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As you can see action is required. Additionally, consider the Israelites in Egypt, and why God gave them the lands of the heathen, pagan, Gentile nations:
"And he gave them the lands of the nations; and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples' toil, to the end that they should keep his statutes, and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!" (Psalms 105:44-45, RSV)
A scripture in the New Testament that refutes Luther's teachings that you "only need faith and works would follow," is Revelation 14:12 :
" Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. " (Revelation 14:12, RSV)
The book of James also holds a very important scripture to the basic way of life Jesus Christ expects a Christian to walk.
"If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. " (James 1:26-27, RSV)
This acceptable way is also supported by the Old Testament, and a theme that reoccurs often in Christ's teachings in both Old and New Testaments.
"Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:5-7, RSV)
Answer Given By: Rick/Eileen Beltz
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