John3 and Romans2: Part2

[donfriesen1]

[QUOTE=Amanah;1615258]Are you teaching that some can be saved by works without faith?

You make a good observation which hadn't come to my mind. To give a concise answer and not avoid the question: the answer may be yes. But with explanation.

The hypothetical Gentile is without the Word of God. NT salvation is by faith in what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. Most receive this faith by hearing the good news. The hypothetical Gentile Paul refers to is without faith in the Word for NT salvation but responds to what happens within themselves. Their conscience and intellect tell them that some things are wrong and not to do them. This consciousness of sin is what I see Paul referring to as by nature, v14. Is this also how you understand this phrase? While this Gentile is without faith in the Word for NT salvation because they haven't heard, most people have a spark of faith telling them that there is a God. Giving the Gentile some latitude because of what is within most Men, they may not be completely without faith.

Paul says their conscience is clear, reading between the lines for the essence of what Paul is speaking of. It is conceivable that even today their are some who have never heard the Gospel. Also conceivable is the possibility that some by consience try to life a right(eous) life. How will God judge these on the last day? Paul implies that they will go to Heaven, even though they have lived in the NT times, yet aren't born again.