Scott Downey
Well-Known Member
Absolutely God does the work as it is written@Steven Yeadon :
Another example, if I may...
Do you see what Barry has quoted?
To me he understands this passage as a "back-and-forth" between unbelieving Jews ( see verse 36 where the Lord identifies that they do not believe ) and Himself, as do I.
But the difference is,
I see Barry taking verse 29 as Jesus telling the Jews the answer to His question in verse 28...
That the only work that they might do ( that is pleasing to God ) is belief;
In other words, the work that God requires from unbelievers is to believe on Him whom He has sent.
I once saw this that way, until one day in my reading it occurred to me...
1) Jesus's words are not carnal, they are spiritual in nature ( see John 6:63 ).
Therefore, the Lord did not answer them according to their question, He answered them according to what He wanted to reveal to the reader.
2) Just as the example of the phrase "Saul of Tarsus", I see this describing a work "of" ( by or from, originating with ) God.
There fore, it could be read one of two ways...
Either the only work that an unbeliever can do to access God's grace is to believe...
Or, that even the sinner's belief is a work of God, in and of itself.
In other words, while God doesn't actually do the believing, God does the work that results in a man or woman placing their trust in Christ as Saviour.
To me, the first understanding leads to something a person can potentially boast about;
And further, it obligates God to save a person based on their performance of an act.
Example:
The Lord: "Why should I not cast you into Hell where you rightfully belong?"
Sinner: " Because I did the one thing that you required...I believed."
The second understanding completely strips the sinner of any means by which they can possibly gain God's favor by performing as act;
His obligation starts and ends with His mercy and kindness, and is dispensed as He sees fit per Romans 9:
Example:
The Lord: " Why should I not cast you into Hell where you rightfully belong?"
Sinner: " Because you chose me from the foundation of the world, caused me to approach you, and it was given to me to believe in the behalf of Christ."
Do you see the difference?
One understanding results in teaching a cooperative effort that we can potentially take credit for,
and one understanding results in teaching an operative effort that we as men can take zero credit for.
With competing teachings like this in a local body,
there would be no consistency in doctrine.
God's gracious work towards sinners,
and man's efforts at gaining God's favor,
would both be taught.
John 3 NKJV
20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been (wrought) done in God (God's power worked in them to bring about the truth so then the deeds).”
KJV
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
This is the way.