If one claims only to have faith in Christ, by what reason should one claim salvation? I have faith in the existence and the truth of justice, but that does not by definition make me just. I can, however, conform my identity, my thoughts, my beliefs and my actions to the concept, pursuit and goal of justice, and in doing so, become more just.

Thus: both faith and works are required, as simply believing in Christ is not enough to be saved, one must join in full Communion with him, and that word implies that one becomes Christ-like. Christ did not just believe, he held, identified with, thought, felt and acted as he believed.

As I indicated, Walker, his statement is pretty standard; I’ve seen it many times. Its derivation is Reformed (Calvinist). I’m not defending the theology behind it; just saying that it is what one may expect from that quarter.

Nope, Only, I am curious, specifically, about this tenet’s history and the poster’s accuracy, not “it is curious.” Curious, not skeptical. I’d hope seeking clarity isn’t to be equated with taking him out of context. rather that It’s a matter of seeking better understanding through the means we’ve chosen in being here — online discussion.

Walker, I assume that your post is in reply to Heartfelt Plea, above, rather than to me. I do not believe he is in error concerning Protestant theology in stating that “True biblical salvation is by Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, by Faith Alone, In Christ Alone, to the Glory of God Alone.” You seem to have taken one small portion of his statement out of context. It is, then, no wonder that it seemed curious to you.

“Salvation is by Scripture alone.” Is that a tenet of the reformation? I’ve heard in regard to the reformers that justification is by “faith alone” and that authority is by “scripture alone,” but I’ve never heard “saved by scripture alone.” Curious..

Heartfelt, you are misusing Scripture here.

Unless you begin with the truth, switching to “a different gospel” is imperative to arrive at the truth. Jesus Christ is the truth (John 14:6). John Calvin (or any other Reformer you care to mention) is not Jesus Christ. I just put two and two together when I made my choice.

As to the question of works, it appears that you did not bother to read the remainder of the passage in Ephesians. Verse 10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”