I’ve never quite understood this either/or quibble — Faith vs. works — between Catholics and Protestants. As you largely show, they are holistically interwoven.
Also, what do you mean by “Biblical Christianity”? Is there any other kind? I certainly hope you’re not suggesting that the Catholic Church is not wholly Biblical.
One of the primary points in this post is that the Bible explicitly declares that “faith alone” is the only means of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 supports this claim: “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.”
Thus, faith and works are not linked. Faith uses God’s sovereignty in obtaining salvation, while works rely on man’s efforts.
My use of “Biblical Christianity” is a term of art meant to distinguish those who rely on the Bible alone. Catholicism, for example, depends upon the Bible, Tradition, and the Magisterium. Mormonism relies on the Bible plus the Book of Mormon. Still, other religions rely on resources outside the Bible, such as Islam and the Quran.
I’ve never quite understood this either/or quibble — Faith vs. works — between Catholics and Protestants. As you largely show, they are holistically interwoven.
Also, what do you mean by “Biblical Christianity”? Is there any other kind? I certainly hope you’re not suggesting that the Catholic Church is not wholly Biblical.
One of the primary points in this post is that the Bible explicitly declares that “faith alone” is the only means of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 supports this claim: “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.”
Thus, faith and works are not linked. Faith uses God’s sovereignty in obtaining salvation, while works rely on man’s efforts.
My use of “Biblical Christianity” is a term of art meant to distinguish those who rely on the Bible alone. Catholicism, for example, depends upon the Bible, Tradition, and the Magisterium. Mormonism relies on the Bible plus the Book of Mormon. Still, other religions rely on resources outside the Bible, such as Islam and the Quran.
Thank you for your comment.