Bible Discussion Thread

An attempt to help reconcile the aparent merit works passages with the grace/faith ones. I feel that one major determining factor is where it is written. Heb. 9:16-17 indicate that the new testament only went into effect at the cross. There are numerous indicators that Jesus was talking to people who were still under the law of Moses. His message through the Apostles after the church began, is inner change through believing and confessing his promises. Among many other passages, Roman 10:5... separates the two. It is by the exceeding great and precious promises that we can be participants of the divine nature ( 2 Peter 1:4). Jesus said,"this is the work of God that you believe on Him whom He has sent(Jn.6:29). He that has entered into His rest has also ceased from his own works. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest. 2 Pet.2:9 says "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations". Maybe the evil doers of this chapter were taught to "deny the Lord that bought them"(see V.1). Jesus is the answer-beware of religion.