JD wrote: > When we work (obey) we put God into our debt ----------- > Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted > as grace but as a debt. Works salvationism is an attempt > to manipulate God by putting into debt. I am saved because I > have given product (obedience). It is an effort to bind God to His > promise - In JESUS name I claim the promises of God !!! > I hear that often.
You may have heard this often, but not from me. Works and obedience are not the same thing, and not all works are works of the same kind. You confuse this passage by claiming that it is talking about obedience and therefore somehow warning us not to walk in obedience to God. Paul also teaches about those who do not obey the gospel being subject to the wrath of God. Is he somehow contradicting himself? I think not. The kind of obedience that comes through faith in Christ is not one that expects some kind of reward (see Luke 17:10). In fact, it is just the opposite. It is motivated by a sense of debt or gratitude toward God for what he has already done. Obedience motivated by faith does not look for any kind of reward. It is, in a sense, motivated by a sense of debt that comes from recognizing the work of Christ (see Rom. 8:12). So if you are going to talk about the relationship between debt and obedience, if anything, it should be looked upon as obedience that is responding to a debt that is owed rather than a work that is looking for a reward. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
