Quote from Eaglesway: Works are important, as the fruit of salvation, testifying to its validity- but not as the means to it
As soon as we “stand in works” we have entered the original error of spirit that becomes that same failure Paul spoke of…
"What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32** Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works**. They stumbled over the stumbling stone…(Rom 9)
[/quoteEphesians) 2:10New International Version (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8English Standard Version (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
[b]
If it is a gift, then there is nothing we need to do to get it. Correct?
Romans 3:28English Standard Version (ESV)
28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Titus 3:5English Standard Version (ESV)
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
**What I am realizing is that works are an outcome of our love, trust and faith in God, and of His presence in us, His grace. I believe He wants us to know that Salvation is a FREE GIFT, and as such, does not require works. He wants us to know it is His mercy and love, that brings us home. There is nothing we can do that will override that…I think God is shouting that His grace is the chariot to Heaven. **