Salvation not based on our merit

[mailmandan]

Jesus Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Romans 3:24-26) Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" barren of works. (James 2:14)

It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[Can't think of a name]

Jesus Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Romans 3:24-26) Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" barren of works. (James 2:14)

It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*

What you just wrote is completely Biblical. But for some reason, a lot of people have a problem with it. It's so simple but people like arguing.

 

[brightfame52]

Pre determined salvation would make Christianity in all of its facets meaningless and useless for salvation unless it was such that what is predetermined is that those who choose Christianity are the ones to be saved and those who choose to reject Christianity are not.

That would be salvation by the act of man and man can get the glory.

 

[brightfame52]

It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone"

Faith in Christ about what ? What did He do ?

 

[Frankj]

That would be salvation by the act of man and man can get the glory.

I don't see it that way.

 

[brightfame52]

I don't see it that way.

I do and so does God

 

[Frankj]

Yes, I'm sure you have God on your side and are his spokesman.

But I prefer to try being on God's side, not being of a status that God lets me decide such things in his place.

 

[mailmandan]

Faith in Christ about what ? What did He do ?

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

 

[mailmandan]

What you just wrote is completely Biblical. But for some reason, a lot of people have a problem with it. It's so simple but people like arguing.

The truth is not hard to understand. It's just hard for a lot people to accept.

 

[The Jason]

Jesus also taught that we should repent. We aren't always fruitful and we still sin in these bodies, so maybe someone catches you on a bad day. Do you think they'd think you were a believer because you weren't showing good fruit that day? As the OP said, salvation is not based on our merit, and that's because it's God who saves us 100%. We don't contribute.

I have to agree but it's a struggle dealing with classic verses opponents put up, like the one about Jesus saying "I never knew you.".

 

[Frankj]

I have to agree but it's a struggle dealing with classic verses opponents put up, like the one about Jesus saying "I never knew you.".

What would you say that verse means?

 

[Lamb]

I have to agree but it's a struggle dealing with classic verses opponents put up, like the one about Jesus saying "I never knew you.".

You're referring to Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’


So the people are claiming to do things for God and Jesus says No...but look at the beginning where Jesus said they aren't doing the will of His Father. The will of God is this from John 6:40

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

What the verses are both saying is that we're saved by grace through faith in Jesus who is our Savior, forgiving our sins on the cross. We aren't saved by our own actions (works, etc).

 

[brightfame52]

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

What did that accomplish. What does your faith believe about that historical narrative? Exactly who is that Christ that died for sins ?

 

[brightfame52]

Jesus Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone"

So are you saying Jesus Christ saved us through the merits of His finished work of redemption alone ?

 

[mailmandan]

What did that accomplish. What does your faith believe about that historical narrative? Exactly who is that Christ that died for sins?

It accomplished victory over sin and death and provided eternal life for believers. (John 3:18) My faith not only believes that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ "happened" but also trusts in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of my salvation. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) Jesus is God. (John 1:1-14)

 

[mailmandan]

So are you saying Jesus Christ saved us through the merits of His finished work of redemption alone ?

Jesus Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Romans 3:24-26)

 

[brightfame52]

It accomplished victory over sin and death and provided eternal life for believers

Did it actually save them from unbelief and sin so that they could believe ?

My faith not only believes that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ "happened" but also trusts in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of my salvation. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) Jesus is God. (John 1:1-14)

You never said that His death burial and resurrection saved anyone in and of itself. You said it was only the means of your salvation. So what actually saved you, made it sure and certain since what Christ did merely made it a means ?

 

[brightfame52]

Jesus Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Romans 3:24-26)

So He saved you through faith ? Whose Faith may I ask ?

 

[The Jason]

Video below sums it up:

 

[mailmandan]

Did it actually save them from unbelief and sin so that they could believe ?

You never said that His death burial and resurrection saved anyone in and of itself. You said it was only the means of your salvation. So what actually saved you, made it sure and certain since what Christ did merely made it a means ?

Christ's death, burial and resurrection is the actual means of our salvation and faith is the instrumental means by which we obtain salvation.