Ephesians 2:8, 10, Saved … good works. Are we saved by faith through grace or by our good works? This verse clearly answers this question. One is saved by the free gift of YHVH’s grace through faith (in Yeshua). Salvation isn’t based on good works (Torah obedience), or else prideful man would boast about how good his is, and that YHVH must have saved him on the merits of his good works. However, once one is saved, and a result of his salvation one will produce the fruits good works, which is Torah-obedience. This is the definition of biblical righteousness (Ps 119:172) and shows us how to walk in the Spirit by loving YHVH with our all and our neighbor as ourself. When we live out this pattern, we become Elohim’s workmanship through Yeshua.
Wouldn’t it be biblically sound and accurate to state that we are not saved by faith alone nor by works about, but by faith progressively evidenced by good works alone, meaning that we must have progressive evidence of good works that we have an abiding faith until the end?
Neither our faith nor our works are perfect, nor will they be, until we shall see him face to face, but we must progressively give evidence of our faith by our works until the day of Messiah Yeshua, and in that we are perfecting our faith unto the perfection of His righteousness in and through us.
We can be forgiven of our sins, but we must also abide in an obedience of the faith until the end, and based upon an abiding and living faith that progressively results in good works until that day, we will then be welcomed into his kingdom and the fullness of his presence, even throughout the millennial reign of Messiah, when we will progressively be perfected in faith, love, and likeness of character and conduct without the adversarial work of ha Satan.
I think much of this is well summed up in 2Pe 1:8-11 (see verses 1-7 for the full context):
“For if these qualities are in you and increasing, they keep you from becoming idle and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. But anyone who lacks these qualities is blind—nearsighted because he has forgotten his cleansing from past sins.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, make all the more effort to make your calling and election certain—for if you keep doing these things, you will never stumble. For in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Messiah Yeshua, will be richly provided for you.”
Bro, I can’t disagree with you. What you have said is very succinct, to the point, and takes the full counsel of YHVH’s word into account on the subject of the past, present and future aspects of salvation.
You have put a fine point on this subject. Some people will read this and say that you’re advocating a faith + grace + works = salvation as opposed to a faith + grace ——> salvation formula. Both formulas are true, but each seems to be missing a point. There is a higher truth in the middle between the two. The problem with the first formula is that it seems to suggest that our good works can save us. The problem with the second formula is that it doesn’t take works into consideration. Both interpretations are false and unscriptural. For example, our good works never can and never will save us along. This is because our righteousness is as filthy rags! Despite our good works, we still need Yeshua’s grace and righteousness to cover us all the way until the end. But our good works will ensure that we will receive that saving grace when and how we need it. This is what I see in Rev 19:8 where the robes of Yeshua’s bride is comprised of the works of righteousness of the saints, yet we still need his imputed righteousness past, present and future to keep us in Elohim’s good graces when we stumble along the way.
At the same time, faith and grace alone can’t save us. Faith without works is dead. We have to back our faith up with action, i.e. obedience. The Scriptures are clear on this point.
Does this make sense to you?
Yes it does. Totally.
Thanks for what you have said.
I just want to say that I have understood the same verses the same way, and Rev 19.8 is connected to Mat 22…
Mat 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Mat 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Even that close!!…but we will never make it without fine linen garments which represent the works of the set apart ones. Many are called but few chosen. This connection makes it clear that what you have said makes sense and it’s the correct interpretation of the Scripture.