Quote:
Originally Posted by Pressing-On
Pel,
I think Paul says that repentance is a work. Therefore, baptism must also be a work.
Paul tells King Agrippa, "But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet (deserving/suitable) for repentance." ( Acts 26:20)
If John, the forerunner, was preaching the "baptism of repentance", then Paul was preaching it also, except that Paul would have included the infilling of the Holy Ghost. I believe as MB put it - "And Spirit infilling with tongues is where we also do something. But we speak as the Spirit gives utterance. It is cooperation in all cases! The Spirit does not simply come on us without any mental assent required for anything."
James 2:17 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." |
I don't see that it's saying repentance IS a work. "they should repent and turn to God" AND "do works meet for repentance."
The good works are caused by repentance, therefore they are in agreement with the nature of true repentance. The NKJ says "befitting" of repentance.
Also, James is saying true faith brings forth good works in a believer. A little different that saying good works creates belief or faith...
Threaded Mode
