Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

Yes, in the sense of there being an effort to grow stronger in faith (after having already possessed it). No, in the sense of having to work to obtain it or for salvation. There is no work required to have faith, however, work is expected from the believer once they have obtained it. Faith is belief. Work is the result of having faith.

Rom 10:17
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Some believers are weaker in faith than others. The post-salvation walk in faith is a growth process and does require much effort (work) on the part of the believer.

1 Cor 3:8-15
"Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

Our heavenly and eternal rewards will come from our post-salvation works (as seen above).

November 20 2023 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

No, Roger. Faith produces work.

Love produces labor.

Hope produces steadfast endurance.

As Barnes notes regarding love, “labor of love” refers to labor produced by love, shown in concrete acts of kindness, compassion for the afflicted, and concern for the souls of others. Love is not mere sentiment; it expresses itself through costly, sustained effort.

Matthew Poole helpfully completes the picture by pointing out that Paul intentionally names all three theological virtues together, just as he does in 1 Corinthians 13:13. faith, love, and hope are the fundamental graces by which believers live in communion with God in this life. Poole observes that each virtue has its proper fruit: faith has its work, love has its labor, and hope has its patience or endurance. Hope enables believers to persevere under trial because it is anchored in Christ and the promises yet to be fulfilled.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report