Works

1. Paul says we are justified by faith without works while James says we are justified by faith with works. There are three possible ways to handle this apparent contradiction. Believe Paul and disbelieve James. Believe James and disbelieve Paul. However, the only why you can believe the whole Bible  is to believe Paul and James are using the word "works" in a different manner. (12/12/12)
2. Works are simply things we do. There are many kinds of works. Paul speaks of "the works of the law" which is a kind of work that people falsely believe will earn them grace, but you can not earn grace. Grace is a free gift, but even though you can not earn grace, like all gifts there are things you must do to receive the gift of grace. The things you can do (works) to receive God's grace include baptisms, prayer, confession of sins, repentance of sins, and receiving the Eucharist. Like faith it is not a matter of how much grace. You are either in a state of grace or you are not.. You can know if you are in a state of grace by the the peace and joy you receive with it. Do you believe that you can receive God's grace without confessing or repenting of your sins? (4/11/12)
3. Types of works (5/26/12)
1. Works of the law (5/26/12)
2. Works of love (5/26/12)