I am an ignoramus and often misinterpret things - Thank you for...

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25/04/24

13:31

Post #: 73510616
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Originally posted by wafflehead: ↑

But what was Paul's definition of Faith? It was most certainly not a dictionary version of meaning.

What did Paul do once he had his moment on the road to Damascus? He gained faith in the truth of Christ and this influenced and directed the rest of his life working tirelessly to establish Christianity. He travelled as a missionary all over, his life was threatened and he no doubt suffered many hardships and deprivations as a result of this so-called, faith that clearly called him to action and deeds.

The faith of Paul was clearly demonstrated by actions and how it dictated how he lived after his epiphany.

Paul's roll-model life of faith was made evident by his deeds and actions.

The other point to make is that the reward of eternal life can never be sufficiently earned by one's good deeds, no matter how good a person is, so in that sense it does come down to faith in that even one's feeble efforts are rewarded beyond their value.

In the parable of the three servants, one buries his talent and then just hands it back when his master returns, this is about faith and capacity and fulfilling that capacity. For doing nothing with his talent (money) he was severely admonished. Such is faith, it is worthless if it does not result in some gain for self and others.

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I am an ignoramus and often misinterpret things - Thank you for confirming this.
In my ignorance, I neglected to add the factor of grace.

I suggest that Paul's energy was to show people that they were justified freely through what came by Christ and God's grace and not what they did.
Admittedly Paul did great works, but his message was not that we are justified by works.
Paul's message is still unpopular in certain circles that don't believe in free handouts even from God.

Perhaps these verses show that I have been mislead by scripture.

Romans 3:
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ.

Romans 5:
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[a] boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 1:
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Ephesians 2:
7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
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