RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

FAITH vs WORKS R.D.Ice

It has been said we should WORK as if everything depended upon us, and it does. Yet we should have FAITH as if everything depended upon God, because it does. Abraham BELIEVED GOD and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous. And Abraham was called God's friend. (James 2:22-24). Faith & works cooperate together. Faith is dead (moribund) without works. And yet it is by faith we are put right with God (Romans 1:16-17' Phil. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:1-3). Note this article from "Gospel Minutes."

ENJOY HEAVEN LESS?
from Gospel Minutes by David Thurman (April 20, 2001):

Q. Dear Brother Thurman: Please explain to me if there will be some people in heaven that have not been as good as others and will not enjoy heaven much as others do who have been more righteous? Our teacher said it would be like this. -A.A., TX

A. "The simplest answer to your first question is that there will be only one kind of person in heaven. That is a person declared righteous by the blood of Christ. "And may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith" (Phil. 3:9). Since we gain His righteousness by becoming a child of God, we will all be as good as Jesus is on the day we enter heaven. Therefore none will be better or worse than others. Some may have lived worse lives and been forgiven more. Others may have served more and accomplished more good for the kingdom of God. But all who are saved will be saved by being made righteous by the blood of Jesus, not by how much work they have done."

"As to how much each will enjoy heaven, I can only speculate. It is difficult to imagine a person who hates singing, praising or worship finding much in heaven to enjoy. But I believe when we are changed to enter eternity, many things will change. Perhaps our joy at being in God's presence and gathered around the throne will dispel any sense of loss or lack of enjoyment. My personal opinion is that heaven will be wonderful and thrilling to all the redeemed."

GOSPEL MINUTES, P.O.Box 50007, Fort Worth Texas 76105-0007

If I really BELIEVE JESUS it will be demonstrated by the works (fruit) of my life But JESUS is the focus. My WORKS must never take the focus & glory away from HIM!!! We sing: "Jesus paid it all! All to HIM I owe! Sin had left a crimson stain. HE washed it white as snow!"


JESUS SPEAKS TO THE PHARISEES

You have your heads in the Bible always.
You studied for degrees in the Sacred Books.
And PhDs in books about the Sacred Books.
And you're convinced this will get you into Heaven.
But you miss The Point: IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!
The Holy Scriptures are jam-packed with
huge stomping clues about ME!
But you can't find it in your heart to admit it.
Because then you would have to ask ME
for the eternal life you want so much.
Believe ME and live eternally!
[adapted from Rob Lacey]
[compare 1 John 5:9-13]