Couple ways to look at it

Couple ways to look at it
by The Mean Farmer (2024-04-16 16:49:16)

In reply to: question for the board theologians posted by melanzana

The book of James and the book of Hebrews extoll the virtues of Works or Grace. They are squarely in one side of the argument respectively.
Interestingly, they both use Abraham as the father of their point of view.

They differ from each other but are both scripture. I say you meet in the middle!!!

True, you are saved by Grace. Period. You have no ability to affect even the very first step toward redemption on your own. No 'work' will suffice. It is all in and through the merits of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

How much of this saving, redeeming, and ennobling power you are able to utilize, take hold of, absorb, or have applied to you IS dependent on you.

Work yourself in your life to become more like Him. Take that change with you beyond the grave and indeed you can realize the blessing in Matthew 5:48.

You can BECOME Perfected IN/THROUGH/BECAUSE of that Grace.

There is no more worthy aspiration in this life!!!

It is circular logic, and thus confusing to make perfect sense of. I admit!

My $0.02

I like Matthew 25:40-42

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink

This is where I am

Whereas other parts of the Bible can be ambiguous, this seems pretty straightforward to me.