Pilgrim said: 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. 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.<br> <br>[color:purple]Scott replies: Pilgrim, it appears that you too have not followed the point I raised with Paul_S. I realize you've been taught that Catholics practice a works/salvation system - and I realize it's difficult to admit that all those who preach that nonsense are wrong - but that doesn't change the fact that they are wrong. I clearly laid out and echoed what the context of: "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees . . ." was, and that was that St. Paul was preaching against [color:red]works of the law</font color=red>. That, in fact, is the focal point of nearly all of St. Paul's references to "works," but especially this one. Catholicism is not about "works of the law" but, "works done in the state of grace." It goes without saying that grace preceeds such works. What is faith without works? Can such a faith save you? Please, answer me that.<br> <br>Try as hard as you want to apply "works of the law" to "works done in the state of grace" but you're just trying to put square pegs in round holes.</font color=purple><br> <br>Pilgrim continues: 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.<br> <br>[color:purple]Scott replies: The "sons of the Reformation" are nothing but protestors against Christ's Church that He founded and existed some 1500 years prior to the revolt. That same Church exists today, and will until Christ returns in glory, just as He promised ith would.</font color=purple><br> <br>