Here is the direct link to this week's study:

http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/06d/less05.html

Let this study and discussion begin.

I found the dialogue in the Sabbath Afternoon section very interesting:



Kind of brings it to our day.

A cheap shot against those who think that: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

I disagree. I think the shot was aimed at those who don't think that: "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (Romans 2:13) "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

You see, it is true that we are not justified by works. But the story shows one who did not believe that we are justified for works. As Paul said, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

I think that was very well the reaction of the people to Noah's warning as they watched him buiding an ark on dry land, presumably far, far away from the nearest body of water.

They missed the boat then, as they missed the birth of Jesus Christ, and are not even heeding the signs, the warnings, in relation to the soon 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.

They? What if "they" is more inclusive than it sounds? (not saying that it nessessarily is so). Is it possible that some of us would be included in
Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.
Joh 9:40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?
Joh 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.

None need reply in the thread but all ought to consider for themselves. Do we tell Jesus we are blind or that we see?

/Thomas

There are works and then there are works, as is clear from reading the following.

Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:
Heb 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Am I reading three kinds of works here:

1 - Bad works?
2 - Good works?
3 - Dead works?

As far as Noah's warning goes, how many heeded the warning and were saved from the Flood?

I hope this isn't an indication as to how many will actually be saved at the time of the 2nd Coming.

It is paramount that each one answer that question honestly.

The ark's door was open to all, but only those who walked through the door were saved. Beyond expounding on the God's graciousness for making a way of escape, we must take the way of escape.