Originally posted by galveston75"first step"? the wording is unambiguous and clear, to read it any other way is to convulate the meaning of the scripture is a sin.
Yes that is just the first step though. But there are many scriptures that explain that works have to be done also. It's not that there is anything we can actually do to gain salvation because the scriptures make it clear that salvation is a gift.
But when Jesus commanded his followers or Christians to do such things as preach the Good News of the King ...[text shortened]... y should we do less?
Originally posted by galveston75The question was at the first posting in this thread was (as you seem to forgot it):
I gave my last answer on that subject, period. You answer my questions now if you can...
"Can one of the JWs here please answer this simple question with a straight yes or no?"
and I cannot see anywhere a simple yes or now anywhere.
You don't dare, you don't know, you don't want to, answer the simple question with a straight yes or no.
You cannot, no JW culter cannot, so your beliefs seem to be rather weak.
Originally posted by duecerBut to just go on what Jesus was initially saying and stopping there would be like taking the first clue of a long treasure hunt but refusing to read and follow the many other clues that would take you to the treasure.
"first step"? the wording is unambiguous and clear, to read it any other way is to convulate the meaning of the scripture is a sin.
And just because Jesus would answer others at times with what seemed to be a short answer does not indicate that more explinations in a fuller detail could not exist later. But in fact there are many scriptures that show that fact. Many times he did make a simple comment on a subject just to get the apostles or others to ponder on it and then he would futher explain. He did that to make them think and reason among themselves in a spiritual manner and to see if they were getting the point.
Originally posted by galveston75saying that our works helps gain us us salvation is to cheapen the passion of Christ. No we are saved by grace alone.
But to just go on what Jesus was initially saying and stopping there would be like taking the first clue of a long treasure hunt but refusing to read and follow the many other clues that would take you to the treasure.
And just because Jesus would answer others at times with what seemed to be a short answer does not indicate that more explinations in ...[text shortened]... ink and reason among themselves in a spiritual manner and to see if they were getting the point.
Originally posted by duecerWell ok then. But you or no one else here has explained all those scriptures that says works have to be involved. One in particular says :Faith without Works is death".
saying that our works helps gain us us salvation is to cheapen the passion of Christ. No we are saved by grace alone.
So when you read those scriptures, what is going thru your mind to be able to ignor them? I'm not insulting you but just curious.
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-Removed-Well there are many teachings in the mainstream Christian religions that are not bible based or true. We've been thru many of them here.
And the works and the result of those works are the fruits they produce. If one does no work in an orchard for example to tend the trees and shape them and protect them and feed them correctly, the fruits will probaly be of a poor quality.
This is an example of what Jesus told us to do with finding ones that want to learn about him out in the world. It's a lot of work but the results can be very rewarding to those who are looking for the truth and willing to be taught by it.
So your wrong..much work is involved to do this. But I agree it secures no salvation for us per say, but we will be doing what God commands us to do and in turn helps to save other life's.
Does that mean anything to you? Does the example of the "use of the Talents when the Master arrives" connect to these fruits at all to you in the 25th chapter of Matt.?