PhoenixRider :New Member
*It is evident that the Catholic position that salvation comes through NOT Only Faith, which is absolutely essential to the process, but by Faith as demonstrated; that is “proven” through good works, is clearly at odds with the Baptist [and many other protestant denominations belief understanding. ] As there is but a single truth for every issue; one of these positions must be in error.
The CC holds that any position that does not agree with Catholic Teaching, on matters of Faith and Morals, is wrong. How do we prove this?*
Matt.5: 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Rom.2: 6 For he will render to every man according to his works:
Heb. 6: 10 For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.
James 2: “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness”; and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
Quite simply, the Baptist position is anti-biblical; actually teaching against what the bible actually teaches.
The Baptist position: Gal.2: 16 “yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.”
There are 2 types of justification. Paul says God is our Judge and He is going to judge us according to our record, and God’s justice will judge us according to our faith
o That means being justified before God is determine by your faith in Christ.
Obviously, there is a contradiction in this position. God is going to judge us by our “record,” which means what we have freely chosen to do. Rom.2: 6 “For he will render to every man according to his works:” Rom. 3:28 “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law.” So which is it? The Bible cannot contradict itself.
o God will not justify you because you get baptized, because you join the church, because you live a good life, because you are a good husband, a good housewife, a good son, you repented of your sins and turn a new life and all that…
o You will be justified before God if you will put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour and that faith is counted for your righteous deeds.
*Actually one is entirely “justified” by Baptism. Which not only removes all sins [prior to the Baptism] but also all the latent effects of sin. Anyone properly Baptized and them immediately dies; is going straight to heaven. Acts.2: 38 “And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “ *
We agree that Faith is required for ones salvation.
o On the other hand, James is not talking about being justified before God. — James is talking about being justified before man. o In short we have two judges: (1) We have God who judge us (2) A man who judges us.”
Illustration:
o I would say, Pastor Rey is a good pastor. Why? I have judged him. How did I judge him?
o By the way he behaves, by the way he preaches, by his works
*Here is the problem. Indeed the bible does speak of “two kinds” of works: “works of the law,” and “good works” However it’s not God’s and man’s judgment.
The bible, very precisely; speaks of two different categories of works. “”Works of the Law,” and “good works.” “Works of the law,” [non-justifying] refer to the expanded commandments, that went from 10 to 613. Obedience to them is usually prudent and good, but there is NO “merit.” [Rom. 3:28], but good works as spoken of in James 2, and Rom. 2:6, speak to Christ “New Commandment of Love your neighbor as yourself.” And in these works there is great and necessary [for salvation ] merit.*
