Questions Protestants Can't Answer #5: Can someone, through well doing, receive eternal life?

[thatonelutheran]

This question is worded interestingly. If justification is "received," it cannot be a result of works. That would make it "earned," or a "reward." "To the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due" (Romans 4:4). Contrast this with justification, which is received by faith, as a free gift. (Romans 4:5-8, 3:21-25, 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.) It's not about commandments vs. ceremonies. It about terrible sinners being justified by sheer grace, not by works.

[thatonelutheran]

I, by your interpretation, will no doubt be damned. Because I do not obey the truth, and I am self-seeking and I obey unrighteousness. A lot. I am not a good person. Fortunately, my salvation is not dependent on me. Because while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. And if I were righteous, Christ did not die for me because "one would scarcely die for a righteous person." This is a hypothetical statement judging from 3:20, "through the law comes knowledge of sin." Good luck being perfect...

[badpanda84]

what is with all these quesitons which are more or less the same ( all about works vs faith)

Who cares -- because we all know all the corpution in the catholic church..

Even if protestants were wrong and we need to do good works.

That would make the catholic church very hypocritical.

[Underoath7711]

Is baptism correct in Catholicism if you're not even conscious to make a decision for your own self? Your definition of works is rather skewed, I think you;re too blind as to what Protestants practise. Do some more research young man.

[HOFFABRANDO1]

no again Ga: 3:2:This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Ga:3:5: He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law,or by the hearing of faith? Ga:2:16: but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

[HOFFABRANDO1]

CATHOLIC’S CAN’T ANSWER., All Need to be born of Gods spirit. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh (in Adam), to live after the flesh.Ro:8:13: For if ye live after the flesh,(in Adam) ye shall die: but if ye THROUGH THE SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Ro:8:14: For as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God. 1Co:15:22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. END PT1

[hodriguinhohunter]

@HOFFABRANDO1 So what exactly is ur question?

[HOFFABRANDO1]

Ro: 8:15: 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.Ro:8:16:The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Ro:8:5: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. AL GOOD WORKS COME FROM THE SPIRIT OF GOD, END PT2,

[HOFFABRANDO1]

Salvation is of the lord. 1Jo:5:20: And we know that the SON OF GOD IS COME, and hath given us an UNDERSTANDING, that we may know HIM THAT IS TRUE, and we are in HIM THAT IS TRUE, even IN HIS SON Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Ro: 8:14: LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God. Ro: 8:9: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. END PART 3 PEACE.

[MRGV7373]

A person who does well doing, good works, might receive eternal life. If rejects God, are the works "good" or just self motivated works. If an atheist does God's works, is there salvation?? I don't think that is what Jesus is getting at. But at the same time a "christian" who does no Good Works will be in deep trouble at the judgement seat at death.. The one who actually does the work of God, must believe in Jesus - John 6 Jesus answers to believe is the works of God. So Belief in needed

[pixelspillover]

well, I don't try to explain those verses away...we as Christians have to deal with those verses that are part of scripture. Who are the good works for? God sees your heart, He already knows your motives and intentions, He already knows whether you will do something or not. That external expression of faith (works) is not to be justified before God, but before men. Galations 3:16 Abraham serves as an example. He believed God, and that faith was regarded by God to be his continued...

[pixelspillover]

No, you can't be saved by well doing, otherwise the moral athiest would wind up in heaven also and so on and son on

[cburton103]

@pixelspillover Did you watch the video? John clearly stated that faith is important as well, because we must take the entire Bible into consideration. It seems to me that the point in this video is to show the importance of context when reading the Bible. This is an important topic because Romans 3,4 and Ephesians 2 are often quoted out of context, thus "proving" salvation by faith alone. However, we must remember what Romans 2, James 2, and Matthew 19 say as well. God bless.

[pixelspillover]

@cburton103 yeah I saw the video, hahahahaha, I understand the point of the video, I was just answering the question made up on top. No amount of works will gain a man eternal life, it's by faith. I know that's not what you believe, but who is the verse speaking to? what group of people? and that phrase "according to their deeds" is used throughout scripture and it denotes the complete justness of judgement of God. continued....

[pixelspillover]

@cburton103

God will be the Judge, every man in particular will be judged; and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, continued...

[pixelspillover]

@cburton103

shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform.

[cburton103]

@pixelspillover I agree with what you said except for a few exceptions. To me, it always seems like the "faith alone" camp simply tries to explain away any verses such as James 2, Romans 2, etc so that they don't mean what they say. Even though James 2:24 says, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only", somehow it seems that many would still say that good works (as an expression of faith in Christ) do not justify us by grace. What are your thoughts?

[pixelspillover]

@cburton103 approval of Abraham. When Abraham started down with the knife, that action (work) wasn't to be justified before God. It was to be seen by Issac. It was to set a precedent and pattern of faith for Issac. As justification takes place in the sight of God, it is by faith, for he sees that the faith is genuine, and that it will produce good works.

[cburton103]

@pixelspillover I'm trying my best to understand how your understanding fits with James 2. Are you saying that works never justify a person, but only faith? I just don't see how this fits with James 2:24: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only". Your view seems to directly contradict this. Please help me see if this is not correct.

Also, I'm not sure how Galatians 3:16 fits in, nor your example of Abraham being saved by faith alone. (continued)

[cburton103]

@pixelspillover Rather, we can see how in James 2:21 we are told that Abraham was justified by his works (and other places we are told that Abraham was justified by his faith). Doesn't it seem like saying that we are justified by faith alone requires people to read the Bible rather selectively? I am honestly trying to understand, so please let me know if I'm missing something. God bless.

[lsavalla]

For anyone who is interested in the true promise of salvation through faith, read the entire chapter of Romans 4, it will clear up the confusion my Catholic friend seems to have the scriptures.

Peace to you all!

[cburton103]

@lsavalla Catholics believe in salvation through faith. Catholics do not believe in salvation through faith alone. This is the distinction missing in many Protestants' minds as they read passages such as Romans 3 and 4 and Ephesians 2. We take all of these verses in conjunction with the context of the rest of the Bible and see that, yes, we are saved by faith, but we are saved by our works that complete that faith as well (James 2:14-26). God bless.

[xochiltanielka123]

I agree with tario26! Perfect answer!

[meandeanmiler]

Different protestants have different views. To a Lutheran the answer is a simple no. Only faith can save us. However, we can not answer all questions, but I have no theological training so I could not tell anyone for sure about people before christ.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@meandeanmiler Well, then, if the Lutheran answers, "No," he is directly contradicting the Bible which says, "Yes," in Rom 2:6-7. Please give us the Lutheran interpretation of Rom 2:6-7?

[HOFFABRANDO1]

@CrimsonCatholic Answer is NO, you twist the scriptures to your own destruction Joh: 5:39: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.Ti: 3:7:That being justified by his (grace), we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.1Jo:5:11: And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1Jo: 5:12: He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God (HATH NOT LIFE)

[kidasterorig111]

@CrimsonCatholic

The answer to your question is nope. However good deeds comes with using Jesus as a role model. Also the ten commandments already ask for good attitude.

[thatonelutheran]

@kidasterorig111 You're right, it's nope.

But good deeds come as a result of being justified by faith. If you look to the law for good works, you look in the wrong place (Romans 3:20). Anything good is only found in Christ. After all, "there is only one who is good" (Matthew 19:17).

[CBALLEN]

@CrimsonCatholic All Christians depend on the righteousness of Christ as their own imputed righteousness,no one can have any works good enough to merit salvation,our best works are filthy rags before the Lord.

[benabaxter]

Do we limit the power of God to save sinners by extraordinary means, however effective His ordinary means are? Seems rather silly, I think. God did not just punish Babylon when it was wicked but spared it when it repented.

My point: Just as being a Jew was no surety of God's mercy, and not being a Jew was no surety of His displeasure, being a Christian is no surety of salvation and not being a Christian is no surety of damnation.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@benabaxter Sorry, I still don't get your point vis-a-vis the question that was posed in the video.

[tario26]

First read the kjv translation, nowhere does it say "he" will give you eternal life Romans 2:6-7 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life

Second, you cannot earn salvation in any way, Jesus paid our ticket in full, or else answer this question, if we could earn salvation then why did Jesus need to die on the cross at all? Read John3:16-18, acts 4:10-12, ephes 2:8, titus 3:5

[CrimsonCatholic]

@tario26 Who do you think the "Who" of Rom 2:6 (KJV) is referring to? Look back to Rom 2:5 - it is God Himself. So, whether the translation says "Who" or "He," God is being referred to. Now, given that, please translate Rom 2:6-7 for us? And, where did anyone imply that you can "earn" your salvation? I'm just taking Scripture for what it says, "[God] will render to every man according to his faith?" Unh, unh...according to his "works!" Please explain why you disagree with Paul?

[shanana000]

@CrimsonCatholic Do you realize there will be two judgements...one on those that are saved through Christ which gives the person eternal life with God. and then the 2nd judgement on their works which is preaching the truth to the lost..that they receive jewels on their crown. But by no means does their works earn them eternal life! One can't be saved and not share this good new with others..faith without works is dead.

[hodriguinhohunter]

@shanana000 I think you didn't read verse 5 to 8 did you?

Verses 6-8 say: (6)"Who(GOD) will repay everyone according to his WORKS: (7)ETERNAL LIFE to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through PERSEVERANCE IN GOOD WORKS, (8)but WRATH and FURY to those who SELFISHLY DISOBEY the Truth and OBEY Wickedness"

I Don't think it is talkin about another judgement among the chosen ones.

It is talkin about THE FINAL JUDGEMENT though

Now does WORKS have an important play on Salvation?

[shanana000]

@hodriguinhohunter There are two judgements..the great white throne judgement to seperate the lost with the found or sheep from the goats. Which are just the righteouse through the blood of Christ. and then one for the righteous on their works where the righteous get reward. But heaven is my reward, just to be with my Lord and Savior Christ. I do good works because of what Christ did for me,,but my good works can't save me, only the blood throught the sacrifice of Christ at the cross can.

[hodriguinhohunter]

@shanana000 But if U Say ONLY the blood can Save, U are contradictin this txt, aren't you? Bcz scripture does not say that it is ONLY by the blood etc

Here lies the problem. That's y lots of Heresies R raisin cz of it

Lot's of individuous say: "JESUS SAVED ME AND IM ALL SET"

This kinda attitude is Brought by Protestantism n SOLA FIDE

Yet Scripture DOESN'T support Sola Fide

this txt in Romans is talkin about the JUDGEMENT that will sent ppl 2Eternal Damnation,This is wht ppl need 2kno

[progressfabbrian]

Look to the cross......Jesus saved the thief next to him for his faith and belief that Jesus is who He said He is........This thief did no "works" or "good" deeds to enter eternal life with Jesus.

"Good" works are the fruit of salvation, a sign of true conversion, and the outward sign of thankfullness towards God for the free gift of God's salvation... You will be judged by your works but you won't be saved by your works.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@progressfabbrian Judged by your works but not saved by your works? Really?! Where does the Bible say that? In Rom 2:6-7, it says you will receive eternal life by doing good works. What do you make of that? The thief on the cross: It's not a work to lift yourself up on the nail running through your feet, causing yourself excruciating pain, in order to take a breath so that you can defend Jesus? If he had remained quiet, would he have been saved by his faith alone?

[progressfabbrian]

@CrimsonCatholic So what you're saying is that Jesus dying on the cross is not sufficent atonement for our sins......We must "do something" in order to be saved...other than---- Acts 16:31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." ------Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved -----

[CrimsonCatholic]

@progressfabbrian No, that's not what I'm saying...please don't put your words in my mouth. Why don't you answer my questions? Are you capable of answering my questions? I repeat, Rom 2:6-7 says you will receive eternal life by doing good works...if you think I'm making it up, why don't you actually read the Bible? Now, again, what does Rom 2:6-7 mean in your world? Question: Do the branches of the vine which is Christ have to produce good fruit to remain attached to the vine? Yes or no?!

[RPenta]

@CrimsonCatholic I love how these discussions manage to stay in St. Paul and no reference to the words of what is His name. . .oh, yeah, Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

The problem with St. Paul I presume to say is: he did not present his teachings as cross references to the Gospels but as if they did not exist.

[cburton103]

@RPenta How can you claim that Paul and Jesus disagreed on this point? Jesus himself converted Paul on the road to Damascus. Check out Matthew 19:16 and following for Jesus's thoughts on the role of works in the process of salvation. God bless.

[abukid]

@CrimsonCatholic Can an atheist or Islamic jihadist who does good works receive eternal life?

[CrimsonCatholic]

@abukid I see that you are going through these videos one by one, yet you have failed to answer a single question. "Questions Protestants Can't Answer" was made specifically for people like you. Now, care to take a shot at actually answering the question?

[CAtholic29]

@CrimsonCatholic abukid is consistent with not answering questions . We went back and forth today on another video for an while numerous times . He has been blinded by his own protestant denomination . Love your videos . I used listen to John every Monday . I still would but time is a factor . Keep up the good work .

[RPenta]

@abukid How about a Jewish Zionist nut from Brooklyn who steals land from Palestinians, bulldozes their house, and threatens them with violence? Understand none of them are fans of the Carpenter from Galillee either but that is just a rumor.

[decapodproductions]

These are good questions that need to be asked. A rule of hermenuetics is that we always test our interpetation of a verse to what the rest of the Bible says. We could read James 4:8 "draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to thee" and conclude that we must first come to God. But we read in Ps.65:4 "Blessed in the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee" we see now that our first conclusion was wrong. God must first draw us to himself. and this will agree with the whole Bible

[decapodproductions]

in 1 Tim 2:4 I dont think this is a genneral statement because vs.6 says that he ransomed all. so all men must be refering to those he had ransomed. Jesus is clear that he gave eternal life to as many as were given him by the father in John 17:2. 2 Pt.3:9 would appear to say its his will to save all men but from the context he is speaking of the elect. see also John 6:39. The will of the father is that none of his people will perish. There is no problem with these verses.

[decapodproductions]

All may or may not be inclusive. We know all men are sinners Rom.3:10 All men die 1 Cor.15:22 but notice in this verse that it says,"in Christ shall all be made alive" you see now all refers only to those he saved and not to all in Adam. In Rom. 6:23 it says that all mankind have sin. But the gift of eternal life is not given to all. But 1 Tim 2:6 says he gave himself a ransome for all. In Jn.6:37-39 Jesus said all that the father giveth me shall come to me, he loses none of them.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions You decide what the word "all" means based on your preconceived notions. In other words, you are making the Bible fit your beliefs, rather than making your beliefs fit the Bible. "All" in 1 Tim 2 means "all" and we know this from the context - the previous verses were talking about "all," not just, "the saved." Your interpretation would have "all" meaning "all men" in one verse and then meaning "the saved" in the next verse. What gives you the right to decide such things?

[decapodproductions]

we dont know who the elect are,I have many friends and family members who are not saved and I pray that God might save them. As believers we can do that. We read in James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" We are to pray for one another. The fact that we pray indicates that God is sovereign. How wonderful that we can come boldly before the throne of grace. Heb.4:16. And we are to pray for those who have rule over us. they are God's ministers for good.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions Who are you to judge who is saved and who is not saved? Does Matthew 7 not say, "Judge not lest ye be judged?" And, in 1 Cor 4, Paul says that he doesn't even judge himself as being acquitted, but I guess you would have judged him, eh? Does Paul not say to leave judgment to the Lord? How dare you place yourself as God over those you deem unsaved. And, why pray for one another if our prayer does nothing? If the saved are saved and the damned are damned - no matter what?!

[decapodproductions]

In Zeph.2:3 we read "Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteuosness, seek meekness: IT MAY BE YE SHALL BE HID IN THE DAY OF JEHOVAH'S ANGER" See also Joel.2:14 amos5:15. You see God gives no guarantees if he will save any one of us. We like religion because it give us guarantees if we follow what they say. But God gives no guarantee to us. Now God is great in mercy look at the ninevites in Jonah 3:4-10 did they presume that God would have mercy?

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions So, why does 1 Tim 2:4 say that God wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Are you saying that Jesus is NOT the Savior of all men?

[decapodproductions]

Verses that talk about saving "all" are referring to the elect whom he chose Eph.1:4. 1 Tim.2:6 says "Who gave him self a ransome for all,..." All who? not everyone is saved,not all receive the inheritance. Jesus said in John 17:2 that he gave eternal life to as many as the father gave him. You see he didnt give eternal life to everyone, only to those who were given him. Jesus said "ALL that the father giveth me SHALL come to me.. I SHOULD LOSE NOTHING.." John 6:37-39 The men given him to save

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions Why is it you get to decide that the word "all" only refers to the elect?! Where does the Bible say that? You do go by the Bible don't you? So, please give me book, chapter, and verse that says the word "all" only refers to the elect? And, in Romans 3:23, when it says, "Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," I guess that means only the elect have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, right?!

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions Furthermore, you claim that in 1 Tim 2:4 when it says that God wants all men to be saved that the word "all" is referring to the elect; well, does the word "all" in 1 Tim 2:1 refer only to the elect? God is telling us to pray only for the elect? Why? The elect don't really need prayers, do they? Afterall, they're the elect for cryin' out loud! And, 1 Tim 2:2 means that only the elect are in high positions...never the damned? Sir, your exegesis is a pile of Martin Luther.

[decapodproductions]

I don't think you are a waste of time. It's a fact that not everyone will receive the eternal inheritance. 1 Tim.2:4-6 Is referring to all those who are to receive that inheritance, he rasomed all. as all in Christ shall be made alive.(1 Cor.15:22) Who is the all? You must look at what the whole Bible says, not just one verse that appears to teach what you want it to teach. see example Js.4:8 and Ps.65:4 Christ never died to provide the inheritance to everyone. Other wise no one would perish

[cathomania]

Decaproduction, U r wrong, Jesus came to save all including u that is why he told his disciples to to go to all the peoples of the world and evangelize them, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[decapodproductions]

God never planed to save every one. see Rev.17:8, Rom.9:11-18. We have nothing to do whether we become saved or not. Read Heb.9:15-17. Did Christ provide the eternal inheritance to every one? No he didn't. If you look at Matt 25:34 you will see that this will was in force from the foundation of the world. It was already prepared. 2 Tim.1:9 is clear that we had nothing to do with this. Its not by our works. Did you know that Faith is a fruit of the spirit Gal.5:22. my hope is in God alone.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions God never planned to save everyone? 1 Tim 2:4, God 'desires all men to be saved." God desires it, but you say it just ain't so. If we have nothing to do whether we become saved or not, then why are you bothering posting to this video? Your words can affect no one's salvation, right? Why waste your time, and ours?! You, of course, are one of those saved, though, right? If you keep posting, without responding to questions asked of you, you will be cut off...1st warning.

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions Not answering my questions: Why does the Word of God say that God "desires all men to be saved," yet you say "God never planned to save every one?" Who should I believe, you, or the Bible? Or, is God schizophrenic? If everything was done before the foundation of the world, then why does Phil 2:12-13 tell us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Why bother commenting here if nothing we do matters? Is it out of conceit? Remember, 2nd warning.

[decapodproductions]

In Phil.2:12-13 "..work out your salvation with fear and trembling. FOR IT IS GOD WHICH WORKETH IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE." No its not by us. it is Gods work in them who he has saved. Even faith is a fruit of the spirit. Gal.5:22. we read in1 Tim.1:9 " Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the began. Remember Heb.4:3? no there is no work we did

[CrimsonCatholic]

@decapodproductions If everything is completely and totally up to God, and we have nothing at all to do with whether we are saved or not, then why aren't all people saved? Do you think that God doesn't want to save some people, and so He only works through those that He has chosen for salvation?

[cathomania]

To Beenreformed, it is true that only the grace of God can save us, grace is like water that purifies us. Jesus brought that "water" but if we don't take a shower in this grace we r doomed. We need to utilize his grace to be perfect just as God is perfect. If u misrepresent the Bible u might be sinning against the Holy Spirit by twisting his word.

[decapodproductions]

@cathomania no that is not what grace means, it means unmerited favor. Have you read Eph.2:1-10? Here God speaks of those he has saved. you wont find anything we did to become saved. The natural man could never come to Christ on his own, that is from the heart the way God tells us to. God must first give us a new heart to love him, with all our heart and with all our soul. Duet.30:6 Eze.36:25-27 Acts 16:14 john 6:37-44,65

[RealJesusforAtheists]

@decapodproductions Do not get confused between good works and own works

[Pdrum2]

My question to John would be theological question of, what about those that are predestined? Could they fall away? According to Thomas Aquinas they don't.

[beenreformed]

@mfbellino

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. Romans 11:6

[lchiddle]

But what works are you talking about?

[MrChristianBeliever]

@lchiddle Re: But what works are you talking about?

I noticed you asked this question in several of CrimsomCatholics videos. I think he gave a partial answer to this question already by presenting Ezek 18:5-9, 19-24 which talks about some works. I am sure there are plenty more passages that one can reference.

My question is what kind of answer to your question might you be seeking?

[lchiddle]

@MrChristianBeliever

A truthful one. There is no right or wrong answer.

The problem that I am see though, is that CrimsomCatholics' definition of "works" is not the same a James', as James is talking about works that demonstrate faith. Whereas CrimsomCatholics gives the impression that faith and work are two different entities that are added together to determine ones salvation. With is completely unbiblical.

[mfbellino]

I like the way Fr. Robert Barron says it.... it's 'Grace FIRST' by God's grace we are saved, but only if we accept and act on His grace.

I enjoy your videos John! Very engaging. Keep up the Good Work! :-)

[answersforcatholics]

to be a necessary part of salvation because we take all of scripture and not just this one verse, we need to believe Mark 16:16, John 3:16, be baptized 1 peter 3:21, do works that glorify God matthew 5:16, romans 2:6-7, James 2:14-26, keep the commandments as Jesus says Matt 19:16 and as Paul say 1 cor 7:19 etc. If the Jehova's witness's did what the protestants do theu could say that Jesus was only a man 1 Timothy 2:5. We have to take all of scripture into account, Great vid John

[answersforcatholics]

my battery died, anyway, yea they say that this is only applying to Jews and that Paul is saying, well''if you could keep the law......but you cant''. Sorry but that is nonsense, Paul clearly states that Good works are meritorious here and in other passages 1 cor 3:10-15, Jesus also said we need to keep the commandments matt 19:16-17. And yea John your correct we could do what certain fol do and take this verse and try to make a works alone doctrine but we dont we understand faith

[answersforcatholics]

Exactly John, protestants ignore these verses, I've heard James white and the like try to brush aside this verse by saying that Paul was using a hypothetical scenario here to say that well