Quote:
Originally Posted by NorCal
According to Paul, we must "Die Daily"
According to Peter, "Be Ye Holy, for I AM Holy"
If you live by the WHOLE BIBLE you will be perfected unto Christ.
The problem with Christian Society is that they like to pick and choose.
OSAS do not follow Peter or Paul or even Christs teachings.
Pure Legalists do not rely enough on "Faith in Christ"
It takes both, Works displaying your Faith.
Remember, Jesus did not come to destroy The Law (for he WAS the Law/Word) but to Fulfill The Law.
As a Christian you must
1) Believe that God Is
2) That he is a rewarder of those that seek him
3) That Jesus Christ is God
4) And follow all the teachings of Christ and his Apostles
Yes as you follow Christ, your ways, thoughts, and actions will change.
Biblically, the only thing you NEED to get to heaven is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" as this will lead you to be "the image of Christ". Remember, we are the "Clay on the Potters Wheel". We are being transformed into the Image of Christ.
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Good points.
I think the issue is that we often put the cart before the horse. Realizing who Jesus is, and having a relationship with Him is foundational. Appropriating all that Christ died to provide us comes next. Good works are the result of appropriating the truths of Scripture. Not a means to righteousness, pleasing God, or earning salvation. We do good works because we are saved...not to be saved or to keep salvation. When we were saved...did we receive the Holy Ghost by faith... or by the keeping of the Law? Did you have to "get right" for a probationary period before receiving the Holy Ghost? No. You repented (a change of mind regarding yourself and God) and received it by faith. Having begun in faith... are we now made perfect by the Law? Nope. We who live in Christ Jesus live by faith. The works are merely fruit from this union with Christ Jesus.