The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Roman Catholicism and salvation

In reply to:

---

Pilgrim, your quotation from Gal 2:16-19 only furthers my point to Paul_S - again noting St. Paul is talking about "works of the law" again . . .

---

Well, I have to second Paul)_S's remarks previously made that you didn't get the point at all. However, I'm not at all surprised that you didn't. Your RC theology demands that you reject any accusation of adhering to synergism (aka: works). I have heard this lament far too many times; i.e., "We don't believe in salvation by works, but by grace! The works we do are done while being in a state of grace, etc., blah, blah, blah."

It makes no difference where the works come from or in what state a person is in when they are done. They are still that which MUST be done and are complemental to grace. Thus a work by any other name is still a work. :rolleyes1: Even God's grace is of works; Christ's vicarious substitutionary work imputed to those who believe. It's either ALL OF GRACE; i.e., Christ's work! or it's synergism. That's what Paul_S was driving home and likewise myself. "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees . . .", which illustration was used by Christ to show the futility of man contributing anything to his salvation, with or without "grace". You are either declared righteous on the basis of Christ's substitutionary work (atonement) and thus inherit eternal life at the moment you believe, or you reject His work and add to it. It is grace that saves at the moment that faith reaches out to Christ.

Romans 8:1 "[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (cf. Rom 4:7; 5:1; 7:14-25; Jh 3:18; 5:24; Gal 3:13; et al)

We, the sons of God and of the Reformation rejoice in our Saviour, Who has procured ALL that is necessary for our redemption. There is NOTHING we need do but rest in Him and His sufficient atonement.

1 Corinthians 1:23-31 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

"Salvation is of the LORD!" Jonah 2:9