Originally posted by dj2becker
Is that what you were taught in your theology degree? What did they say the reason was for Jesus dying if people were already able to earn their salvation through works?
You really lack the ability to read and understand everything the Bible says. Here it is again :
Paul said:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
You stop with that and proclaim that you are saved ... thats the way of the lazy servant with one talent... but thats not the whole story, because later on Paul also said:
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:1-5 KJV)
Therefore Paul says that one must follow Gods commandments, do good works, live righteously otherwise there is no entry into the Kingdom of God.
To resolve that dilemma, you need to understand of the whole doctrine of Christ and the Apostles.
Jesus Christ is the door, Jesus created a way to the Kingdom of God by his death and sacrifice. This is an opportunity that SAVED mankind from certain death.
But to enter the Kingdom of God, and pass through that door, one must live righteously and do good works
Nobody gets eternal life without Christ.
Nobody gets eternal life by proclaiming faith alone.
Eternal life is for those who do good works and live righteously.