul’s other books he didn’t presume that since he repeatedly wrote “works of law”. But in Eph 2:28, he wrote “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”.

I don’t understand how “works” in Eph 2:28 intended only “works of law”.

 

[Third_Day]

My question was:

How does the text limit “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS” in Eph 2:8 to mean “not the result of works of the law”?

Your answer:
“Because that was the controversy in the beginning of the Church. That is why the Council of Jerusalem had to be called.”

Are you saying that everyone understood that Works really meant Works of Law? In Paul’s other books he didn’t presume that since he repeatedly wrote “works of law”. But in Eph 2:28, he wrote “NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”.

I don’t understand how “works” in Eph 2:28 intended only “works of law”.

bbbeat, what you are doing is taking Paul’s quotes out of it historical context of the first century and projecting it to the 21st century.Paul’s argument against ‘works’ was between Jews and Gentiles not Catholic and Protestants.

Yes, every Jew knew what Paul was talking about. Every Jew knew that the word works equals works of the Mosaic Law. As I have already stated that included the Ten Commandments which the Jews used against the pagans who weren’t given the law by God.
The Jews only kept the commandments in order to obligate God like an employee obligates his employer to pay his for his work. As I have already stated that is why Paul uses the words "wages"and “due” in Romans 4:4

But notice in Romans 2:14-16 that Paul says that even though the gentiles don’t have THE LAW they do have THE LAW written on their hearts. Their conscience knows what is right and wrong and they will be “accused or excused” on the day of judgment based on how they obeyed the moral law written on their hearts.

It is possible that some Gentiles didn’t understand the word “works” and that is why James wrote his letter to clear up the matter that YES we are justified by works and not by faith alone
James makes it clear that he is talking about works of “grace” in James 1:25 where he says “But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty and perseveres, being not a hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing” The perfect law is the law of grace.

The law of Moses was not one of “liberty” but as Peter said at the Council of Jerusalem the law of Moses was a “yoke upon the neck.” There were 613 works of the law that Jews were expected to follow. Circumcision was the one that the Judaizers was saying was still necessary for salvation.

Think about it. The Hebrew scriptures NEVER say that circumcision was to be abolished. What the apostles were saying was radical. For thousands of years circumcision was necessary to be in God’s covenant and now it isn’t?

By the way, the word Judaizer comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.2:14…
…"If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”( Greek-  Judaize )

Go to a English to Greek bible online ( Blueletterbible.com is very good) and you can read that the phrase “live like a Jew” is judaize.

Just google the word judaizers and you can read the historical reality of the conflict.
Circumcision is still a big deal to Jews today. Go online and look into it from the Jews standpoint

From Judaism 101:

“The commandment** is binding** upon both the father of the child and the child himself. If a father does not have his son circumcised, the son is** obligated** to have himself circumcised as soon as he becomes an adult. A person who is uncircumcised suffers the penalty of spiritual excision; in other words, regardless of how good a Jew he is in all other ways,** a man has no place in the World to Come if he is uncircumcised. "**

.

 

[PRmerger]

Continued…

In interpreting scripture, we must be careful to not “go beyond what is written” Paul wrote: “Do not go beyond what is written” 1 Cor 4:6.

If you truly believe this, bbbeatt, then you would be a Sola Old Testament proponent, right?

For what St. Paul is referring to is, of course, the OT, since the NT was not yet written.

Is that what you are proposing?

Or do you go “beyond what was written” at the time and add to that?

 

[PRmerger]

I’m not arguing. I am interested in the Catholic position. Take is as humor… But, I’m searching to find a group that I agree with.

May the Holy Spirit guide you in your search, bbb.

But may I respectfully challenge you to NOT search “to find a group that” you agree with?

Is that not the absolute WRONG way to be a Christian? For is that not the essence of creating a god in one’s own image?

Rather, should you not find the Church that Christ established, and then conform all your views to that Church?

 

[bbbeatt]

bbbeat, what you are doing is taking Paul’s quotes out of it historical context of the first century and projecting it to the 21st century.Paul’s argument against ‘works’ was between Jews and Gentiles not Catholic and Protestants.

Yes, every Jew knew what Paul was talking about. Every Jew knew that the word works equals works of the Mosaic Law. As I have already stated that included the Ten Commandments which the Jews used against the pagans who weren’t given the law by God.
The Jews only kept the commandments in order to obligate God like an employee obligates his employer to pay his for his work. As I have already stated that is why Paul uses the words "wages"and “due” in Romans 4:4

But notice in Romans 2:14-16 that Paul says that even though the gentiles don’t have THE LAW they do have THE LAW written on their hearts. Their conscience knows what is right and wrong and they will be “accused or excused” on the day of judgment based on how they obeyed the moral law written on their hearts.

It is possible that some Gentiles didn’t understand the word “works” and that is why James wrote his letter to clear up the matter that YES we are justified by works and not by faith alone
James makes it clear that he is talking about works of “grace” in James 1:25 where he says “But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty and perseveres, being not a hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing” The perfect law is the law of grace.

The law of Moses was not one of “liberty” but as Peter said at the Council of Jerusalem the law of Moses was a “yoke upon the neck.” There were 613 works of the law that Jews were expected to follow. Circumcision was the one that the Judaizers was saying was still necessary for salvation.

Think about it. The Hebrew scriptures NEVER say that circumcision was to be abolished. What the apostles were saying was radical. For thousands of years circumcision was necessary to be in God’s covenant and now it isn’t?

By the way, the word Judaizer comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.2:14…
…"If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”( Greek-  Judaize )

Go to a English to Greek bible online ( Blueletterbible.com is very good) and you can read that the phrase “live like a Jew” is judaize.

Just google the word judaizers and you can read the historical reality of the conflict.
Circumcision is still a big deal to Jews today. Go online and look into it from the Jews standpoint

From Judaism 101:

“The commandment** is binding** upon both the father of the child and the child himself. If a father does not have his son circumcised, the son is** obligated** to have himself circumcised as soon as he becomes an adult. A person who is uncircumcised suffers the penalty of spiritual excision; in other words, regardless of how good a Jew he is in all other ways,** a man has no place in the World to Come if he is uncircumcised. "**

.

Lord of Heaven and Earth, please reveal yourself to Third Day and I. Amen!

So, you are saying that "Works really meant “Works of Law”.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good WORKS, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10 NRSVCE

If we conclude that what was intended was different from what was written, then we can conclude anything from anything. Contradictions will appear. The good works in the next verse then mean that God created us for “good works of law”, which is a contradiction of terms as we both understand that we are not justified by works of law.

How do you interpret this passage:
“he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done,” Titus 3:5

Here Paul is saying that we are not being saved because of any “works of righteousness”. Are you saying that a “work of righteousness” equals a “work of law”. It seems that a work of righteousness would equal a “work of grace”. Since we both understand that a “work of law” does not justify, how can a “work of law” equal a “work of righteousness”?

That righteousness cannot come from the law is clear:
“not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law” Phillipians 3:9
“For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 2 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ[a] might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:21,22

How do you interpret this passage:
“he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done,” Titus 3:5

May God Bless you richly!!!

 

[inChristAlone33]

I love the Holy Spirit and the references about Him in Scriptures. However, this is my favorite one:

The Advocate. 15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.* 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. 18I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. 21*Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23Jesus answered and said to him, **“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
25“I have told you this while I am with you. 26The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything *and remind you of all that * told you. 27Peace* I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28*You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. 30I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world* is coming. He has no power over me, 31*but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.



The Holy Spirit will reminds us of what Jesus has said:

15*“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
21*Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.
23 “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

That does sound like we have to keep His commandments in order to Love Him.

You see the progression here?

Through Grace - by Faith with Good Works - produces Love.

“Faith Alone” has no room in our language, or any language for that matter.

“Divide and conquer”… ain’t that the truth…

I agree we must keep these commandments…my point was that God is the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 2:12

It is because of His Mercy and Love do we love and do good works. Nothing in ourselves.

 

[Third_Day]

=bbbeatt;10520584]So, you are saying that "Works really meant “Works of Law”.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good WORKS, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10 NRSVCE
If we conclude that what was intended was different from what was written, then we can conclude anything from anything. Contradictions will appear

.This is why sacred Tradition is so important. Christians have always understood Paul’s use of “works” to be those of the Law of Moses

Context is everything. In Ephesians 3:8 which you quote above notice what Paul says:

“By grace you have been saved. “ Ok, I am sure we agree on that. We are saved by grace.

“Through faith” Paul doesn’t say faith “alone” he just says faith which for Paul was a True Saving Faith.

“And this is not your own doing.” This is what the Jews believed. They did it all. They didn’t need God’s help.

“It is the gift OF God.” It doesn’t say a gift FROM God but OF God. Grace is the life OF God that is actually within us.

“Not the result of works” The Jews believed then AND now that works of the Old Law still save.

The following is from a Jewish website

beingjewish.com/#faqs

“A Jew is a vessel for holiness. That is our purpose, and Hashem has created us with the unique capacity for certain attainments of holiness. The Torah( Known as The Law) is the way we attain holiness. It is the only way for a Jew to attain holiness. We, as vessels for holiness, must keep the Torah…….The Torah equates Kashrus with holiness, when it says, “Be holy people to Me, and don’t eat treif…” (Exodus 22:30). (We use treif to mean any type of non-kosher, but here the Torah means specifically a kosher animal that has been killed by any means other than the proper ritual slaughtering.) We see, therefore, that eating kosher is a necessary element of being holy…….Every Jew is expected to study Torah…Women are required to study – at the very least – all the Laws that they must fulfill…We are a nation of Torah. We have always been, and we always will be…”

More from Jewish sites:

faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/06-Jewish-Thought/section-38.html

“Jews believe that God expects you to do the best you have with what you have-- including upbringing, innate abilities, and the situations you find yourself in–and you have the power to perfect yourself”

Notice they believe they can “perfect” in other words “sanctify, make holy” themselves. They have the power. No mention of God working in them by grace. That was what Paul was up against. How do you get them to see that they are not saved by themselves without a personal relationship with a God that loves them? That ‘s what Paul means that we are save by faith apart from works of Torah it is by God’s grace we are saved. But Paul never says we are saved by faith apart from works of love which come from God’s grace. Christians are justified by faith and works of love not by works of Torah. Paul makes that clear in Galatioans 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail but faith working through love.”

Continue

 

[Third_Day]

Continue

]=bbbeatt;10520584 The good works in the next verse then mean that God created us for “good works of law”, which is a contradiction of terms as we both understand that we are not justified by works of law.

“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good WORKS, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life”

Paul never calls the law of Moses “good” works. He calls them “works”. Big difference!
God did not prepare us to do works of the law. Moses did that. God gave man the commandments. Moses added the law.
Joshua 8:32 “And there in the presence of the people of Israel he wrote upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses which he had written”

How do you interpret this passage:
“he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done,” Titus 3:5

Context. We need to finish the passage

“He saved us not because of any works of righteousness that we had done BUT in virtue of his own mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that we might be justified by his grace.”

Paul’s point is that God didn’t save us because we did something on our own. God’s motive was solely His mercy.
How did He save us? His death and resurrection brought the law of grace which enables us to be saved though the waters of baptism, that is the “washing of regeneration” that Paul mentions in that verse.
That is why Peter can say, “Baptism now SAVES you.”1 Peter 3:21
Baptism is where we receive sanctifying grace and we are regenerated, born again into a new creation, a son of God. We are “saved.” The question is will we remain saved by God’s grace received at baptism or will we reject God’s grace and be lost.

Here Paul is saying that we are not being saved because of any “works of righteousness”. Are you saying that a “work of righteousness” equals a “work of law”.
It seems that a work of righteousness would equal a “work of grace”.

Only AFTER we are justified in baptism. According to scripture baptism sanctifies and justifies us as Paul says in 1 Cor. 6:11. Then God begins to work in us and we must cooperate with His grace and “work out” our own salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)
Again, it is all God’s grace NOT our own doing and so we cannot boast.

Since we both understand that a “work of law” does not justify, how can a “work of law” equal a “work of righteousness”?
That righteousness cannot come from the law is clear:
“not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law” Phillipians 3:9

Righteousness come from GRACE not from the law of Moses.
Read the very next line where Paul tells us where our righteousness comes from: “the righteousness FROM God that depends on faith “

“For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law

The works of the Law of Moses could not make the Jews “alive” with grace.

2 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ[a] might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:21,22

What was promised through faith was grace that is given to all who believe. Jesus told us that we can do nothing apart from Him.
Sufficient grace is given to all so that all may be saved but not all accept God’s grace. A saving faith comes from accepting God’s grace and living out that grace in faith AND works. Take out the “and” and you have faithworks. That is how we are justified by grace through a faith that works.

God bless

 

[Isaiah45_9]

I agree we must keep these commandments…my point was that God is the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 2:12

It is because of His Mercy and Love do we love and do good works. Nothing in ourselves.

And still we are accountable.

 

[joe370]

And still we are accountable.

 

[joe370]

I agree we must keep these commandments…my point was that God is the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 2:12

It is because of His Mercy and Love do we love and do good works. Nothing in ourselves.

Agreed. However, a lot of atheists, agnostics and people of other non-Christian religions also do amazing good works. Is it because of Jesus’ Mercy and Love that those folks are able to love and do good works? They would deny that…Your thoughts?

 

[bbbeatt]

Continue

Paul never calls the law of Moses “good” works. He calls them “works”. Big difference!
God did not prepare us to do works of the law. Moses did that. God gave man the commandments. Moses added the law.
Joshua 8:32 “And there in the presence of the people of Israel he wrote upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses which he had written”

Context. We need to finish the passage

“He saved us not because of any works of righteousness that we had done BUT in virtue of his own mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that we might be justified by his grace.”

Paul’s point is that God didn’t save us because we did something on our own. God’s motive was solely His mercy.
How did He save us? His death and resurrection brought the law of grace which enables us to be saved though the waters of baptism, that is the “washing of regeneration” that Paul mentions in that verse.
That is why Peter can say, “Baptism now SAVES you.”1 Peter 3:21
Baptism is where we receive sanctifying grace and we are regenerated, born again into a new creation, a son of God. We are “saved.” The question is will we remain saved by God’s grace received at baptism or will we reject God’s grace and be lost.

Only AFTER we are justified in baptism. According to scripture baptism sanctifies and justifies us as Paul says in 1 Cor. 6:11. Then God begins to work in us and we must cooperate with His grace and “work out” our own salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)
Again, it is all God’s grace NOT our own doing and so we cannot boast.
Righteousness come from GRACE not from the law of Moses.
Read the very next line where Paul tells us where our righteousness comes from: “the righteousness FROM God that depends on faith “
The works of the Law of Moses could not make the Jews “alive” with grace.
What was promised through faith was grace that is given to all who believe. Jesus told us that we can do nothing apart from Him.
Sufficient grace is given to all so that all may be saved but not all accept God’s grace. A saving faith comes from accepting God’s grace and living out that grace in faith AND works. Take out the “and” and you have faithworks. That is how we are justified by grace through a faith that works.

God bless

Third Day,

“he saved us, NOT because of any works of righteousness that we had done,” Titus 3:5

Yet you are saying that we ARE saved by works of righteousness AND faith.

Consider:
“Our TVs are NOT made of refurbished parts” is inconsistent with “ Our TVs ARE made of refurbished AND new parts”.
“we are NOT saved by works of righteousness” is inconsistent with “we ARE saved by works and faith”.

Lord of Heaven and Earth… please reveal yourself to us! Amen.

 

[Third_Day]

=bbbeatt;10529121]Third Day,“he saved us, NOT because of any works of righteousness that we had done,” Titus 3:5
Yet you are saying that we ARE saved by works of righteousness AND faith.

I think you are going on a wild goose chase.
Paul’s point here is about God’s mercy. He isn’t even addressing the role of works given to us by God. He isn’t even addressing the question of the necessity of faith.He is stressing that it was solely by the mercy of God that salvation even exists.
Go back to Genesis 3:15 where God promises to send His Son, our Redeemer. Adam and Eve and their offspring, the human race,did nothing to deserve a Redeemer. It was solely God’s mercy.

In Titus 3:5-6 Paul tells us that through God’s mercy He saved us by the “washing of regeneration” In other, words, the grace received at baptism.

TItus 3: 5 is a strong verse on the necessity of water baptism. Clearly not symbolic.Not sure where you stand on baptism

Consider:
“Our TVs are NOT made of refurbished parts” is inconsistent with “ Our TVs ARE made of refurbished AND new parts”.“we are NOT saved by works of righteousness” is inconsistent with “we ARE saved by works and faith”.

This has nothing to do with Paul’s point which is God’s mercy as the reason for the existence of salvation.

The texts you have to deal with are:

James 2:24 where he says we are justified by works and not by faith alone

Paul in Romans 2:6-7 where he says that God will give us, according to our works, eternal life

Paul in Romans 6:16 where he says that “obedience” leads to justification.

Paul in Romans 2:13 where he says that the observers of the law “will be justified.”

Jesus who said if you want to enter into eternal life you must keep the commandments.

Jesus who said in John 5:28-29 that all who have done “good” will enter eternal life.

Jesus who said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the “righteous” will enter eternal life based on their works of charity.

Jesus who said in Matthew 5:20 unless your "righteousness’ exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees you will not enter heaven.

 

[bbbeatt]

I think you are going on a wild goose chase.
Paul’s point here is about God’s mercy. He isn’t even addressing the role of works given to us by God. He isn’t even addressing the question of the necessity of faith.He is stressing that it was solely by the mercy of God that salvation even exists.
Go back to Genesis 3:15 where God promises to send His Son, our Redeemer. Adam and Eve and their offspring, the human race,did nothing to deserve a Redeemer. It was solely God’s mercy.

In Titus 3:5-6 Paul tells us that through God’s mercy He saved us by the “washing of regeneration” In other, words, the grace received at baptism.

TItus 3: 5 is a strong verse on the necessity of water baptism. Clearly not symbolic.Not sure where you stand on baptism

This has nothing to do with Paul’s point which is God’s mercy as the reason for the existence of salvation.

The texts you have to deal with are:

James 2:24 where he says we are justified by works and not by faith alone

Paul in Romans 2:6-7 where he says that God will give us, according to our works, eternal life

Paul in Romans 6:16 where he says that “obedience” leads to justification.

Paul in Romans 2:13 where he says that the observers of the law “will be justified.”

Jesus who said if you want to enter into eternal life you must keep the commandments.

Jesus who said in John 5:28-29 that all who have done “good” will enter eternal life.

Jesus who said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the “righteous” will enter eternal life based on their works of charity.

Jesus who said in Matthew 5:20 unless your "righteousness’ exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees you will not enter heaven.

I Pray: Lord of Heaven and Earth, reveal yourself to Third Day, myself and all who hear your word! Amen.

All quotes are from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition.

1. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. James 2:5

Response: James establishes a JUSTIFICATION by works. Webster: Justify = proved. The passage does not state that we are SAVED by works.

However, Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, Not because of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”

1. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: 7 to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;8 while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:6-7

Response: Immortality will be received by those who SEEK FOR GLORY AND HONOR by PATIENTLY DOING GOOD. Yes, those who do that receive immortality. The passage does not say that immortality is received BECAUSE they seek for glory and honor by patiently doing good.

However, Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, Not because of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”. Doing good is the proof of saving faith. So, those who do good will be saved, since works are proof of saving faith.

1. Paul in Romans 6:16 where he says that “obedience” leads to justification. “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Romans 6:16

Response: The following sentences state that they are not slaves to sin but are slaves to righteousness. “Slavery” is not an intermittent state. That the individuals in the church at Rome were categorically “slaves to righteousness” is consistent with an imputed state of righteousness rather than an intermittent state of salvation that changed with each sin or repentance. Again, the passage does not state that they were saved BY obedience or works.

1. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:13

Response: justification is the subject, not salvation. Webster: Justify = proved. The passage does not state that we are SAVED by works.

However, Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, Not because of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”

1. “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And he said… There is only ONE who is good. If you would enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt 19:16-17

Response: Yes, one who keeps the commandments will enter life. The passage does not say that life is entered BECAUSE we keep the commandments.

However, Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, NOT BECAUSE of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”

One cannot do works that please God without faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please him (God). Hebrews 11:6

So, if works are done which please God, they arose out of faith. It was the faith that saved, not the works… as Paul explicitly states that salvation is NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS.

Continued…

 

[bbbeatt]

I think you are going on a wild goose chase.
Paul’s point here is about God’s mercy. He isn’t even addressing the role of works given to us by God. He isn’t even addressing the question of the necessity of faith.He is stressing that it was solely by the mercy of God that salvation even exists.
Go back to Genesis 3:15 where God promises to send His Son, our Redeemer. Adam and Eve and their offspring, the human race,did nothing to deserve a Redeemer. It was solely God’s mercy.

In Titus 3:5-6 Paul tells us that through God’s mercy He saved us by the “washing of regeneration” In other, words, the grace received at baptism.

TItus 3: 5 is a strong verse on the necessity of water baptism. Clearly not symbolic.Not sure where you stand on baptism

This has nothing to do with Paul’s point which is God’s mercy as the reason for the existence of salvation.

The texts you have to deal with are:

James 2:24 where he says we are justified by works and not by faith alone

Paul in Romans 2:6-7 where he says that God will give us, according to our works, eternal life

Paul in Romans 6:16 where he says that “obedience” leads to justification.

Paul in Romans 2:13 where he says that the observers of the law “will be justified.”

Jesus who said if you want to enter into eternal life you must keep the commandments.

Jesus who said in John 5:28-29 that all who have done “good” will enter eternal life.

Jesus who said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the “righteous” will enter eternal life based on their works of charity.

Jesus who said in Matthew 5:20 unless your "righteousness’ exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees you will not enter heaven.

1. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29

Response: A works salvation viewpoint turns this passage into nonsense. Have you done evil?.. you will be damned. Have you done good?.. you receive life. All are put in one category or the other even though all HAVE DONE both good and evil.

Some standard must place each person in one category or the other INDEPENDENT of the fact that all have done both good and evil.

The standard: “Abraham believed God, and it was CREDITED to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3

1. Jesus who said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the “righteous” will enter eternal life based on their works of charity.

Response: This is the parable of the sheep and the goats. “just as you DID it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you DID it to me.’ “ Matthew 25:40 “just as you DID NOT do it to one of the least of these, you DID NOT do it to me.’ Matthew 25:45

The sheep were GIVEN CREDIT for the good they did to Christ. The goats were HELD RESPONSIBLE for each failure to do good to Christ. A DIFFERENT STANDARD! The passage doesn’t state that the goats had no acts of charity or that the sheep were sinless.

The difference is not in whether they did good or not. THEY ARE JUDGED BY A DIFFERENT STANDARD, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THEY ARE SHEEP OR GOATS. Sheep receive credit for the good they do to Christ. Goats are held responsible for failure to do good to Christ. That standard is EXPLICITELY STATED… how they responded to JESUS CHRIST.

The passage presents salvation by Jesus Christ, not salvation by works. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, Not because of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”

1. For I tell you, unless YOUR righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

Response: So, is your doctrine “If you are better than the scribes and Pharisees, you will go to heaven”? Is this the measuring rod? How will the scribe or Pharisee be saved? How can a Pharisee be better than a Pharisee?.. This is a logical impossibility.

The scribes and Pharisees were the religious leaders… the religious experts… the top of the line… the HIGH PRIESTS were typically scribes or Pharisees. In the next sentence Christ states that being angry puts you in danger of hell (v22). In verse 28, he states that “lust’ equals adultery. Then in verse 48, Christ says “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” THIS STANDARD IS IMPOSSIBLE!!! Like God? Perfect as God???

Christ was saying that the scribes and Pharisees weren’t good enough, so no one can be good enough. He was saying that YOU cannot enter the kingdom of heaven by YOUR righteousness. By faith, righteousness is received! “NOT HAVING MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God BY FAITH” Phillipians 3:9.

“Abraham believed God, and it was CREDITED to him as righteousness.”

Titus 3:5 EXPLICITLY states that we are NOT SAVED BECAUSE OF WORKS. “he saved us, Not because of any works of righteousness that we have done” Ephesians 2:8-9 EXPLICITLY states that we are saved by grace, through faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS”

May God be praised who is in me… I in him and he in me! Amen

 

[bbbeatt]

I think you are going on a wild goose chase.
Paul’s point here is about God’s mercy. He isn’t even addressing the role of works given to us by God. He isn’t even addressing the question of the necessity of faith.He is stressing that it was solely by the mercy of God that salvation even exists.
Go back to Genesis 3:15 where God promises to send His Son, our Redeemer. Adam and Eve and their offspring, the human race,did nothing to deserve a Redeemer. It was solely God’s mercy.

In Titus 3:5-6 Paul tells us that through God’s mercy He saved us by the “washing of regeneration” In other, words, the grace received at baptism.

TItus 3: 5 is a strong verse on the necessity of water baptism. Clearly not symbolic.Not sure where you stand on baptism

This has nothing to do with Paul’s point which is God’s mercy as the reason for the existence of salvation.

The texts you have to deal with are:

James 2:24 where he says we are justified by works and not by faith alone

Paul in Romans 2:6-7 where he says that God will give us, according to our works, eternal life

Paul in Romans 6:16 where he says that “obedience” leads to justification.

Paul in Romans 2:13 where he says that the observers of the law “will be justified.”

Jesus who said if you want to enter into eternal life you must keep the commandments.

Jesus who said in John 5:28-29 that all who have done “good” will enter eternal life.

Jesus who said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the “righteous” will enter eternal life based on their works of charity.

Jesus who said in Matthew 5:20 unless your "righteousness’ exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees you will not enter heaven.

Lord of Heaven and Earth, bless Third Day and all who read your precious words with the greatest of joys in your presence! Amen

In seeking to establish that SALVATION is by faith and works instead of that kind of faith which produces good works… here are some passages you must deal with:

All quotes are from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition.

Before you begin, come into the presence of the Lord. Truth comes by revelation and not from understanding (logic of the mind). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 NOT THE RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast.

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

John 3:15
that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

John 6:29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

John 5:24
Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:40
This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

John 6:47
Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.

John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

John 20:31
But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

1 Peter 1:9
you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Ephesians 1:13
In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;

Luke 8:12
The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

Romans 10:9
because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Acts 16:30-31
Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Mark 16:16
The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 10:9
because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1,2 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters,[a] of the good news** that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

Acts 2:21
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Titus 3:5
he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water[a] of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:13
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”**