Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that God views them the same from the standpoint of not losing their salvation, since we are all sinners who are not saved by our own actions, but by gifts of God (faith and grace)(Ephesians 2:8-9) as a result of Christ's sinless life, redemptive death, and resurrection. 

However, I also believe that God will make a distinction in eternity between believers' faithfulness and works subsequent to their salvation from a reward standpoint. The Bible uses metaphors such as what we have built (that is, our works as Christians) on the foundation of our faith (Christ) being tested with fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Those whose works are burned up will lose their reward, but will still be saved, although Paul says that it will be as one escaping through the flames.

July 21 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Smith Supporter

"Ephesians 2:10" Our acceptance with God is sure only through His Son, and good works are the result of the working of His sin-pardoning love. They are no credit to us, and we have nothing accorded to us for our good works by which we may claim a part in the salvation of our souls.

Are good works of no real value? "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them".

"In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. We are accepted through Christ's merit alone; and the acts of mercy, the deeds of charity, which we perform, are the fruits of faith." E.G.W.

"James 2:14-20" "What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?' We all sin some more than others. In the final judgement, the degree and repeated number of our sins verses our faithful good works will be for God to judge.

July 22 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report