quote:Since several people have responded that we are saved by "good works" -- I guess I have just one question. How do you explain Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
This Scripture passage tells me that we are not saved through ANY WORKS -- not through helping the poor, not through baptism, not through attending mass, not through ANY WORKS.
In English that reads: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
You believe you have been saved by your faith alone. I'm afraid that is not enough. I think it explains perfectly why you believe you can say whatever the heck you want and separate other people from God.
I believe it means that all the good works you do are, alone, not enough alone to get your ticket to heaven punched. You must also have faith. I've always had faith. I've not always had belief. That will be an impossible concept to a snake handler but it is what it is. I'm as comfortable as a human can be that my place in heaven is assured but I back up my faith with good deeds.
Your primitive faith gives you the audicity to play God's henchman and dare to inform others of their final resting spot. How dare you.
You obviously beleive that you can do and say whatever the heck you want, no matter how hurtful and spiteful, because you have 100% "faith" of your place in heaven. That fire and brimstone kind of hateful Christianity should have died long ago. It's no wonder the "none of the above" are the fastest growing segment of the religion landscape today.
Peter said "Love covers a multitude of sins." The only way to love others is by doing good unto them. GOOD DEEDS Bill Gray. That means refraining from sicking Jesus on them! That means NOT SPREADING A MESSAGE OF HATE which seems to be all you are capable of.
For all we know, Bill, the atheists that you love to wrangle with are angels sent to test your love for your fellow man. Think about it.