Originally posted by FreakyKBH
JW's notwithstanding, faith alone in Christ alone. Anything more is arrogance. To assume man can do anything warranting God's favor is blasphemous, thus unmeritorious faith is the issue.
Not Christian service, not good works. If it can be done by the unbeliever, it is conducive for salvation.
This is not true. Remember there are many branches of Christianity. To say that they all believe the same way is incorrect.
2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
Both of these passages are clear that God not only expects good works from us, but will in fact judge the works that we do.
Matt 5:48
Be yee therefore perfect, even as your father which is in heaven is perfect.
More of the same. It’s impossible to be perfect if all you do is sinful.
Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
This is an example of a good work that God expects from us.
The following passages indicate that Jesus expects those who believe in him to work for their salvation.
Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way,
sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
This is another example of good works that earn us "treasure in heaven."