Coming from a Romanian orthodox I must say I am filled with joy to see such powerful sermons coming from foreign to Balkans and this region fathers of the orthodox church. You are truly doing Gods work father Spyridon, with humbleness I allow myself this pleasure of having to wish you strength and love into Jesus Christ, and may the peace of the Lord be with you and us all, may the Lords Will be done.

Faith is demonstrated by good works. Works are not the cause of salvation; works are the evidence of salvation.

Sir please keep me in your prayers I am coming out of the New Age Movement and the Occult.. It has been very difficult thank you for the wisdom you provide.

I needed to hear this message, I am Hellenic and leaving the protestant church, going back to Eastern Orthodox Christianity in search of salvation.

I am not sure why there is so much miss understanding about this issue. In Galatians Paul explicitly scolds the church because they wanted to achieve sanctification by following the law of Moses and not by faith. What James is referring to is that real faith produces works of repentance which means we start to resist our old corrupted nature and this is the work we should do. Some evangelical churches may believe that faith is all there is but faith without works of repentance is dead. We enter salvation by faith alone, God only accepts us by means of the cross from then on we have to strive to develop the fruit of the Spirit by resisting our evil nature and waiting for the righteousness from God as we are being transformed.

Paul speaks about Christians fulfilling the law by following the command to "love your neighbor as yourself. All Paul’s teaching comes down to this: Our own works can never justify us, but works that grow out of faith in Christ are part of our justification. That’s why Paul says in Philippians 2:12 you must "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The misunderstanding comes from the fact that in the West the word "Grace" means that God lets you go to heaven for free, while in Orthodoxy "Grace" refers to the Divine Light/Energy of God, which purifies and illuminates us. God's Grace (Divine Light) is heaven. What the Logos and the Holy Spirit received from the Father by nature we receive by Grace (Divine Light). And Jesus Christ gives us everything He received from the Father by Grace.

"god resists the proud BUT GIVES GRACE to the humble" "I the Lord dwell in a high and lofty place but also with him who is humble and contrite"

It seems every sentence you utter is edifying, father. God bless you. May God work through you to guide us on the straight and narrow.

A blessing father, thank you.I am from ethiopian ortodox.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:5

If there was an orthodox church near my home I would start attending. I'm Presbyterian but over the last 4 years or so I've felt myself drawn to Orthodoxy because it's the only legitimate continuation of the original church. I've learned an awful lot of the history of the orthodox church

As a Protestant, I completely agree with the father's view

God bless you Father Spyridon. Please pray for me. Theologically, I'm Reformed, but I'm considering converting to Orthodoxy. I need wisdom, and there's some things I'm struggling with in Orthodox tradition, namely the aerial toll houses. Thank you for your time, sir.

In simple terms we are saved by God's grace through faith working it self through love

Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Version 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

In return for our trust (faith) in His only begotten Son, God the Father offers us forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Works have no part in God's free grace. Anyone who says that faith is invalid without "works" is adding human effort to the Gospel. Thank God for the free gift of eternal life!

This was so beautiful until he said "We must work and repent to enable ourselves to receive God's grace." Yikes! This goes against Romans 11:6, "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace." It makes no sense to work for grace!

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your whole house! Acts 16:31 Yes, true faith would lead to a life of continuing repentance and good works!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God , have mercy on me a sinner. Thank you for your words Father.

Is salvation by faith alone or by works? That question usually pertains to what can I DO to save myself? Catholics would state that you need faith and good works whereas Protestants would state you only need the grace of God. But they are really opposite ends of the same coin because to a real Christian: "What Can I do to obtain salvation?" is asking the wrong question entirely. For a Christian, the true question is "what can I do to save others or what can I do to put others first." Real Christians are modeled after Jesus, and Jesus never thought about himself-- he was selfless, altruistic and noble. So, like the parable of the Shepherd who leaves the herd to find that one lost sheep, a real Christian would ask "How can I enjoy salvation or even heaven when I know that my neighbor is lost; for all people are my brothers and sisters." Thus, to borrow a phrase and slightly modify it paraphrasing President Kennedy, "Ask not what your God can do for you, but I ask what can you do for God."

Faith is NOT a checkbox like "yeah I believe in Jesus." Remember, if you love Him you OBEY His commandments and gospels. So it is an "active faith." Also remember the parable of a rich young man? asking how to go to Heaven? then Jesus enumerated most of the Commandments? So it is not a check box that by believing you are saved. 👍

Thank you very much for this video Fr. Spyridon! May your rewards be eternal for providing us with such important explanations!

Being raised in two different churches, Catholicism as well as Protestant, I’ve always found myself with an understanding of Gods word somewhere in the middle of both. Not quite fitting into either. I see this in the Orthodox Church, becoming more and more drawn by it. Thank you fr. Spyridon for your videos.

Salvation is by grace throug faith

still not completely sure about this, but I am becoming more and more inclined to join Orthodoxy rather than the more hedonistic Lutheran church. Blessings upon you Father Spyridon.

I like the Orthodox interpretation of this. We are saved by faith alone but your faith should lead you to do good works. Catholics have some views I dont like at all I'm afraid. Like purgatory

Ephesians 2:8-10 You receive grace through faith and belief and not works lest any man can boast. So that you can do the good things God planned before the world began.

The meaning of words can change over time, development of culture and theological struggle. In the West much of our thinking has been formed through the lens of the reformation. Therefore when we here the word "works" in the West we have an almost automatic negative response or at least a suspicion. In Scripture we have both Paul and James using the same words but because of semantic range the meaning is quite different. So when Paul speaks of faith he is not using the word in the same way James is. Paul does not envision a saving faith apart from obedience or action on the part of man.

It's interesting to read people and see how they react to Orthodoxy. I was a Protestant for fifty years. I studied Orthodoxy and what I found surprised me. Protestants don't understand that Orthodoxy does not have dialectic tension in it. Orthodoxy does not set up tensions between things like faith and works. This is because Orthodoxy operates on a balance between Cataphatic affirmation and Apophatic negation. The idea of Apophatic negation was lost in Western Christianity all the way back to the split between the Latin and eastern church. Western Christianity operates almost exclusively on the principle of Cataphatic affirmations and it does not apply negation in it's reading of scripture. This Cataphatic reading is why Protestants are always formulating questions like the tension between faith and works. This is why you get this constant presentation in Protestantism telling people how they get saved. We aren't getting saved. We are being saved. Salvation is a mystery. It is not something you can reduce to a three-step method or some commercial theory like you get in a Billy Grahmn Crusade. Just come forward and receive Jesus and now your saved kind of approach. If your a Protestant then spend some time exposing yourself to the idea of Apophatic Negation. That will help balance out your theology. If you can understand this you will give up being a Protestant and convert to Orthodoxy. Because you can't put God in your little formulation box.

So much sense in this view, as someone who's grown up protestant it's been a blessing to learn more orthodox theology. I intend to convert in the new year.

Read the very first verse in James. This was written to Hebrews, the 12 tribes of Israel. Not to church age Christians. The Hebrews are going to go through the Tribulation. This can only be referring to that because in the Christian realm there is no difference between Jew and Greek. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” But James differentiates by specifying Israel in particular he is targeting a group. In the Tribulation it will be a works salvation, not so in the Church Age. Ephesians 2:8-9 “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.” This is where it is important to rightly divide Gods Word. All Scripture is for us, however all Scripture is not about us.

Great explanation. You taught me something important. Thank you.

Very good sermon. It is the very last Words said we must be careful about, “We must work and repent to receive God’s grace.” God’s grace is always there waiting for us to receive and respond. I agree with the sermon if your faith is genuine and you have been form of the Spirit, your life will be produce good works to glorify God. Indeed this is God’s purpose for us as it was for Christ. Our carnal good works are as filthy rags before God IF we think they are going to somehow justify us. Our good works, as the sermon implies, should be because God lives within us and by by a loving faith in God we are zealous of good works so that we might please and glorify our Father in Heaven. Faith itself is a gift from God. We can lay no claim to it. It is the Father who draws all to Himself. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, there is none righteous, no not one; only God. And if there is anything truly good it is God within us doing His will for His glory. Let us be clear, as the Apostle Paul said, we are justified by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, we need to repent from our sin. Repent means turn from our own ways, the worlds way, that can only produce sin in our live and (repent ) to God ways. Please read Psalm 25:4-5. God saves us, sanctifies us -- it is His work no our own. Sanctification is a Holy Spirit process that begins in our life when we believe upon Jesus Christ and receive Him as our Lord and Savior. In the end we are completely changed from mortal to immortal in a twinkling of an eye. It is as much or more a mystery on how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly as a sinner can be redeemed and sanctified to be transformed by the Word and Holy Spirit to have a new heart and spirit for the God’s aim that we become Christ-like. Jesus said, So the Father has sent Me, I send you. Jesus was sent by the Father to do His will, Christ knew that and pursued that aim perfectly all His life. May we awaken to calling God has put on all our lives that by loving faith we be found zealous of good works; not for our salvation, but for the Father’s glorification!

Thank you Father; Christ spoke of prayer and fasting...both of which require much work. please pray for me Father; I struggle with the anger I have.

Ephesians 2:8-9English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Faith, grace and repentance are gifts. It is not of our own doing.

Reading these protestant comments make me sick. It’s sad that they choose to listen to an invented interpretation from the 1500’s rather than what the Church has always taught. This is historic, undeniable fact. And they are so dense and blind they cannot be convinced otherwise. May we pray to God to soften their hearts.

Holy Father~ Can I really ever do enough good works? I know I fall down however I do always get back up. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God Have mercy on me a sinner.

I am Roman Catholic and I agree with your message, except the Catholic Church does not believe in justified by works, it's a misconstrued perspective. Saved by Grace! Through faith. Faith without works is dead. Cannot receive Christ forgiveness and grace without repentance. And here we are at the truth.

Proper faith produces proper works but proper works cannot produce faith

Thank you Father Spyridon very much. I am from Ethiopian Orthodox Church Deacon in one of Ethiopian Christian

Faith alone is not enough. It is *_through_* faith that we realize we must make a decision: to obey God and seek to do His will, or else to remain separate from God and continue on our own path. It is faith that makes the choice real to us, then we must choose. The verses below feature obedience, not "faith alone": "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17) "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:8) *_Abraham's example illustrates the difference between "faith alone" and faith followed by obedience._* Abraham was promised blessings if he would leave home and journey to the promised land. Without any faith, he would have shrugged off the promises as unreal and that would have been the end of the story. But even with faith Abraham could have said to himself, "Well, even though I trust God's promises I'd really rather stay home, in my comfort zone, so I'm not leaving." Would he have received the promised blessings? Of course not. Abraham *_obeyed._* He acted on his faith. He left home, journeyed to the promised land and received the blessings: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8). *_By_* or *_through_* faith he realized he had a real choice to make, and he *_chose to obey._* The Lord explained to Abraham's son Isaac that Abraham received the promised blessings because of his *_obedience:_* "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws" (Genesis 26:5). The apostle James wrote "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and *_not by faith only"_* (James 2:24). Abraham's obedience was his "works." He *_believed_* in the true, complete sense of the word _believe:_ he committed himself, he *_acted_* on his faith. In the source New Testament Greek texts, "faith" and "believe" are different words; "faith" (pistis) is a noun, "believe" (pisteuō) is a verb. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26). Faith without commitment, without action, is useless. Nothing changes. If Abraham had stayed home, his faith would have been dead, useless. Abraham acted on his faith; his works, his obedience brought life and completion to his faith, making him a believer. James wrote: "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:22,23) So what does God want us to do today? How do we believe, how do we "act" on our faith? God "now commands all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). This is how we can receive mercy: "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13) With the ransom Jesus made available on the cross, we can be redeemed from the death penalty (Romans 6:23) we have earned for our past sins. That redemption is mercy and is available by grace IF we'll choose to turn from sin, turn from sin that earned us the death penalty to begin with. If we choose not to turn from sin, we'll remain unredeemed from the death penalty earned for our past sins and will surely perish in death for those sins. That's why Jesus warned, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3,5). At first glance "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" appears to contradict John 3:16 which says we have to believe in Him: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." If "believeth" means no more than "have faith," or think something is true, then there certainly *_is_* a contradiction with "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." But "believeth" goes beyond just "have faith." It is *_through_* faith that we realize we have a real choice to make: whether or not to believe, to commit ourselves and act and obey. We must truly "believe," we must act on our faith, obey and repent to avoid perishing. BTW, it is very helpful to realize that "works" refers to different things, depending on the context. Paul correctly pointed out the error of thinking you are justified or made righteous by doing the "works of the law": for example by obeying a long list of homemade "do this, don't do that" rules made by the Jews to "establish their own righteousness" (Romans 10:3). In other contexts "works" refers to doing good deeds out of love toward neighbor; James 2:14-17 gives an example. Finally, we have "works" of simple obedience to God, like Abraham's obedience when he was instructed to leave home and journey to the promised land, and when he was told to offer his son as a sacrifice.

Ephesians 2:8-10 [8]For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; [9]not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10]For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Faith and works,both are needed but also humility.

Dear Father, may I translate your video and show it to some brazilian fellow people who doesn't understand English?

When protestants say "by faith alone" you should interpret as "by grace alone". Works comes from men and the grace from God. God takes the first step and men reacts, so works are a resulting of faith (by grace) and without it all men works are vain and unnecessary. Men cannot be saved by his own efforts and the "works" that save are the ones influenced by Gods grace. So, works are important in protestant faith but are the result (root) of the grace of God. That is why we say "by faith alone" because the real and genuine fruit starts with the belief/experience of God's grace on men (through His Spirit) and never by human mere efforts.

We are justified by faith alone in order to receive righteousness as a free gift Romans 3:24-28, 4:1-5, 5:1 and works or fruit come as a result of genuine faith, if there is no works the faith is false John 15:1-4, Eph 2:10, James 2:14-24. Many misunderstand the Evangelical (or Protestant) view of Justification, we mean by faith alone in order to receive the gift of righteousness, NOT that works are not needed, they are indeed needed NOT for salvation but as evidence of salvation. This does NOT mean we can sin how much we want, this is a total distortion of this doctrine. If someone sins all he wants he is definitely not saved, he is not living in holiness. As St. Paul states in Romans 6 we are dead to sin and alive to God.

salvation is a free gift that costs us greatly.

Currently looking into the Orthodox church. This video is extremely helpful! Blessings.

"we must work and repent in order to receive God's grace" 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆 Double-talking clown. Salvation is a gift!

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 By their fruits you will know them... Matthew 7:16 "Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 "... let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth" 1 John 3:18 "One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. ..." John 14:21 "Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9 "...faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26 "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment... How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26-29 "who will pay back to everyone according to their works" Romans 2:6 "Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" He said to him, "...if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:16-17 "Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you." John 5:14 "They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work." Titus 1:16 "Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment." John 5:28-29 "But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves." James 1:22 "For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10 "I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10 "If you love me, keep my commands" John 14:15 "You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith." James 2:24

If we have to "work and repent to receive God's grace" then salvation is by works.. "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." (Eph 2:9,10) God saves us completely by His own doing..Then and only then, can we be about the good works that give evidence of our salvation. Our works in NO WAY contribute to our salvation. Sola Fide - our ONLY hope..

Ephesians 2:8-9. If the church disagrees with the Bible, the church is wrong. No exceptions.

Biblically, Christians are once justified, always justified.... We do not earn this Justification. God is changing his flock daily. I know what Jesus did for me. I do good work, because of what Jesus did for me. I don't do it, because it will save me. The finished work of Christ has saved me already. Period.

What purpose does faith alone serve? What use is belief unless it produces good fruit. Faith and works are intertwined.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God. Not of works, that no man may glory.

I'm a Pentecostal believer drawing closer to Orthodoxy each day.

thank you Father- i am a Filipino Roman Catholic

Don't need a 6 minute video when the Bible tells us in one verse. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. James is talking about your walk with God, he never once mentions salvation. Or else that would contradict the verse above. Easy to understand.

Faith alone will inspire your work. And your work shall strengthen your faith

Works are a result of faith.

Faith without works is dead and works without faith are dead👌🏻❤️

Eph 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saued, through faith, and that not of your selues: it is the gift of God: Not of workes, lest any man should boast."

it is only by faith through the grace of GOD

Romans 4 verse 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Orthodox love is for all the world. God Bless! Thank you Father!

So from what understood, we are saved by the blood of Jesus (and His blood is enough), but we crucify our flesh and do these works both to cultivate a relationship with Him and as a form of gratitude to Him? I was raised Protestant and I am moving towards Orthodoxy but I refuse to believe anyone who tries to tell me that we can work our way to Salvation. This video has really comforted me in that aspect.

the bible clearly says at least 5 times in the new testament that salvation is by faith, NOT works. good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. this is why the bible says that faith without works is dead. good works are the result of the gift of salvation. i pray for my orthodox brothers and sisters in their pursuit of God's truth.

I am a Protestant and I say amen to this teaching!

@Father Scyridon For the sake of clarity and mutual Good Will, More precisely The Protestant position is Good Works etc. will not Save you, nor will Faith in Good Works etc. Rather, Good Works are the inherent result and consequence of Saving Faith in Christ Jesus and HIS Finished Work on our behalf via HIS Perfect Virginal Conception, Birth, Baptism, Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, and Intercessory High Priesthood. Albeit, we can stifle our consequential Good Works and in so doing our growth in Christ as Believers.

I find that self righteousness is a culprit of sinners. It possibly leads to man made works and self acceptance. Faith, Trust, and acceptance in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death alone is what saves man. God doesn't expect perfection from mankind in any way. Amen

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 It's all about God. We cannot boast . 'For by grace are ye saved through faith and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast'. Eph. 2:8-9. You see, we obey him out of love for Him and what He has done for us.

James 2 was referring to the already saved if u noticed all thru James 2" MY BRETHREN " which was telling the saved to get to work

If you want to recieve Gods grace just have faith. It is written. We are saved by GRACE through FAITH.

my pastor has always said works follow after one is saved. jesus changes our ways, I love your messages

Do you think it’s a contradiction to say that salvation is a free gift but we must work to maintain God’s grace? If I give someone a car as a “gift” but then tell then they must work for it, it is no longer a gift.

For Catholics is both, with faith and work. Respect to Orthodox (I'm Roman Catholic), better than protestants

WHAT DOES “FAITH” REALLY MEAN??? To properly interpret Sacred Scripture you have to understand the verse IN CONTEXT of what the author was intending to convey during his particular time period and culture not ours, the verse within the chapter, the chapter within the book, and the book within the Bible as a whole. Are you aware St. Paul as ”a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” 1 Timothy 2:7 was constantly writing to defend Gentiles from Mosaic Ceremonial “Works of the Law” (circumcision). Are you aware St. Paul in Romans and Galatians was arguing for the Gentiles to be accepted strictly on "faith" in Jesus Christ through using Abraham as an example who was “justified” and made “righteous” on “faith” yet still uncircumcised??? St. Paul was emphasizing in Romans only "ONE SIDE" of a two sided coin (One side FAITH and the other side WORKS). St. Paul used the "faith" side to argue for the Gentiles to be accepted and grafted in. The other side of the coin "WORKS" was written about in the Book of James (Book of James was written for people like you who were misinterpreting St. Paul in Romans). James 2:24 "You see a man is justified by works, and NOT BY FAITH ALONE". AGAIN, THE BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD SAYS "NOT BY FAITH ALONE". "Faith and Works" which Jesus Christ clearly taught and the Catholic Church continues to teach in obedience. For example, you all seem to miss Paul's introduction in Romans 2:6-7 "FOR HE WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS: TO THOSE WHO BY PATIENCE IN WELL-DOING SEEK FOR GLORY AND HONOR AND IMMORTAILY, HE WILL GIVE ETERNAL LIFE". Now, wait a minute you just said all I have to do is "believe"??? Luke 6:37-38 and Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge NOT, that you be not judged. For with the Judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get". So now, I cannot judge harshly otherwise I will be judged harshly by GOD. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN”. Now, I have to do the Father’s will to even enter the “Kingdom of Heaven”??? Matthew 10:33 “But WHOEVER DENIES ME BEFORE MEN, I WILL ALSO DENY BEFORE MY FATHER who is in heaven”. Now, I have to never deny Jesus before men or risk rejection myself??? Mark 16:16 “He who believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved. See 1 Peter 3:21 also. Now, I have to be baptized to be saved??? John 13:34 “A NEW COMMANDMENTS I GIVE TO YOU, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER; EVEN AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, THAT YOU ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. THIS IS ALL SHALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER”. Now, no love then I am not a disciple??? How did Jesus love us and now He commands us to do the same??? Did Jesus say I love you “one time” and do nothing else??? Nope, Jesus Christ showed us what LOVE IS by being selfless sacrificial, and emptying Himself out on the cross for us!!! Luke 8:21 “My mother and MY BRETHREN ARE THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT”. Wait a minute, now I have to “DO” what I am told in the WORD of GOD to be considered a “part” of GOD’s family??? 1 John 3:18-19 “Children, let us love not in word and speech, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH. BY THIS WE SHALL KNOW ARE WE OF THE TRUTH”. What does this clearly say about a one-time verbal profession of faith??? Matthew 7:19 "EVERY TREE THAT DOES NOT BEAR GOOD FRUIT IS CUT DOWN AND THROWN INTO THE FIRE" Now, I have to bear good fruit otherwise I risk damnation??? John 15:8 “By this my Father is glorified, that YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT, AND SO PROVE TO BE MY DISCIPLES”. Once again, I have to “bear fruit” and now “prove to be” Jesus Christ’s disciple. Colossians 1:10 “LEAD A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING TO HIM, BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK and increasing knowledge of GOD” There’s that “FRUIT” thing again that one must “do” to be “FULLY PLEASING” to GOD. John 5:29 “THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD, TO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE, AND THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL, TO THE RESURRECTION OF JUDGMENT”. Now, I have to do “GOOD” and avoid “EVIL” or sin to avoid “JUDGMENT”??? John 3:5”TRULY, TRULY I SAY TO YOU, UNLESS ONE IS BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD". Now, I have to be REBORN of "Water (Baptism) and SPIRIT (Laying of Hands)" to even enter the ONE “Kingdom of GOD”??? John 6:54 "HE WHO EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD HAS ETERNAL LIFE". Now, I have to eat the “Lamb of GOD” (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Peter 1:19) to be saved??? 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the LORD in an UNWORTHY MANNER will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the LORD. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks WITHOUT DISCERNING THE BODY EATS AND DRINKS JUDGMENT UPON HIMSELF”. Now, I have to be “worthy” to partake of the “Lamb of GOD” otherwise I risk JUDGMENT??? James 1:22, 25 “BE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOURSELVES”…”BUT HE WHO LOOKS IN THE PERFECT LAW (referring to John 13:34), THE LAW OF LIBERTY, AND PERSEVERES, BEING NO HEARER THAT FORGETS BUT A DOER THAT ACTS, HE SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIS DOING”. James who was one of the three most beloved disciples in Jesus’s “inner circle” what does he clearly teach here??? Romans 15:18 “For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Jesus Christ has accomplished through me TO LEAD THE GENTILES TO OBEDIENCE BY WORD AND DEED”. St. Paul now emphasizing I need to be OBEDIENT BY WORD AND DEED??? Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING". Wait a minute, I thought you said St. Paul said all I need to do is "believe" and I am saved??? The Bible and St. Paul here is telling me I have to continue in "Good Works" to "WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION"??? Acts 26:20 “Declared…..that they should repent and turn to GOD and PERFORM DEEDS WORTHY OF THEIR REPENTANCE” St. Paul stating now I have to ‘perform deeds worthy of my repentance??? 2 Thessalonians 1:8 “INFLICTING VENGENCE upon those who do not know GOD and those WHO DO NOT OBEY THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS”. Now, I have to OBEY THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”??? 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, SO THAT EACH MAY RECEIVE GOOD OR EVIL, ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS DONE IN THE BODY”. So, now I HAVE TO DO GOOD??? James 2:24 "SEE HOW A PERSON IS JUSTIFIED BY WORKS AND NOT BY FAITH ALONE" Now, I have to be justified by "works" of charity as Jesus Christ commands per John 13:34??? **John ******3:36****** “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, BUT WHOEVER DISOBEYS THE SON WILL NOT SEE LIFE, BUT THE WRATH OF GOD REMAINS UPON HIM”.*** **John ******5:29****** “THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD, TO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE, AND THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL, TO THE RESURRECTION OF DEATH”*** John 8:51 “Truly, Truly, I say to you, IF ANY ONE KEEPS MY WORD, he will never see death” Hebrews 5:9 “He became the source of eternal salvation TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM”. Acts 5:32 “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO OBEY HIM” I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. "Believe" is a loaded word full of expectations for the sons and daughters of GOD. "BELIEVE" really means to "OBEY". Faith is only the first step towards Heaven, and LOVE is the second step which is an ACTION out of OBEDIENCE. FAITH AND WORKS just as the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church teaches.

Fr, The Catholics don’t teach it’s by works Sola Gratia is the Way Faith and Coorperation of Works is Justification, and on going justification The sanctification is the turning from sin and being more holy 😊

works don't save you, but if you are truly a follower of Christ, you will be driven to do works.

How would you explain the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee? The man who cried out for God's mercy, confessing his sinfulness went home justified. Meaning in that moment before any work or deed, he was saved. Doesn't this give a simple and clear answer as to the works/faith alone issue?

Amen!

The "barrier" between us and God's grace is sin, pure and simple. Christ dies to deal with our sin, so the place of reconciliation is His death and resurrection, no where else. God justifies the wicked and the ungodly by our being provided with a trust in that perfect work, which provides the righteousness of God. Faith produces works, yes, but only Christ's death and life save us. Nothing can be added to that perfect work.

It's mind boggling how often we Christians, no matter what the denomination, can't explain this clearly. Father Spyridon seems to be saying salvation is free, but we must work for it. That makes no sense to me.

where do I get a hat like that

If you don't teach that salvation happens completely at the moment you REpent(that is change your mind about Christ) you are teaching a works gospel which is heresy.

Faith may be best seen as a tree dimensional, rather than a one-dimensional energy. Intellectual acknowledgement and comprehension is important, nay, vital. But it must be manifest in our whole being.

salvation is free gift if you believe in christ jesus was die on the cross fir your sin ,don’t try to save yourself, it’s not possible even your life is 1000 long.. only jesus can save you..

Isn't it both faith and works?

Very excellent. Really touched me. Thank you.

Thank you SO very much Father Spyridon. All your messages are so inspiring and educational. I am grateful and always enjoy listening to you. Thank you once again. K 🙏🙏🙏

Good works will follow salvation. But....remember we do not earn salvation in any sense by works. The thief upon the cross had no.opportunity for good works. So, faith comes FIRST.

"work" and repent in order to receive God's grace? Where is that in scripture, that grace is given to us because of our works? Isn't the very meaning of grace "unmerited favor"? If our works are necessary to receive God's grace then how is this anything other than salvation based upon works?

Thank You Father. I grew up as Presbyterian. Chose to be a Methodist as an adult. I left Methodism when the church voted whether to have Gay Ministers. After many years I was looking for the Early Church and found Orthodoxy. I will be Orthodox forever.

“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” Romans 3:23-24

Sin is spiritual harlotry. Sin can open doors that can't be closed. Some of the repercussions of sin over time are coldness or lukewarmness towards God, spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual drunkedness, spiritual deception, spiritual darkness, bondage, demonic oppression or possession, perversion, addiction, idolotry, depression, anger, emptiness, desperation, denial, stunted spiritual growth, weak moral compass, lack of wisdom, lack of control, lack of contentment, resentment of truth, apostasy, a hardened heart, a loss of conscience, depravity, and enmity with God.

Salvation is not by faith in Jesus, or believing in the supposed sacrificial death of Jesus, work is better if it means serving God by loving others. In fact, salvation is the process of being transformed into God’s child by being rooted, grounded and converted by God’s love.

If it’s a free gift, why do u have to work for it? If u have to work for it, then it is not free. It can not be both

It’s by works, no question. Salvation is not free at all!

3:01, salvation is a free gift, but we must work and repent in order to enable ourselves to receive God's grace.