Originally posted by @romans1009Yes, didn't you? What evidence do you have of it? If there's no difference between the ability to share another's burden between Christians and non-Christians why di you cite it as an example of 'good works' in the context of your religion and quote a verse of the Bible?
Have I said they do?
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009I've just had a look at this. What are you claiming it is evidence of?
http://abc11.com/society/woman-thanked-for-comforting-strangers-toddler-at-target/3248303/
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24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @fmfCited it as an example of a good work (i.e. bearing another person’s burden.)
I've just had a look at this. What are you claiming it is evidence of?
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24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @fmfI don’t think I did. I said atheists were certainly capable of good works and some atheists may do more good works than some Christians, that much depended on an individual’s circumstances and resources.
Yes, didn't you? What evidence do you have of it? If there's no difference between the ability to share another's burden between Christians and non-Christians why di you cite it as an example of 'good works' in the context of your religion and quote a verse of the Bible?
What I’ve said in regard to good works is that they are a manifestation or evidence of salvation - not a requirement for it. So that means if you see somebody who does not exhibit good works, that is a sign they are not saved. That is not to say everyone who does good works is saved. Do you understand the difference?
I also said the greatest of all good works - and one Jesus explicitly instructed His disciples to do - was share the Gospel, and that is obviously not something that would be done by an atheist or non-Christian.
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24 Mar 18
Your inquiry and interest in good works as they relate to Christianity may be more appropriately addressed to those who (mistakenly) think they are a requirement of salvation.
Salvation is obtained by faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His Resurrection. Nothing else.
Those who are saved will exhibit good works and an aversion to sin as God’s Holy Spirit indwells them and changes their hearts and behavior.
But that doesn’t mean an atheist or non-Christian can’t do good works or bear someone’s burdens.
The biggest mistake you’re making is in thinking Christianity is about doing when it’s really about done - what Jesus Christ did on the cross was everything. No one can earn his or her way into heaven.
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009I am asking you because you keep saying 'good works' inevitably happen because of Jesus and "God's Holy Spirit".
Your inquiry and interest in good works as they relate to Christianity may be more appropriately addressed to those who (mistakenly) think they are a requirement of salvation..
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009So much for the supernatural beings and effects you're talking about, then.
I don’t think I did. I said atheists were certainly capable of good works and some atheists may do more good works than some Christians, that much depended on an individual’s circumstances and resources.
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24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @fmfYou’re either misrepresenting what I’ve said or don’t understand it. I suspect the former, but who knows?
So much for the supernatural beings and effects you're talking about, then.
You’re looking at outward things. The Lord looks on the heart. It’s why salvation by works is such a false doctrine.
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009Without the "God’s Holy Spirit indwells them" thing, would they not "exhibit good works"?
Those who are saved will exhibit good works and an aversion to sin as God’s Holy Spirit indwells them and changes their hearts and behavior.
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009I am looking for evidence of what you are claiming about 'good works'.
You’re looking at outward things. The Lord looks on the heart. It’s why salvation by works is such a false doctrine.
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24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @fmfYes, they do. The Holy Spirit changes someone’s heart and behavior.
I am asking you because you keep saying 'good works' inevitably happen because of Jesus and "God's Holy Spirit".
That doesn’t mean only Christians do good works.
And you consistently ignore that the greatest of all good works - sharing the Gospel and leading someone to Christ - is generally done exclusively by Christians.
That good work, unlike the good works done by atheists and non-Christians, has eternal consequences.
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009And what evidence is there of this?
Yes, they do. The Holy Spirit changes someone’s heart and behavior.
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24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @fmfIf you’re going to be a smart aleck, I don’t have to waste my time talking with you.
Without the "God’s Holy Spirit indwells them" thing, would they not "exhibit good works"?
You seem to be asking the same question 100 different ways. How many times do I have to say atheists and non-Christians can do good works?
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009If you think it makes you happy to do that, and if it makes other people happy, good for you, but beyond that it is utterly meaningless to me. You might as well be a Hari Krsna or a Muslim preacher.
And you consistently ignore that the greatest of all good works - sharing the Gospel and leading someone to Christ - is generally done exclusively by Christians..
24 Mar 18
Originally posted by @romans1009So it "changes" them, you say, but you get surly when I ask about what would they be like if they are not "changed" by it?
If you’re going to be a smart aleck, I don’t have to waste my time talking with you.
You seem to be asking the same question 100 different ways. How many times do I have to say atheists and non-Christians can do good works?