Originally posted by dj2becker
Why would someone sit on the chair if they did not have the faith that it will hold their weight.
In other words why would someone obey the commands of Christ if they did not have faith or believe his commands were the truth?
I am not talking about mouth worship but faith. You seem to be conflating the two.
The underlying reason why people do things like good works and live righteously is for Jesus to judge. Neither you nor I know these things, and neither would I care to get into these details,.. its not for me to know. I notice Christians like to get into the reasons why people do these things.
All I am pointing out to you is that the process required to gain eternal life from the teaching of Christ is repentance from sin, living righteously and doing good works. Jesus said very plainly that these people will enter the Kingdom of God. There are some Christian churches that teach otherwise. Good for them. If you choose to follow that then thats your choice.
From the teachings of Paul and the Apostles, I can see the very same doctrine being preached. People are saved from their sins, and from sin in the flesh ie inherited from Adam, by the death of Christ. These are ALL PEOPLE, ALL are saved. Not just Christians who proclaim their faith...ALL ARE SAVED from the condemnation of sin. But this sacrifice by Christ does not automatically grant anyone eternal life. All this did was open the door to the Kingdom of God. Christ is the way. You may interpret that to mean that proclaming to know Christ is the way. I interpret that to mean the the TEACHINGS OF CHRIST IS THE WAY. The Apostles explained how critical it was for Christian Saints to follow after righteousness, otherwise they will not get eternal life.
Christ opened the door for everyone and all that is now required is for people to DO SOMETHING. I have no problem with faith, as some will come to God with their faith only and they will enter the Kingdom of God.Some with faith + works, and some with works alone. All who please God with some of these will enter Gods Kingdom.
Your interpretation eliminates the works only group and this is contrary to Christ.
My interpretation includes everyone who does something to please God:
sometimes faith alone does the trick
some will have both faith and works
some will have works alone.
Jesus will judge,