We continue with the "statement of faith" of a certain denomination, and the "'OFFICIAL' doctrinal statement for the International Bible Conference" that came across the Internet.
We will continue with "Sec. I. Salvation," where it is stated: "Works do not enter into receiving eternal life as it is a gift. Once a person receives Christ, he has everlasting, never ending assurance of forgiveness of sins and heaven." That is teaching salvation by a dead faith, and there is nothing one can do that would cause him to be lost once he is saved. James said: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17). So if a man is saved without any works, the inspired James said he is saved by a dead faith. Who can believe such?
The word "work" is used in some form about 240 times in the New Testament. Webster defines: "work: to do, act, action." In James 2:21-24 we read: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest how faith wrought with works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only." That is the only verse in the New Testament where the term "faith only" is used. This denomination's "statement of faith" says we are saved by faith only, with no works involved. That is a direct contradiction to what the inspired James said. Note again: "...by works a man is justified and not by faith only."
1- Was Abraham justified by works?
2- Was Abraham justified by works only?
3- Was Abraham justified by faith?
4- Was Abraham justified by faith only?
5- Did James say that Abraham's faith was made perfect by faith?
6- Did James say the scripture was fulfilled before, or after the "by works," by which Abraham's faith was made perfect?
To deny that Abraham was justified by works is to deny God's word. Does that mean that Abraham was not justified by faith? No! But it does prove that faith and works are not mutually exclusive. It requires both faith and works. "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out..."(Heb.11:9). Note the "action:" "By faith..." he "obeyed; and he went..."
Paul said of those that "received not the love for the truth, that they might be saved." That "for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth..." (II Thes. 2:10-12).
7- Is it possible to believe a lie and be damned?
8- Is it possible for a man that has faith in God to believe that "which seemeth right" even though it is a lie?
9- Would he be damned if he did? If not why not?
"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). It is clear that the Lord did not build this denomination. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Psa.127:1)
"If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
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