Public Rebuke of Sermon Index and False Teaching

I read the following response from the moderator in regards to the initial thread question of "Are we justified by faith alone?":

"Our security is in Christ alone. BUT THE SCRIPTURES DO NOT TEACH FAITH ALONE. For faith apart from works is dead. Faith also needs to be active for demons have faith but do not live in righteousness. Faith also needs to have a voice we need to confess Christ before others. Faith also needs to rest and trust daily and be reckoned upon." (quote from sermonindex: https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=45297&forum=36&55 )

While his answer may seem correct, it is in fact 100% wrong and misleading. This is the false gospel spoken of explicitly in Galatians, and the other epistles.

According to his above logic our security is NOT in Christ alone, it would have to lie in our ability to perform "works" or "be reckoned upon".

I can not believe that he actually said the words, "But the scriptures do not teach faith alone."

And I can not believe that he said those words, and the vast majority of people just sing ho-hum and keep skipping along.

Salvation by faith alone - THAT IS THE VERY HEART AND ESSENCE OF THE ENTIRE BIBLE.

As well sermonindex said, "Faith also needs to be active for demons have faith but do not live in righteousness." Demons do not have faith in Jesus Christ's birth, death, and resurrection! James chapter 2 is not saying that demons believe in Christ! It says that they believe there is one God:

James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that —and shudder.

If sermonindex believes these things then:

a) salvational is conditional, depending on what you do or do not do
b) no one, including himself, can know they will be saved (or even are saved)
c) salvation is part Jesus' work and part your actions
d) what joy can we have in our salvation, if we can lose it?
e) you have to esteem yourself rather highly - because your "not living in sin" (when in actuality we "are sin" - as we are still in the flesh)

You have Christ when you believe in him as your Savior. What does it mean when he says "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish"?

Alot of y'all here on this message forum are like the pharisee who consider yourselves better than the contrite sinner.....and you do not see it! That's why you say things like real salvation leads to actions.

These actions are:

a) not always manifested as you might think
b) are to vastly differing degrees by the person

* If this website "Sermon Index" believes the following, "But the scriptures do not teach faith alone." then that statement should headline your statement of faith and I would go one step further and argue that it should be in the title banner atop the sermonindex.net logo

This issue is the crux of the entire Gospel. If this is wrong, if this foundation is not established on the Rock then everyone labors in vain!

I read sermonindex's comments on this thread. Are there not other moderators on this website? So I assume you all agree with his statements?

Verdict: Salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, not of works. Salvation is eternal life, also called everlasting life. When you become born again, when Christ saves you, he will keep you. Do not listen to blatant "works salvationists" and surely do not listen to "veiled works salvation advocates".

The simplicity of the Gospel. The simplicity of the child like faith in Jesus which leads to mighty exploits by his people (which are known by Christ alone).

Proponents of "salvation is not by faith alone" are going to be in grave trouble one day with the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Written in tears.

If someone does not believe that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, then they are a lost, damned man.

RighteousNew wrote ///If someone does not believe that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, then they are a lost, damned man.////

Here is another view to think about, If someone does not have a Love faith relationship with Jesus Christ are they saved or lost??

Christianity is not about right doctrine it is about a relationship.

edit for clearer to my intention

re: "Christianity is not about right doctrine it is about a relationship."

YES! A relationship based on faith in God's only begotten Son! If you don't have that "doctrine" then you don't have Christ!

1 Corinthians 16:22 - If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!

Ephesians 2:8-10 ~ NASB

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

James 2:14-26

14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;

23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.

24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead

REJOICE! =)
Mary

Hi RighteousNew,

I think that most believers will agree that faith in Christ is the basis of belonging to Him. That is the reflection or shadow of the relationship with Him. I don't think that such a thing is in question...regardless of whether a person is a hyper-Calvinist, hyper-Arminian or anywhere in-between (or none of the above).

I would like to ask you a question:

There are individuals who say that they have "faith" in Christ and have been "justified" and "saved" because of it...yet they live in obvious, willful sin. Does such a person truly have "faith" if they walk in continuous darkness?

What if such a person came to Christ and then somehow became one of those individuals that Christ spoke about in the Parable of the Sower?

*EDIT - Thanks Mary for sharing that passage! It was the very one that I was thinking of too!

re: "I do wonder why you believe you have the authority to rebuke a man who's works are visible and who is called to a ministry which is dedicated to God's glory in Christ Jesus. "

I am rebuking because he has said that "salvation is not by faith alone" I said this at the beginning of my post.

re: "There are individuals who say that they have "faith" in Christ and have been "justified" and "saved" because of it...yet they live in obvious, willful sin. Does such a person truly have "faith" if they walk in continuous darkness? "

Hebrews 12: 5-8

5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

If a believer walks in darkness, continual sin - it is God's will that he will chasten them. If God does not chastise someone over his sins them then they are not His.

If God does not chastened someone over a false gospel, then you tell me what that means?

Righteousnew states

Our security is in Christ alone. BUT THE SCRIPTURES DO NOT TEACH FAITH ALONE. For faith apart from works is dead........and.... While his answer may seem correct, it is in fact 100% wrong and misleading.

Evidently The book of James is not in agreement with your conclusions. It is the other side of the mountain.... but God's truth none the less.

You see that a person IS considered righteous BY WHAT THEY DO AND NOT FAITH ALONE.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute CONSIDERED RIGHTEOUS FOR WHAT SHE DID when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? James 2:24-25

Righteousnew states

I am rebuking because he has said that "salvation is not by faith alone"

So.... you are in essence rebuking Sermonindex for quoting the book of James verbatim! This seems especially true when the entire post is read in context.

Brother Tom is right as was the original post by Sermonindex. You are only seeing one side of the mountain brother.... it is simply bigger than your currently understanding appears to be on it.

If it bothers you so terribly then go start your own website and post what you wish. However, to come a site provided by Sermonindex, and attack them them on their own site, is entirely inappropriate. IMHO.

I am rebuking because he has said that "salvation is not by faith alone" I said this at the beginning of my post.

It is far more effective to avoid taking a determined offensive position and first get to know the person who wrote the questionable statement. Then you can understand more clearly how they think - if you are a good listener.

Please visit my “Slaying the Mighty Giant” thread. I just posted a list of verses from Thessalonians, and you will see how works and FAITH are indeed related... and how I'm sure my brother actually intends to be understood.

Edit: comment removed

See you there.

Diane

What is wrong with works?
Faith alone does not save, and works alone do not save, but faith that expresses itself in works. At the judgement seat we are not judged by our faith or doctrine we believed but by works we wrought in faith.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Revelation 20:12
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

We are saved by faith, not works. But we aren't saved unless our faith works.

Dear soul,

How do I say this,..?...and please study....and consider ..

Can we look at the word ' FAITH' as it's very first use in the Word with Abraham ,?
God told Abram,to take his only son and to kill him.....did he not have
child-like faith ?,....straightway the next morning, Abram went in obedience
to God. ...Faith : hearing ,He believed it was God' voice / Word obeying.

* Grace is,..(1) 'The Devine inffluence upon the heart,' (the Devine drawing of us to God).....remember how His Spirit drawed you /me in the
beginning ?
(2) ' and it's reflection in the Life' ( the doing of the Word )

* the Gospel: is ' the gospel of the kingdom' (Jesus said,....'This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached though- out the whole world )
And what Jesus preached was ALL of what He had to say,...about how we are to live / walk in His kingdom,...recieving His Spirit and obeying.

'' For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, ...they are the sons / children of God"

_ you said, " .....are going to be in grave trouble with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords"

* A / The King,.....over a Kingdom...over the Kingdom of God / heaven
* Lord: ( my Lord ) ....meaning He rules,..
.
Haven't we been called / drawed into His Kingdom ?

dear one,please do not brush this off,PLEASE PRAYERFULLY do consider.

In caring kindness,
Elizabeth

Yes, I new churches who are like the Galatians - it just leads to legalism and bondage and not to holiness.

But sermonindex is not like that,
If we take alone the Book of James, it will cost a problem... James believe in salvation by faith alone. Faith Alone in Christ..

read Hebrews 11.

Salvation is not faith + works(by this I'm not talking just about the Law of Moses but other non-Biblical teaching). Even something 'biblical' can be use in legalism.

What Paul's warning to Galatians in verse 3 is very serious but again, sermonindex in not like that...

"to paraphrase Thomas a Kempis, 'I had rather exercise faith than know the definition thereof.'" - A. W. Tozer

Saints!

First and foremost, I love the folks who contribute to and moderate SI! The fact that there are Christians out there who REALLY think, pray, and engage upon God's Word on a daily basis (moment-to-moment, at times) is a virtual taste of PARADISE to a Chrstian living in the world.

It must absolutely please the "cloud of witnesses" from above to see that God's Word is still soooo essential in this present age. So essential to perpetually dwell in it as an indispensible component of the joy derived from the fellowship of the saints.

Sigh...

We are still justified by faith via grace, right? We are dependent upon God for the very faith which makes salvation possible. Though faith is an automatic metaphysical function of our perception and access to reality. "Faith in the RIGHT THING" is not automatic. Hence, even the demons and pagans operationally depend on faith to function in reality.

What I am astonishedly and eternally grateful for is not "faith" because it comes with the packaging being a "natural man" - but rather, that Christ's Spirit and Word gives me (through His grace) faith in Him alone...that is, "faith in the right thing". That is, God's grace gives me faith in Him as the only grounding for my metaphysics, moral, reality, truth...He gives me my very sense of dependence upon Him. My "sense" of dependence upon Him...is dependent upon Him.

And it has always been the case that my actions and behaviors are the direct and necessary extension of what I have "faith in". Even in the most rapturous states of deception, I cannot escape that what I ultimately "do" is a reflection of what I "really" believe. I cannot separate my faith from my actions. How is this possible?

Love-in-Christ,

KP

P. S.

I don't understand why folks would try to undermine a venue as precious as SI in its provision of access to the myriad of voices, writings etc., all echoing the absolute praise of God's Holy Word! A Word that is often choked by the coiled layers of man's deceptive tales of worldly wisdom! The Son of God hath no place in this world to lay His head upon. Ah, but saints! Be so thankful for places like SI where God's Word can rest even for a little while without the threat of thieves setting in to rob it of its purity and truth.

Can't we all appreciate this precious day as it settles in for evenings when the cozy slippers of the flesh will be exposed to cracked pipe treaded internet highways where SI will be banned, censored or outlawed? Uh, enjoy this whilst you can, saints. Don't waste our oil on slippery slopes of legalistic public rebuking of God's Word.

Love-in-Christ,

KP

Just going through Genesis and got to chapter 12 this week. Hebrews 11 tells of Abraham's faith from his departure from Haran and going into Canaan. In Gen 12, after God has called him to leave his father's house and his country and go into one the He would show him; and also giving the promises to Abram, we read of Abram's faith in such words: "So Abraham departed"... His faith was manifest in his actions of leaving his family and land and following the call of God.

this reminds me of

"So many people believe in their beliefs, have faith in their faith and confident in their confidence. All of this is of no avail. It s our confidence in God that abides. faith in God that remains and belief in God that last." - Oswald Chambers, Devotion for a Deeper Life(his compiled lesser known writings)

can be viewed here: http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780310387107

This paragraph is a precious treasure:

It is a wonderful Biblical truth that we do not have to prove to God our worth. His death on the cross proved our worth to Him. He loves us with a love that is beyond comprehension and therefore is always much more willing to see us saved then even we are ourselves. God always loves us more than we love Him. We can rest in this. And His desire is that we are also clean and holy in His sight, He is accomplishing this work in us. God has adopted us we have not adopted God. So we have great security in Gods love for us.

It is one thing to know these truths, but another thing to know them - I mean know them for ourselves, deeply and experiencially - that is, to grasp them, cling to them as a mountain climber clings to the rock lest he should slip back down, or be dashed to the ground.

Let's be honest, it is not difficult to defend this teaching, and it is human instinct to go into a battle to defend it. It is easy to stake our flag down on this theological turf and declare ourselves the winners.

But that says nothing about the matter in our inward being. And it says nothing about our awareness of each other's struggle to trust God for his promises. That is a rugged journey through the testings and trials of life.

If we assume that we ourselves would never be like the Galatian Christians, that we are better than them because we know what faith living really is, we are likely fooling ourselves. The tendency to slip back into self-reliance and behaviour-management is ubiqutous among belevers - regardless of their doctrinal ideals. I wrestle with this all the time - certainly with each new step of faith God requires of me.

We can be far more effective in our calling towards one another when we can respect this struggle of faith, then when we exert so much energy trying to defend the ideal. After all our faith does not rest on our ideals about faith. (as SI noted)

In other words, aiming to nurture one another in our faith growth is far more productive than merely defending our propositions about it. The way of love is more costly - and requires more than merely having our words talk to each other.

Diane

He who rebukes a matter before he even asks questions, it is folly and shame to him.

See Proverbs 18:13. Then read the entire book before posting again. It will save you from making immature and unnecessary statements like this again.

In the following thread Paul Washer is interviewed on a radio station: https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=46084&forum=35&3

Between the 9:00 minute mark to 10:00 minute mark Paul Washer affirms "the doctrine of salvation by faith alone".

Why moderator Greg do you reference Paul Washer, yet you do not believe what he believes?

Washer makes it crystal clear that salvation is by faith alone. Yet you deny this. You need to stop quoting Washer, and you need to stop referencing him and trying to use his words to your convenience.

direct interview link: http://www.800wvhu.com/cc-common/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=tomroten&selected_podcast=PaulWasher120911_1323460899_22757.mp3

Brother Greg believes in salvation by faith alone,
and so James:

James_2:14 My brothers, what profit is it if a man says he has faith and does not have works? Can faith save him?

think about the dying thief,

he can't even raise his hand or clap

what do ye think he will do if he had given a chance to live longer?

Salvation is by faith from start to finish.

I trust that this thread will soon be laid to rest. To me it is fruitless, and an inappropriate way to contend for the faith. It is pushing people into camps –to take sides - attack and defend.

I am quite convinced that everyone here affirms that we are justified by faith alone. But let us pay respect to this comment too:

less obvious but still something that will rob the Christian of any assurance in Christ. It is simply depending on your own dependence. In other words putting your trust and security in your own hands, in your own performance before God.

So, therefore, even as we all affirm faith alone, we all struggle to trust God fully; and if we are truthful about ourselves, we will admit it.

It is the trials and testings that reveal to us the areas in our lives where we are clinging to something of ourselves (but did not realize it before). It is a lifelong process of maturing faith. Do you not agree?

Only he/she who has arrived is qualified to cast the first stone (but wouldn’t want to). Otherwise, it’s prudent to keep silent.

Amen and Amen.

Diane

1 Pet. 1: 4-7 “This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Salavation is by Faith in Christ alone. But Faith has to be coupled with work out of obedience. Otherwise it is not a faith at all. This is what James meant.

For example A wife tells to her husband that I believe in you that you can provide for me but 1 day a week she sleeps willfully with other men unwilling to repent, is this a true faith in her husband? Is she a believer in her husband?

Same way if one says he believes in the resurrection of Christ but do not believe that God is willing to show the same power that he used to raise Christ in raising the life of the person from Sin then how can he be called a believer in resurrection?

A true believer will believe that everytime he fall he will be able to live a life without fall starting that moment.

UKwall posted:

"In the following thread Paul Washer is interviewed on a radio station: https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=46084&forum=35&3

Between the 9:00 minute mark to 10:00 minute mark Paul Washer affirms "the doctrine of salvation by faith alone".

Why moderator Greg do you reference Paul Washer, yet you do not believe what he believes?

Washer makes it crystal clear that salvation is by faith alone. Yet you deny this. You need to stop quoting Washer, and you need to stop referencing him and trying to use his words to your convenience."

____________

I think, brother, you need to see that Bro. Greg believes what Paul Washer is saying. What he has written here does not contradict what Paul Washer is saying. Perhaps it is best to reread everything what Bro. Greg has written and allow the Holy Spirit to show you where he is coming from and what he believes in.

TMK wrote: "We are saved by faith, not works. But we aren't saved unless our faith works."

Thanks, TMK. In one short line, you fully explained the whole matter.

I would recommend this sermon to everyone.

A Biblical Alternative To The Sinner's Prayer by Paul Washer
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/myvideo/photo.php?lid=2443

RE:///by Lordoitagain on 2012/8/15 7:58:59

TMK wrote: "We are saved by faith, not works. But we aren't saved unless our faith works."

Thanks, TMK. In one short line, you fully explained the whole matter.///

Seems like I remember keith Daniel using a phrase very simmaler to this.

Edit: Amen good phrase

You may be right PP--- Keith may have said it. I heard it somewhere. I didn't make it up.

Concerning others and where they are in their walks - Always Remember to have mercy, as it triumphs over judgement.

It is God's grace that saves us, not we ourselves, not our understanding of scripture... Remember to always have mercy, as it always triumphs over judgement...(and we must be of this mind) ...especially when dealing with others. Gal:6-1

The heart of the Father is forgiveness, love, patience, long-suffering, mercy and so much more.

The only condition(s) I see is faith, a penitent heart, and a willingness to follow Him (discipleship), regardless of how many times we fall and stumble on that rocky road named repentance. It is the blood of the Lamb that takes away our sins, NOT any of our works...

...and if there are no sins, (let the reader understand)

...then there is no law of God that can condemn. and if the law of God cannot condemn due to the fact that there are no sins, then that is what is called righteousness before God.

so...

Jesus took away my sins...

Therefore, in the absence of sin, and only in the absence of sin, the righteous requirements of the law is fulfilled... not by works, but by faith in the finished work of Christ. This is righteousness by faith and not by works.

I do not believe that there is sinless perfection by way of works, in this life - the only sinless perfection is in the finished work of Christ. God called us by mercy to His grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, not because of ourselves being somehow worthy. Remember that the names of the redeemed have been written down in heaven BEFORE the Earth was even created.

But righteousness by faith came for a purpose...even a new creation, which God has through the Holy Ghost birthed in us. Just as it is written: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

And this is why the Holy Ghost could be given freely to us (because sin was removed):

"Where there is no sin, the Law of God cannot condemn, but is fulfilled."

Jesus Christ, with His own blood entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption for us. It was not until sin was removed (through the cross of Christ), and the righteous requirements of the law were fulfilled (absence of sin), that the Holy Spirit could be given, who wrote the laws of God on our hearts rather than on tablets of stone...even as it is written "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."

But I cannot refer to the judgment of God without referring to His great and tender mercies for humanity (of whom I am the largest recipient of His grace)...because as it is written God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

And I am not talking about sinless perfection (in this life) here (we still have to deal with Eph 6:12 on a daily basis which is NOT the sinful nature), but they will be taken out of the way soon enough as per: Revelation 12:7-10

... but I am referring to the way into the Holiest of All, the very presence of God (the Holy Ghost in us) - the Divine life (nature), which God in his mercy has freely given to us (the embryo or seed of God in us) the God life, the new creation, the new birth, the new man.

1 Corinthians 15:47-49 (New King James Version)
47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (and the heavenly man was NOT sinful)

Romans 8:9 (New King James Version)
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

God truly wants the repentance of man, for man to make a volitional choice for Him...to openly repent before Him and to follow Him, to Call upon Him...

He wants good works towards Him based on a loving personal relationship from the heart, and not on good works based on a reliance of oneself… or in ones' ability to live holy by following a given set of rules – and yes there is a difference.

Yes, there are moral rules and guidelines to follow and understand, but they are only to instruct me in the ways of righteousness and holiness as I seek Him inwardly, and personally and they teach me of the nature of Jesus.

The scriptures give me an understanding of the nature of Him who has called me out of this world to be His son, to a new life in Him which is hidden in Christ Jesus - the Holy Spirit bears witness to this truth.

His good works in me (holiness) comes, not based on my own understanding of what true holiness is, but rather based on the inner workings of the Holy Spirit in my life since I accepted Him, and it is in my yielding to Him in all things in obedience, and not on my adherence to or on reliance of myself to seek His favour by doing good works (what I perceive as holiness). It's not what I can do, it's what He does and can do through me.

Because I love Him in the very pit of my soul, and am truly born of Him, I will seek out those things that always please Him, I will hate the things that He hates, and I will love the things that He loves...if only that I may have just one moment, just one moment in time that I may truly glorify Him in this earthly body…and this I will do as His Holy Spirit who is within me permits, and teaches me all things.

Does this mean that I will never make a mistake and never sin again? ...no it does not. I hope that I never sin again, but if I do, I know I have an advocate with the Father who is Jesus Christ the righteous. I know that if I acknowledge my sins before God, that He is faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. And I dare say to anyone that I need to have works in order to be forgiven, nothing but the precious blood of the Lamb can erase sins.

The bible teaches me that: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. Galatians 6:15

Hence and therefore my salvation is not based upon me believing that my good works toward Him (personal holiness) will save me (or even merit me any favor at all), but rather on a TOTAL surrender of my life to Him, and upon a reliance on Him for my holiness and righteousness, that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the very day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

I just need only to yield to Him, I just need only to yield to Him and say yes Lord Jesus, yes Lord...have your way in me and be glorified in me, let me be obedient to you through your Holy Spirit.

We really need a true revival of the Holy Ghost...and we need a functioning body (Ephesians 4:11-13)

2 Timothy 4:18
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Jude 1:24-25
New King James Version (NKJV)

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25 To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.

I have shared this before and share it again...

I what to encourage every believer to pray earnestly. Pray for the forgiveness of sins (and repent where necessary), and to be washed in the blood of the Lamb. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to abide within you. Pray to be of a ready mind. Pray for a right heart within you. Pray for sin to be no more in our lives, that we may be holy and to escape God's judgement. Pray to walk before God with clean and holy hands, and with out any worldly interference.

The day is at hand when satan and his angels are about to be thrown down to the Earth, a great and a terrible day. Because it is written that God shall not only shake the Earth, but also the Heavens...when He brings judgement upon the rulers of this world, and against the rulers of darkness.

Pray for your families and each other to found in the will of God. Pray that you may love the God of heaven with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength...(for truly it is a wonderful gift from Him to be able to do this), and each other as ourselves. The time of God's judgement is at hand and the end of this age.

Thanks for quoting it anyway, TMK. It sums the whole big argument up in one short line. Books have been written on both sides of the issue, but the plain simple truth of the whole matter is there.

Speaking of works ... the entire book "The Acts of the Apostles" could very well be translated: "The Works of the Apostles". Their faith produced works; therefore, we have the New Testament to read.