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My point is to look at actions from GOD's perspective. I cannot imagine that GOD, as I see him, would say that an act of kindness when done by an Atheist has less value than one done by a believer.
At this point, although Jar and I do hold differnet ideas on Christianity, I completely agree. My acts as a Christian hold no greater value to God then the acts of an Atheist. This is precisely why an acts based salvation cannot work among other reasons.
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In addition, I believe that that same GOD would say that the act of kindness of the Atheist has GREATER value than the same act performed by a believer who committed the act to gain acceptance from GOD. I believe that GOD wants people to do right because it IS the right thing to do. If it is done for reward then the point, the value of the act is diminished.
I agree to some extent. I do believe God wants us to do what is right for right's sake, and then proceed to give Him glory for it. An act done purely for the reward is a sin in my eyes. I constantly question my motives for doing something to make sure that I'm doing it for His glory, not for what I might receive from it.
I mentioned earlier this is why an acts based salvation cannot work. There is no amount of acts I could do to erase my sin. And if there was, well then the question becomes how much is enough- and there is no qualification in the Bible at all for this.
In my eyes, salvation comes purely from believing that God died on the cross for my sins and rose again the third day. It is the only thing that can wash away sin in God's eyes, otherwise what did Christ die for?
As to the actual direct topic of this thread, I must agree with Brian. An atheist can do good works. But I don't see that as loving God in any way. An atheist denies God. How can you in any way love something you deny?
Jar you also made an excellent point earlier in this thread. The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians. I agree completely. We are our greatest downfall, myself included. With that I would like to apologize, if I have at all attacked anyone on this board. I hope I have merely presented my own case, but I know that I get very intense during debates and I may have said something to have offended someone, and for that I apologize.
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