Category Archives: Faith That Works

Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 4

He will render to each one according to his works (Rom 2:6-8 ESV) 6 He will render to each one according to his works:  7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 3

Romans 2, from the start We just demonstrated that if we approach Rom 2:14 starting with Rom 2:29, we find that Paul is not speaking of Gentiles who’ve never heard the gospel. Rather, he’s speaking of saved Gentiles whose hearts have … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 2

But if you call yourself a Jew … (Rom 2:17-24 ESV)  17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God  18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 18 Comments

Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 1.5

In the comments to Part 1 of this series, Keith Brenton has mentioned some additional passages that arguably support the “available light” theory — (John 3:18 ESV) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Uncategorized | 40 Comments

Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 1

I’ve written quite a bit on the “available light” theory over the years. But reader and regular commenter Price has suggested I need to do a better job of explaining how Romans 2 fits into my understanding. I think he’s … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Faith that Works: Peter and James

Jeopardy and Assurance Now, of course, human nature and our relationship with God is bit more complex than contra-positives and logic. After all, even if I have the Spirit within me, I have a choice. I can follow his lead … Continue reading

Posted in Faith That Works, Grace, Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Faith that Works: Judgment According to Works

Other Approaches to Works Long before we get to James, we really have to see what else Paul says about being judged by our works. This will get confusing before it gets (I hope) clear. Wright writes, Paul, in company … Continue reading

Posted in Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 32 Comments

Faith that Works: The Paradox of Grace; Lazy Christians

Reflections on the Paradox of Grace So let’s be honest. Paul gives us a very good reason not to fall away by becoming transgressors — fear of damnation. But when it comes to why not be lazy? why not do … Continue reading

Posted in Faith That Works, Grace, Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Faith that Works: Paul Defends Himself in Galatians 2

Galatians 2 We’ve skipped some of my favorite parts of Romans, but covered quite a lot of the book, all in search of the answer to: If we’re saved by faith, why bother to obey? We now turn to Paul’s … Continue reading

Posted in Faith That Works, Galatians, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Faith that Works: Love in Community

Love in community Paul next teaches us how to love each other. This is one of my favorite passages, but we’ve covered it in detail before, and so I’ll resist the temptation to go verse by verse. Here’s the big … Continue reading

Posted in Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 10 Comments