Galatians 1:6-12 " I marvel (amazed) that ye are so soon removed from HIM that called you into the grace of CHRIST unto another gospel: Which is not another (different); but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert (change) the Gospel of CHRIST. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (anathema). As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or GOD ? or do I seek to please men ? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of CHRIST. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither receive it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of JESUS CHRIST.
It really does matter what you believe about the Gospel message. The Gospel, or "good news" of JESUS' substitutionary death and resurrection, is non-negotiable (1st.Cor.15:1-4). Both the content of the Gospel as well as the way in which it is appropriated are absolutely essential. The Gospel is the "good news" that although all people are born sinners and face the penalty of death, JESUS CHRIST - GOD in the flesh - died and rose again as the substitutionary sacrifice for sinful man in order that he might be reconciled to GOD. Grace and works are mutually exclusive. Salvation does not come both through man's will and work and also through GOD's calling and grace. The issue here is, literally, life and death - spiritual life and eternal relationship with GOD or spiritual death and eternity in the Lake of Fire. Our eternal destiny hinges upon the object of our faith and our knowledge and belief that Salvation is appropriated only through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST. To minimize or ignore doctrinal differences with those who embrace a "works" Salvation is an extremely grave error.
In conclusion, we must reject the advice of those who encourage Christians to relegate important doctrinal truths to a place of insignificance. Keep in mind that the issue here is not simply differing on a particular interpretation or application of one Scriptural text. The issue centers around the totality of biblical teaching on topics that affect not only the doctrine of Salvation but also Christian living and the very person and nature of GOD HIMSELF. It really does matter what you believe ! We need to fellowship with those who make much of doctrine and who seek to live out the truth daily. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
It's just my opinion but I think that these Works are performed out of faith not to take the place of faith. Jesus led by example. Did he not show us how to Love one another thru these works? I think he did. But that's just me.
ReplyDeleteYes, works are a product of our faith in CHRIST, but many add works to CHRIST as part of their salvation. JESUS + anything is a false gospel.
ReplyDeleteYour servant in CHRIST,
Julie