Originally posted by ThinkOfOne
Jesus taught salvation through righteousness. Is that what Paul taught?
You can say that "he was only doing what he was told to do", but you only have Paul's word.
I posted this in another thread. Look at the following.
Romans 7:15-25
"...but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin...I do not understand...I am doing the very thing I hate...no t down and thrown into the fire. 20 [b]So then, you will know them by their fruits."[/b]
"Jesus taught salvation through righteousness. Is that what Paul taught?"
Yes,That is what he taught.
"You can say that "he was only doing what he was told to do", but you only have Paul's word."
Paul was recognized by disciples(specifically Peter and James) of Jesus. Where they wrong when they did that in Acts15 and Galatians2?
Galatians 2:7-9
(7) But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
(8) (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: )
(9) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
I think what Paul describes in Romans7 is something that all believers struggle with to one degree or another. Until Jesus the time Jesus meets us in the air, we still will have this corrupt body. But he helps us with that too.1Co 10:13
1 Corinthians 15:49-51
(49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
(50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
(51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
The righteousness is from God. It is by faithfulness. Jesus taught faithfulness by obeying his words by keeping the Law. I believe they have to continue this till they die to fulfill this. Is this what it says?
Paul preached faithfulness by believing the word. By which he imediatly redeems us for his service. Galatians 2:20
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Ephesians 1:13-14
(13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Romans 4:4-5
(4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
(5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
James 2:20
(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:24
(24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
God rewards the faithful and he justifies those who obey. Both ways are ultimately made possible by Jesus.John 14:6
(6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I believe that when you understand this reply by James,you will understand why Jesus called Paul.
Acts 15:14-19
(14) Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
(15) And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
(16) After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
(17) That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
(18) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
(19) Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
Romans 11:29-32
(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
(30) For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their(ISRAEL's) unbelief:
(31) Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
(32) For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.