"Faith alone justifies..." - a case of willful ignorance and unbelief!

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10200621316070822&set=a.10200621315230801

Faith alone justifies...- a case of willful ignorance and unbelief!

A man insisted: "Faith alone justifies..."

I inquired: How can it be that faith alone justifies?????

Scriptures declare these:
Ro 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Ro 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Ga 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,

Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Where did the lie 'faith ALONE justifies' come from??? Who started that lie???

He replies curtly:
"Because that is the way that God set up his plan of salvation...."

I marvelled:
Let God be true, but every man a LIAR!!!

The Scriptures do not say faith alone justifies. That is putting words in God's own mouth!

More likely, "that's the way misguided men imagine how a guilty condemned man is justified before God!!!"
================

Comments

Hulan Bass
However, Faith is one of the ingredients, but not alone.

Sing F Lau
Elder Hulan, "Faith is one of the ingredients" how a guilty man is justified before God???

Hulan Bass
Sing Lau, you are hard to communicate with. Faith comes at the POINT OF Regeneration, by the Voice of Jesus Christ, and that INWARD Faith is the Very Holy Spirit in the Trinity. There is NO FAITH in man before the New Birth.

Bernard Gowens
Bro. Sing, I am with you all the way. The creature's faith is not at all involved in God's family being justified by blood before God. I understood your truthful premise; whereas, it seems some others did not. Justification before God is totally absent man's faith.

Man's faith is only involved when a child of God hears and believes the Gospel preached and becomes justified by faith in the court room of his own conscience. This is justification before "self" and is within one's own personal conscience and that is "after the act of regeneration has taken place."

Following a regenerate person's justification by faith in the court of his/her own conscience, the regenerate person "should" manifest that faith by his works in the public courtroom of men. This then exposes to others that his/her faith is not dormant (dead) and is thus an operative faith.

[Peter Missing deleted all his comments]

Sing F Lau
Peter Missing, you said, "The bible does not concede that we are justified by any other factor.">

I have stated that the Scriptures declare otherwise, and you just go ahead and contradict the Bible so conveniently...

Ro 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:...

FREELY BY HIS GRACE... so debunks the lie of by faith alone.

Ro 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

BY HIS BLOOD... so debunks the error of by faith alone

Ga 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,

BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST... so debunks the fiction of by your faith alone.

Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

NOT BY FAITH ONLY... so debunks your fable of by faith alone!

Sing F Lau
Sing, you are hard to communicate with. Faith comes at the POINT OF Regeneration, by the Voice of Jesus Christ, and that INWARD Faith is the Very Holy Spirit in the Trinity. There is NO FAITH in man before the New Birth.
===========

Elder Hulan Bass,

1. I DON'T believe your PB notion that faith comes at the POINT OF Regeneration.

Faith DOES NOT come at the point of regeneration.

Eternal life comes at the point of regeneration. The Spirit of God is given to dwell in the regenerated elect as the Spirit of adoption. And the indwelling Spirit works all the saving graces in a child of God... and faith is one of them. Faith is a saving grace worked in the heart of a child of God by the indwelling Spirit. If you are saying the same thing, then I agree with you.

2. I DON'T buy your PB notion that "that INWARD Faith is the Very Holy Spirit in the Trinity."

If words have meaning, you have just done the most silly thing (no disrespect intended, so don't need to take any) by equating:

that INWARD FAITH as the Very Holy Spirit in the Trinity."

Sorry, Sir!!! Stop speaking in PB lingo, and you may be understood!!! You indeed communicate in a strange manner!!!

Bernard Gowens
Bro. Sing, it was said by another that "... that INWARD Faith is the Very Holy Spirit in the Trinity." This is not PB lingo, nor is it Bible truth. It is a gross misstatement. Consider this syllogism:

Premise #1: Faith is an attribute, not a Person.
Premise #2: The Holy Spirit is a Person in the Trinity, not an attribute.

Therefore: Inward faith is NOT the very Holy Spirit in the Trinity.

The brother that made this statement, made it badly.

Sing F Lau
Brother Bernard, you are a brave and honest man!

You restore my faith in the good PBs somewhat.

I was becoming cynical that the PBs don't express their disagreement with fellow PBs no matter what... because they are extremely weary of division... as though disagreement must always lead to division!!!

PJ Walters
Cannot a man also be justified by works?

Sing F Lau
Works justify a man evidentially/practically.

PJ Walters
Is there a Scripture which teaches justification by works?

Bernard Gowens
James 2:14-26. See especially verses 24 thru 25. This is a person's justification by works before the court or men. One's justification is manifested before the face of men, publicly, by man's works. This shows the man has already been regenerated in heart and has heard the Gospel and is justified (satisfied) in his heart and soul by faith in the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross.

PJ Walters
Thanks! I asked the question because I already knew the answer.

Hulan Bass
Bros. Sing Lau & Bernard, we are not communicating. I have never believed, preached nor taught that faith alone was all inclusive. Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, must be honored, so Faith is just one of Nine descriptions of the Fruit (singular) of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd Person in the Holy Trinity. The Gospel aspect of Faith, when manifested and displayed, by the "alrady born-again" child of God, fulfills James 2:24 - "Ye shee then how that by works a man is

Hulan Bass
justified, and not by faith only." More if necessary. Kindly.

Hulan Bass
Bro. Sing, Bro. Bernard and I are 1st Cousins. His Mother and my Dad were brother and sister. So he is free to ridicule me all he wants to, but cannot get rid of me. grin.

Sing F Lau
Elder Hulan, you love justifying yourself no matter what, even when the most stupid things are said!!! <LOL>

Hulan Bass
Bro. Sing Lau, I have made mis-statements before, and my writing many times, is NOT what I really believe or intended to convey. Do you ever have this problem? I have already agreed to my mis-statements to Bro. Bernard, and will apologize to you also. Forgive and pray for me.

Sing F Lau
Then why don't you just admit that it was a simple mis-statement, but blah blah blah a whole lot of irrelevant things? I have no problem with your mis-statements! But when an EXACT man like you make mis-statement, and when pointed out, and no admission is forth coming , it is very distasteful!!!

Hulan Bass
I admit and apologize for my mis-statements. Kindly

Sing F Lau
Elder Hulan, your last comment SHOULD HAVE BEEN the first comment after Elder Bernard's comment of correcting you! But you blah blah blah.

Hulan Bass
I agree, you are always right, and so is Bro.Bernard.
I have no defense.

Sing F Lau
"I agree, you are always right, and so is Bro.Bernard."
=======

That's just being childish!

I did not claim that I'm always right... so your agreement is quite misplaced and misguided!

I did point out your OBVIOUS misstatement. That's all you need to admit to. It is as simple as that! Why can't we keep things very simple!!!

Hulan Bass
Many times I write responding immediately just like I'm doing right now, without checking, re-reading my comments in a discussion scenario, and find later that I had not stated exactly what I meant, so they become mis-statements not reflecting my which I do carefully re-read and correct my WRITINGS, especially pertaining to theological exegesis. Okay?

Hulan Bass
See this mess right here? continued from above "that I had not stated exactly what I meant and believe, so they become

I did this on purpose to prove my point.

I will not be posting or discussing much anymore without carefully examining articulately before posting.

Hulan Bass
Response coming

Charles Page
In a way I prefer dialog in an arena where we have to speak quickly and brief and our first impressions are given - this is "barbershop discussions" or agora public discussions. No thought out speech or prepared notes. If we are wrong make corrections and move on. And a bit of passion helps to provide a catalyst for discussions.

Preachers in pulpits and lawyers in courtrooms make for poor effective communications. The preacher and the lawyer will always win and both will get substantially rewarded!

Hulan Bass
Bro. Charles, this only opens the door for many, possibly too many hurt feelings and fellowship. Reasoning together is taught in Isaiah 1:18; and Acts 24:15; 18:4, 19; 24:25. Yet reasoning in the Barbershop is very casual, and nothing usually ever come to fruit-bearing. Old Baptist have through the years, even between Regular Worship Services, done what was known as Hardshelling out under the shade tree. Some good maybe came, and some not so. I know. I’ve been a member since 1942. Even this message was carefully thought-out and worded before publishing

Charles Page
Bro Bass, this why PB listen to preaching for an hour sing half an hour then eat fried chicken for an hour and a half and never once mention Christ name during fellowship! They really get along well! This is why you don't grow as a congregation you just exist till everyone dies off!

<LOL> too many hurt feelings! bless your sensitive heart!

Sing F Lau
More excuses! We ALL make misstatements. When pointed out... admit it and restate the misstatement if it is indeed one; otherwise defend it.

Hulan Bass
Bro. Sing, I have found, that by careful and thoughtful articulation, that I can and do write precisely and accurately, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, and then go back and “proof-read” what I have written and correct my words to be completely in line with what I believe, before publishing. Many times I have mis-stated and mis-represented the exact details of what I really intended.

By implementing this new procedure, I eliminate most all these inaccurate statements.

Yes, I admit and make no excuses for my past errors, but I am striving to eliminate all such in the future, so my intentions are communicating the exact truth.

Charles Page
I prefer telling people about my excitement about Jesus in a barber shop or in McDonalds or under a shade tree than sitting for an hour listening to a Primitive Baptist preacher give out his thoughtful articulation. It is not that he lacks the correct doctrine but he has lost the passion years ago!

When I hear a SBC preacher preach a less than doctrinal exposition I will approach him, afterwards in an awkward manner and ask him about what he said. The PB pastors are unapproachable in this. I've tried to approach the Guesses and the Poe with questions and there is a Hardshell that seems impenetrable.

The SBC preacher will squirm and get angry but there is a penetrable shell that is there and it gives me hope that some can be reached for Christ given time.

Hulan Bass
No Response at the moment

Charles Page
I take an opposing view, Respectfully, Robert. I believe that the truth of God's saving power cannot be damaged by my lack of grace and mercy. What can be damaged is the fickle feelings of men who are fearful of an open dialog and not one hidden under a bushel.

I am sure I don't know enough PB ministers and have not attended enough PB churches. So far the ones I have attended have already evidence (in the Memphis area) the ample proof I need to know that what is called "church" is more than a small group of people who love a-Capella singing, listening to an hour sermon and fellowshipping around an afternoon meal.

I am not certain that primitive baptist life is reflected in the modern primitive Baptist life.

But before we go any further with this discussion understand that any accusation against a brother has to be handled privately, absolutely. Accusations have not been made public by me nor anyone I know in these discussions. We are discussing theology and methodology and this is for open debate. It is the realm of our learning.

Sing F Lau
"We are discussing theology and methodology and this is for open debate. It is the realm of our learning."
=====
Amen. So let us stick to it, please.

Charles Page
My observation is that some I have observed have lost their passion. Your arousal indicates you still have the necessary passion! I'll stick to my accusation and certain that it's not a personal matter that strikes at a moral issue!

I follow Paul in provoking to emulation the ministers in order that I also might win some! I magnify my office.

I too will defend the Lord's church and 'our' brethern. I will be obedient!

Aaron Milyard
I'll never understand how people can say the things they do when the bible clearly states that ALL are dead in trespasses and in sins.

I heard a saying once: The man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.

Let us not look to our own wills, thoughts and ideas for interpretation of Gods word. Ask God our Father to open our eyes to the truth in His word. The word of God is so much more than "just another book" to be read and "guessed" about what it means.

Sing F Lau
It takes a great measure of grace and humility to admit one's error, and repent and believe the truth.

Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together

 

Hebrews 10 KJV —
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

----------

Frances Ridley Havergal’s (the hymnist) 'Twelve reasons for attending church on a rainy Sunday':

1. God has blessed the Lord's day and hallowed it, making no exceptions for hot or cold or stormy days.

2. I expect my minister to be there. I should be surprised if he were to stay at home on account of the weather.

3. By staying away I may lose the prayers which may bring God's blessing and the sermon that would have done me great good.

4. My presence is more needful on Sundays when there are few than those days when the church is crowded.

5. On any important business, rainy weather does not keep me at home, and Church attendance is, in God's sight, very important.

6. Such weather will show me on what foundation my faith is built; it will prove how much I love Christ. True love rarely fails to meet an appointment.

7. Though my excuses satisfy myself, they still must undergo God's scrutiny, and they must be well grounded to do that.

8. There's a special promise that where two or three meet together in God's name He will be in the midst of them.

9. An avoidable absence from the church is an infallible evidence of spiritual decay. Disciples first follow Christ at a distance, and  then, like Peter, do not know Him.

10. My faith is to be shown by my self-denying Christian life, and not by the rise and fall of the barometer.

11. Such yielding to surmounting difficulties prepares for yielding to those merely imaginary, until thousands never enter a church, and yet think they have good reason for such neglect.

12. I know not how many more Sundays God may give me, and it would be a poor preparation for my first Sunday in heaven to have slighted my last Sunday on earth.'

-----------

May we join her today, whatever the circumstance, in singing, "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee." See less

An elect of God and a child of God

Roselle flowers

The flowers and the fruits are distinct;

even so, 

And elect of God and a child of God.

https://www.facebook.com/sing.f.lau/posts/pfbid02vVcyt7D7FXBw3nxrpCFqgdYfpEd9LUGhw3EZadkSXNmKuRaBqgbMvpusL63JBjzgl

Dellis
Sing, the more I read your explanation of conversion, the more sense I can see in it. "God demands His children to believe the gospel of their salvation... because that is the truth of what God has done for them." So true!

But are you saying that at no time ever was the child of God in a depraved state?

========= 

Brother Dellis, it gives me comfort that someone UNDERSTANDS what I'm saying. Whether anyone agrees or not, I couldn't care less.

You asked a good question. I love questions. A biblical position can withstand the most vigorous cross-examination and will NEVER be shown or exposed to be erroneous or contradictory.

An unbiblical position will very soon be shown to be full of contradictions and logical fallacies! And that's what the popular Calvinism IS - I have proven it again and again, and again. Just see some articles on the blog!

When asking questions, it is important to ask them PRECISELY, otherwise you may not get a right answer.

Are these two questions the same?

You asked:
"But are you saying that at no time ever was the child of God in a depraved state?"

Do you actually want to ask this:
"But are you saying that at no time ever was an elect of God in a depraved state?"

Biblical distinction is the essence of sound theology.

A child of God is distinct and different from an elect of God. A child of God is an elect of God whom He has effectually called out of his native state of sin and death (state of total depravity) to that of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ. So, a child of God is NO longer in a depraved state; NO, impossible

An elect of God, by nature, was conceived in sin, born in sin, grew up in sin...

See Eph 2:1-3... note 'EVEN AS THE OTHERS' at the end.
1 ¶ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

So, if your question is:
"But are you saying that at no time ever was an elect of God in a depraved state?"

Then the answer is: an elect of God is in his native depraved state UNTIL he is effectually called out of his native depraved state, by God's free and sovereign grace, into the state of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ.

An elect who is effectually called is a child of God.

A child of God who is converted to Christ through the gospel ministry is a believer and a disciple.

Among God's children, there are good disciples and bad disciples.

There are God's children who are not brought to faith through the gospel ministry.

The gospel ministry is INTENDED for God's children... such need to be brought to know and believe the truth of THEIR salvation.

The work of FEEDING has to do with the LIVING! It's that basic. The Apostles knew what they needed to do.

'Hell' and 'lake of fire' are distinct

'Hell' and 'lake of fire' are distinct; they are not the same;
Hell is temporal, but the lake of fire is eternal.
Hell can be avoided, but the lake of fire cannot!

Need proof? Here they are.

Mk 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

See, you can do something to avoid hell.

Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

See, whether your name was written in the book of life, you have absolutely no say... it is by pure grace; it must be, since it was written before the foundation of the world.

Rev 20 11 ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Note a few plain observations:

1. There is a very clear distinction between hell, where the dead are now, and the lake of fire - 'death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.'

2. Hell delivered up the dead... i.e. the dead are in hell now. They are not yet in the lake of fire.

Whosoever of the dead that hell delivered up that was not found written in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire.

BUT are there God's children in hell? I am still thinking. But note, there are the dead, small and great, standing before God (v12), and there are the dead delivered up by hell. They are two distinct groups mentioned here.

3. Those cast into the lake of fire were so because of their works. Judged by works, everyone deserves the lake of fire.

4. Those who go to heaven are because their names were written in the book of life. Judged by whether one's name is written in the book of life, then only those whose names were written in the book of life enter their eternal bliss.

Christopher Cunningham
The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death, the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, 'eternal fire- Catholic Catechism not even Rome gets it right.

Sing F Lau
I want the teaching of Scriptures!

Christopher Cunningham
Rev 1:17-18 19:20, Luke 16.

Sing F Lau
What does Rev 1:17-18 mean?
Is it the same as having the key of the 'lake of fire?'

And Rev 19:20 reads 'lake of fire', doesn't say 'hell'!
So, do you want to prove from the Scriptures that 'hell' and 'lake of fire' are synonymous? Give it a try.

Christopher Cunningham
I show how they are different. Hell is where the rich man went Luke 16 the finalization is addressed in Rev 1:17-18 taking the keys of both to their final place addressed in Rev 19:20.

Sing F Lau
Please demonstrate how Rev 1:1-18 is the finalization of the hell in Lk 16. And please show how Rev 1:17-18 is related to Rev 19:20.

Sing F Lau
Talk to you later; leaving for evening meeting.

Charles Page

Don't you people ever sleep over there? I am drinking coffee and trying to get wide awake, and you are going to church!!! What will you be doing after church? Going to school or work - hunting for lizards in the swamp? pullinP weeds in the garden?

You can avoid hell if you live a life consistent with Lazarus. We have got to discover the redeeming attributes of Lazarus! What was the rich man doing that Lazarus wasn't doing?

Charles Page
Sing, I am thinking, "are there non-elect in hades?" I am struggling with that.

Sing F Lau
Charles Page, where do you think are the non-elect dead now?

Charles Page
I don't know!

Some of the Primitive Baptists moved toward universalism as "no-hellers"; that is, everyone would be saved, and God would have a bride of true remnant grace believers called, naturally 'baptist' This is error, and some of the PBs believe they are the 'elect saved' and everyone else is hell bound. Sing, I am struggling with this. I am not certain of the doctrine of retribution, double predestination.

Perhaps the non-elect are just passed over and since the soul that sins dies then apart from regeneration the rest cease to exist at death and are in 'sheol' the earthly grave and there is no spirit to return to God. Just thinking! This does not agree with the fact that there will be thoes whose names are NOT in the book of life and are cast into the lake of fire.

Their resurrection could take place at the end of all things but I just find myself uncomfortable with this subject.

Christ treated Herod as a fox and had nothing to do with him. Perhaps an unelect is no more than an animal and when they die they go back to the dust of the earth, annihilation! I don't know. am i in trouble?

Sing F Lau
Depends what kind of trouble!!! <LOL>

You better get in touch with some regular PBs and find out from them. I am not a PB, though I have high regard for many that I know... even though they honestly tell me that I belong to a false church, not a true church. I have learned to live with that <LOL> 

The just shall live by faith...

Many oppose themselves but are oblivious of such 

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10200598711065711&set=a.10200598670744703

The just shall live by faith...

Hababkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

There must be a reason for the repetition of this simple and plain truth.

Q1. Who shall live by faith?
A. The just.

Q2. Who are the just?
A. The just are those whom God has justified, freely by His grace, through the redemption of Christ Jesus.

Q3. How are the just manifested?
A. The just are manifested by their life of faith in the promised Messiah.

Q4. How is this simple and plain gospel truth GROTESQUELY twisted by so many children of God?
A. They twist this statement "the just shall live by faith" into "the condemned shall be justified by faith and live."

- A plain statement about how the justified shall live (i.e. by faith) has been grotesquely perverted into a statement about how the condemned is justified (i.e. by their faith).

Now, may our Lord open their hearts to understand why the sola fidei doctrine (justification by faith alone) is a horrid lie from hell!

==========

Tom Burkhart
sola fidei + sola gratia + sola scriptura = salvation; you need all three or be forever confused, lucky to be saved at all. Nowhere does it say you are saved by lucky chance or by your being graded on a curve because of your limited understanding.

Sing F Lau
Impressive shibboleth! Do you even think before you speak? <LOOOOL>

How can salvation be by sola X and then PLUS PLUS two other solas?

Do you even know the meaning of sola?

solus |ˈsōləs| adjective ( fem. sola |ˈsōlə|)

alone or unaccompanied.

Try again. No theological shibboleth or religious jargon.

Tom Burkhart
lol faith comes by hearing the word of god! and it's only by grace that you believe..... paralysis of analysis...

Alone! Do you know? Where does your sarcastic heart come from? (an overflow of the text your heart speaks). Just asking.

"How can salvation be by sola X and then PLUS PLUS two other solas?

It's easier than explaining the trinity...lol

Using the + was lazy on my part. You're saved by grace through faith that comes from hearing the truth... Scripture...ALONE! How's that?

Sing
Hey, Tom, do me a favour... keep your comments together... instead of so many disjointed ones.

You said, "using the + was lazy on my part. You're saved by grace through faith that comes from hearing the truth..... scripture.... ALONE! How's that?

=====

That's nothing more than the regurgitation of shibboleth without thinking! You shouldn't have a LAZY mind. You should THINK through a matter that you are fed with.... don't just regurgitate without digesting it!

A man, in his native state of condemnation and death, who needed to be saved by God is incapable of faith UNTIL he is saved. Only a saved man is capable of believing, and believing is an evidence of salvation already freely bestowed. So, how could salvation be ever through man's act of believing when believing is an effect of salvation already bestowed???????

Salvation is BASED solely by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Salvation through the righteousness of Christ Jesus is bestowed by God to a dead condemned sinner freely... i.e. by grace, without him meeting any condition, like believing. This speak of the MANNER salvation secured by Jesus Christ is bestowed to an ill deserving sinner - freely, without any condition. If salvation is through faith... man's act of believing, it is no longer grace. It is through work of believing. See John 6:28-29.

Faith is a saving grace worked in the heart of a child of God, i.e. a man already saved by God and indwelt by the Spirit of God. Faith manifests itself through acts of believing in Jesus Christ.

If you have said, "salvation is EXPERIENCED through faith alone in Jesus Christ" you are not far from the truth.

Sing F Lau
Tom, since you asked, be informed that sarcasm is a useful and appropriate communication tool when dealing with unthinking people, to jerk them out of their slumber...

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked."

Dellis Worsham Sr.
Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Just so I can know that I understand. Paul, who was once Saul, was a just man, all his life. He didn't know it till God revealed His Son in him.

Tom Burkhart
And you accuse me of being unthinking. You think too much. How about getting to the harvest... how about building up the church? Truth is all important, but you mince words and sweat the small stuff while the real work goes undone... you seem quite puffed up, sir. I'm done here

If I don't hear any encouragement in the spirit of love, I'm blocking you.

Sing
Oh Tom, I see a spoilt brat raving.

I encourage folks who want to leave errors and want to embrace truth! Truth alone can encourage people... by leading them away from their fables!

You come to my page and leave fables, and call them truth... and I endeavour to awaken you from your slumber... and your ego got injured... and you are unhappy. You are a free man... do what you want. You can whine and go away and nurse your ego.... or you can stay and learn a few things. The choice is yours.

This is my job description:
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after
their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

May be Apostle Paul was wrong in reminding Timothy his REAL work!!!