Jesus was given this question of eternal life in Matt. 19:16, Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, Luke 18:18 and each time Jesus gave the answer "Keep the Commandments." So it is obvious for those of us who believe in Jesus and His Word that eternal life is gained not by grace but by works. Even when Jesus spoke about judgement day and some entering into eternal life and some everlasting punishment, he related their judgement to their WORKS while here on earth. (I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in) It had nothing to do with grace, or accepting him or their faith. In fact in Jesus' teachings the people who did these works seemed to be unaware that they had did anything worthy of eternal life. (Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?)
So if eternal life must be earned where did the church get the teachings of grace and faith and accepting Jesus? I believe that the teachings are a misunderstanding of terminology. Certain words used in the Bible; namely SALVATION - ETERNAL LIFE- ENTERING THE KINGDOM were three entirely different concepts. Modern Chrisitanity uses these words pretty much enterchangably but a closer look at the scriptures shows that they are not the same at all. But that's another blog.
4 comments:
Before we are set to do good work for God, we must humble oursleves that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. Therefore, we need to be saved by grace through our own faith in Him before we are set to do specific good work. Futhermore, the meaning of enternal life is having a relationship with God. How can God can accept good work first before you admit that you are a sinner and need his forgievness? Doing good work to earn enternal life is an insult of God. But there is one thing which is clear, we are made to do specific good work in the kingdom of God. I agree with you view that how some churches teaches about grace. We should not take grace for granted and there are people abuse the grace from God by not not keeping His Word(His commandments) and not loving others. I gald you have a personal relationship with God as you personally seek for him. Contine your faith with Him.
what are the commandments? of Moses? or of Jesus"s gospel life?
I love Judge Jesus <3
What I remember from many years ago, was that before Jesus rewarded some and punished others, He firstly divided the goats from the sheep. Then to the goats He said whatever you did NOT do, you did not do for Me. And the sheep were told, whatever you DID do, you did for Me.
But my question was never fully answered that I posed to God all those years ago, how will I know that I am a sheep that will be blessed by Him and not a goat that will be punished?
Post a Comment