Is one work OK? Two? Is there a threshold? Do you have to be perfect in your works? What if you fail to confess a sin, does that damn you?
No. Works is the natural outgrowth of true faith. If you have faith and it does not result in a life change, then your faith is dead, as also stated by James. Like dead lemon trees don't produce lemons.
James 2:18 sums it up perfectly.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
There's no implication that works are required for salvation. Rather, good deeds come as the result of living faith.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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No. Works is the natural outgrowth of true faith. If you have faith and it does not result in a life change, then your faith is dead, as also stated by James. Like dead lemon trees don't produce lemons.
James 2:18 sums it up perfectly.
There's no implication that works are required for salvation. Rather, good deeds come as the result of living faith.
[ + ] Watcher
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[ + ] puremadness
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4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
emphasis is mine