What Are You Trying to Prove, by Minnesota

By Jeremiah Z

April 25, 2017

To the Amish Voice,

Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord Jesus, the Christ, the only Name given by which man must be saved (Acts 4:12).

As I read your paper, to me it seems it could be misleading. I’m not sure what you are all trying to prove. Now, the scriptures you quote are right, but let’s be careful and not neglect some [others]. I like to think of Eph. 2 as the grace chapter, but take a good look at verse 10, James 2:14-20.

Yes, you spoke the truth (saved by grace, right on) but I see you as skipping some valued points. Your doctrine sounds to Protestant to me. Accept Christ, then live as you please. Grace will get you to Glory Alleluia. It’s not what our Anabaptist for fathers taught, according to history.

I do not see the scripture where we will be judged by grace as you quote. According to my understanding we will be judged by works Matt 16:27, II Cor. 5:9-11. Study the whole chapter, notice verse 19. Col 3:25, Titus 2:14, 3:1,8,14. Jude speaks of unveil works need the grace of God. Churches in Rev. some lacked good works. Rev. 20:12-15, Rev 22;12.

Yes, we are save by Grace, judged by our works. John 14 and 15 have a lot of good points. Check John 5:28, 29, I like V24.

LET’S TEACH THE WHOLE GOSPEL.

Yes, I believe I know where you are coming from. Seems some people try to work themselves to heaven, don’t know whether they can live good enough to get there, I don’t understand the word Hope (Living Hope). Try to live and teach like the old people, but they go back 1 or 2 generations. Dear friends, what our churches need is the whole doctrine, not 1 sided. My great concern is that Christ will accept me and by the Grace of God I have this assurance, but if we lead someone wrong, we have to answer. God bless!

—Minnesota

Jeremiah Z Responds:

Dear Minnesota, thank you for writing in. Your letter is excellent. As I see it, there are at least two ways to be off balance: 1) to believe our works will save us, and 2) to say we believe in God but go on sinning. Paul deals with this very well. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul says For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Then, in Ephesians 4:1, he says I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

This pattern of salvation by faith first, followed up with loving and living for the Lord, is found all throughout scripture. What really is needed is this: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). What is cause for shame? Not studying, and not rightly dividing the word of truth!

It is time for the church to clearly understand that we are saved by faith. That is through Christ, and Christ alone. What of works then? We will be rewarded according to our works, much as in a footrace, where there are different prizes according to what we accomplish (Matthew 25:20-23, Luke 6:23, 1 Corinthians 3:8, Revelation 22:12, and many other scriptures).

Now, which is more important? Our salvation, or our reward? I say it’s our salvation (1 Corinthians 3:11-15 clearly supports this). If we are not saved by faith, we will be lost. To see men saved is our primary interest. It is necessary, however, to also talk about works and rewards, but that will follow. We are currently focusing on what seems most important, but I also have a desire to see more discussion about works, but only in the proper perspective.

Finally, it seems to me that if we pay any attention to the first and greatest commandment, to Love the Lord our God with all our heart…, works should naturally follow. But, enough said. We’re on the same page Alvin. We must look at all of scripture, understand the context, and apply to in our heart appropriately.

—Jeremiah Z

Abbotsford, WI