No one thinks this is worth a response? Humpph. And Rumely asked whether works and salvation was the same path. Can someone who is moral, does good, and abides by the "10 comandments" but does not believe that God exists, achieve salvation?
He can hardly abide by the ten commandments if he doesn't believe in God, can he? Look at the first ones.
Anyway, my point earlier was that one's behavior (works) is a direct reflection of their faith. Abraham obeyed God because he loved and trusted God. If we go to Hebrews, we see a repetition: "By faith." By faith Abel, by faith Noah, by faith Abraham, by faith Sarah, and so on. In each case, it was manifested in an action. A sacrifice, an ark, a conception, an offering, etc. Faith and works go hand in hand.
Salvation is from God. Neither our faith nor our works died on the cross and shed their blood for our sins. Jesus did that. We enter into that salvation by faith, and our behavior follows according to faith. A person who is weak in the faith will be weak in their works.
Works without faith, to directly address your question, do not save. They are as ineffective for salvation as was all the blood sacrificed to the Baals of pagan religions. Works with faith do not save, either, but works are the pulse of faith.
I don't know if I'm making my point clearer or more confusing. I'm trying to articulate it as simply and concisely as I can
No one wants to wrangle about Lot being a good man? Or that he was solely saved for Abraham's sake?
Genesis 19:29
"And it came to pass when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered ABraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelt".
OK Ok... So do you think Lot was a good man? Or ever got there?
I didn't say that. I answerd your question in comment #74...................
"Or that he was solely saved for Abraham's sake?"
Genesis 19:29 is the answer.
Sorry Major, I was aware what you said - I was interested in what you thought of Lot.
Dear Calvin,I liked Major's comment too. By not fellowshipping regularly and more specifically not receiving spiritual food by those called to feed His sheep, a Christian will not grow as he/she ought. Remaining in spiritual infancy and malnutrition, we can not give of our best. So while not impossible, being a Christian and not attending Church will severely impede 'being a 'good' Christian' Most likely one would just be a luke warm one.
Dear Calvin,
thank you for your explanation.
Nevertheless I wonder why it is not possible to get "spiritual food" by reading books, viewing biblical educational videos, etc.? Why do we have to be physically present in a church building for being educated by men who are called "to feed His sheep"?
Regarding fellowship, I enjoy the fellowship from all of you here on this very forum. It makes me happy to read and get answers and seeing new perspectives. Really, for the short time that I have been here, I felt like all of you forum members are my church.
Does that mean now that I can't reach out to my neighbors, to people I know who need help and need to hear the gospel, because I am not physically visiting a church? (I would understand it in the catholic view, as they believe Christ to be present in the Holy Eucharist in the tabernacle in church, thus being there means to them being in the presence of The Lord.)
Can't I be not (!) lukewarm without going to church?