The Salvation Error: Faith vs Works
Firstly, we’re actually saved by Grace through faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9)
A required ‘work’ to be His disciple:
“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33)
Faith without works is dead. A ‘dead’ faith cannot save you because it’s dead.
Thus, works is a proof that one’s faith is alive. There is “no” such thing as ‘faith vs works’ (as so commonly erred) but only these two questions:
(i) Does one have faith in Him?
(ii) Is that faith alive by doing works?
Having Faith (being His disciple) means “obeying” Him –> thus as the verse above says, “none” of you can be My disciple who does not give* up all his own possessions.
*Giving up possessions also means “sharing” as anyone has need and putting it to “common” use as the early church both understood and practiced Christ’s words (Acts 4:32 & Acts 2:44 – 45).
P/S:
Ultimately, it is the “Grace” of God (not our faith nor works) that saves us as the verse above states (and it’s the ‘gift of God’).
I quote it again:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9)
Read carefully:
(1) Not of ‘your faith’ because it’s written that “not of yourselves” (means ‘not due to one’s faith’) –> not by “your will”
(2) Not of ‘your works’ because it’s written also that “no one may boast” (means ‘not due to one’s works’) —> not by “your will”
(3) But by “God’s Grace” by His Will alone (that’s why it’s “a gift” to us –> we play “no” part in a gift which is free).
Our “faith & works” are “rewarded” with ‘age-during life’ (Matthew 25:46) but Salvation beyond that (living & inheriting Heaven beyond that has ‘nothing’ to do with us but is awarded as “a free gift” to all by “His Grace” alone which will also apply to the whole World by His Most Holy Will).
This means that Salvation is the work of God’s Grace by His Will alone:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12 -13)
Thus, we are the example of God’s Salvation as a witness to all creation:
(i) God Saving “all men” by “His Grace” summary verses:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,” (Titus 2:11)
“for for this we both labour and are reproached, because we hope on the living God, who is Saviour of all men — especially of those believing.” (1 Timothy 4:10)
(ii) God Saving the rest of the World (all creation, all things):
“for to vanity was (all) creation made subject — not of its will, but because of Him who did subject [it] — in hope, that also (the ‘same’ all) creation itself shall be set free from the servitude of the corruption to the liberty of the glory of the children of God;” (Romans 8:20 – 21)
“how that God was in Christ — a world reconciling to Himself, not reckoning to them their (the world’s) trespasses; and having put in us the word of the reconciliation,” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in the heavens.” (Colossians 1:20)
“and He (Lord Jesus Christ) — He is a propitiation for our (believers’) sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world (not just men),” (1 John 2:2)
“in regard to the dispensation of the fullness of the times, to bring into one all things in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth — in Him;” (Ephesians 1:10)
Then, in the “end”:
“then — the END, when He may deliver up the reign to God, even the Father, when He may have made useless all rule, and all authority and power —” (1 Corinthians 15:24)
God becomes “all in all” (Perfect Salvation of the World where ‘nothing’ remains discordant against the Will of God by Christ’s Work):
“and when the all things may be subjected to Him, then the Son also Himself shall be subject to Him, who did subject to Him all things, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28)
This was “the message” of the “restoration” of “all things” by “Him” as spoken through “all” (not ‘some’ or ‘few’) last true prophets of God:
“whom it behoveth heaven, indeed, to receive (Lord Jesus Christ) till the times of restoration of all things, of which God spake through the mouth of all His holy prophets from the age.” (Acts 3:21)
“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the World (not just men or believers only).” (1 John 4:14)
‘Blessed Saviour of the World’
