Standing Strong |
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Faith vs. Works What are we to do? |
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The book of Romans chapter 2 gives us much to think about. You see there are many who think that the Torah was given for times long gone or that the Torah only applies for a certain set of people, observant Orthodox Jews. I think this letter to the Romans, written by Shaul, aka Paul, a Rabbi of renown, gives us insight we should not ignore. Evangelical Christians very quickly point out that they are saved by their faith and that there actions are not a deciding factor in their eternity as judged by G-d. I have a problem with such blanket statements and wish to ask you to investigate whether this view point expressed above has merit or not.
What if I were to say to you that G-d will render unto all people according to their deeds. That everyone who does good works seeking glory and immortality, i.e. eternal life will get it; the Jew first but also the Gentile because doing of these good works does not matter if you are a Jew or Gentile. And all that do unrighteous acts, those who choose not to follow the truth, to them regardless of race will be indignation and the wrath of G-d for all eternity. G-d doesn’t respect your race but will judge you based upon what you do.
Do you think I’m crazy? Do you think I need to learn freedom and think about the whole issue of faith vs. works? Are you one of the ones who will tell me that you can’t put any merit upon your works in G-d’s scales of Judgment?
What I just shared is exactly what Paul, the Jewish writer of most of the “New Testament” states in Romans 2: 1-11.
In the following verses, Paul addresses who is to follow the Torah (badly mistranslated as “Law” over the correct translation of “Teachings”.)
Verse 13 should cause everyone to sit up and take notice. “For not the hearers of the Law are just before G-d, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Just before this verse Paul has pointed out that it does not matter if you are Jew or Gentile in the actions you are called to perform. I wish to point out it states the hearers of the Law are not just before G-d. In extrapolation, if you have heard the Law of G-d, if you have read the teachings of the Torah, and do not do them, you are not just before G-d. Re-read verse 6. G-d will render unto every man according to his deeds.
For those who do the law without ever having heard or read it, great glory and honor for the law of G-d is written on their hearts. See verse 15. Does this not show that the Holy Spirit of G-d has been working for many years on inscribing the teachings of the L-rd on the hearts of many, both Jew and Gentile?
Regardless of nationality we are all judged by our works, for as James says in the book of James 2:20, “Faith without works is dead.” Our works, our deeds, our willingness to follow His commands, His teachings, regardless of our race, is the judgment standard for all who have heard or read His word. For physical race and physical circumcision does not matter but circumcision of the heart. A circumcised heart will follow the Torah (law and teachings) of the L-rd with appropriate behavior and actions to show fruit of the Spirit by what he does.
Are you following the Law, the teachings of the L-rd as you have heard or read or are you among those counted in Romans 2:4-6, “Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of G-d leadeth thee to repentance, But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of G-d: who will render to every man according to his deeds.” ?
Selah.
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Isaiah 11:6 2 Thessalonians 2:15 |