Quote
speratus said:
Quote
How can I know if my faith is genuine and that I am truly reconciled to God and in union with Christ?

Good works supply proof that faith is working. James 2:17-24. However, the assurance of salvation does not come from a glorification of the imperfect works of man. God gives us the assurance of salvation through His Word,

Quote
Romans 8:15, 17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

We no longer live in fear that we have not done enough under the law to merit grace. So why return to the bondage of the law unto fear by performing works to obtain the assurance of salvation? Good works flow naturally from a spirit that has been liberated from the curse of the law. Romans 7:6; 8:2.

Speratus, be sure to correctly define good works. Unless the motive is agape love ("charity" in 1 Cor 13), the works are not morally good, however outwardly kind and good they appear. Indeed, such works profit nothing.

Last edited by flunky1; Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:20 AM.