Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5
One of the biggest errors in biblical doctrine, flat out heresy in fact, is the teaching that works plays any part in salvation. Old Testament or New, salvation is by faith toward God. The book of Romans is a treatise on salvation, what it is as opposed to what it is not. The issue of faith, as opposed to works, is the main theme.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Faith and works are mutually exclusive of each other.
Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Most of the well-intentioned errors in teaching the Bible are due to not rightly dividing it. Works are our duty to God, we were created to do good works. Even so, those works must glorify God, not ourselves.
Romans 9:31-32 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Doing works to establish our own self-righteousness is sin in that it glorifies us and not God, boast ourselves, not God. We need to do the works, but out of the fear of God, the love of God, faith toward God, in obedience to his commands; this glorifies God. If works had a part in individual salvation it would allow us to boast before God; salvation’s purpose, as all creation, is to glorify its Creator.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This is Bible 101, works have no part in obtaining or maintaining individual salvation at any time, Old Testament, New, or Tribulation. Realizing this doctrinal truth corrects several errors such as the correct interpretation of our liberty in Christ; which is once save always saved. To be given the free gift of salvation then told you have to work to keep it nullifies free and gift.
Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
Any teaching that works has any part in individual salvation is false.
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