The Narrow Path Ministries

Hi Paidion,

I too believe good works and righteous living are necessary but they are not the basis of our salvation. They are the evidence of our salvation.

The things that we do, the way we live are objective facts. But it is the abstract, that which is in the heart, that is the motivation and cause of the good deeds. I am speaking of belief, faith, thoughts, ideas, etc.. The way we live, the deeds we do follow after the abstract condition, aided by the Holy Spirit.

Consider:

1 Samuel 16:7
New American Standard Bible
7. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Jeremiah 17:10
New American Standard Bible
10. I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind, (abstract)
To give to each person according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds. (objective)

Matthew 5:8
New American Standard Bible
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

John 14:15-17
New American Standard Bible
15. “If you love(abstract) Me, you will keep My commandments.(objective)

Hebrews 4:12
New American Standard Bible
12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Thanks Homer, for sharing those passages with us. They are truly relevant.