Jesus commands works?

[AlanFromWichita]

Originally Posted by Shlomo

There is a difference between "works of law" which are compulsory works of flesh, and voluntary works of a liberated spirit. Paul never criticized "Good works". Only "Works of law". In fact, it does not matter which law is applied: Mosaic, Catholic, Civil etc.

Trying to be good by conforming to a law always leads to hypocrisy, because the source of such goodness is egoistic search of a "good image" and not love.

[in_servitude]

Originally Posted by Shlomo

There is a difference between "works of law" which are compulsory works of flesh, and voluntary works of a liberated spirit. Paul never criticized "Good works". Only "Works of law". In fact, it does not matter which law is applied: Mosaic, Catholic, Civil etc.

Trying to be good by conforming to a law always leads to hypocrisy, because the source of such goodness is egoistic search of a "good image" and not love.

There were many practices that were Mosaic in nature that were a part of the Jewish culture. Paul saw that those practices were going to hinder the Gentile's acceptance of Jesus and what Jesus taught. So, for the Gentiles to take on both the teaching of Jesus (and following those new rules) and the other Mosaic practices (most notably, circumcision) was going to cause too much rejection to Christianity.

Paul took his case to Jerusalem and it was Peter who eventually made the ultimate decision to abandon the Mosaic practices.

Jesus commands works. So, for anyone who has faith in Jesus - that faith is nothing for that person unless they are doing what Jesus commands. James Ch2, 14-26

There are laws to obey as directed by Jesus, directions to follow as given by Jesus, commandments to uphold as set forth by Jesus. They are compulsory. Should a person choose to reject those calls to work, that person's rejection is actually a rejection of Jesus.

First - faith in Jesus. Then, living the faith by works through that faith.

[JRKH]

Originally Posted by Shlomo

There is a difference between "works of law" which are compulsory works of flesh, and voluntary works of a liberated spirit. Paul never criticized "Good works". Only "Works of law". In fact, it does not matter which law is applied: Mosaic, Catholic, Civil etc.

Trying to be good by conforming to a law always leads to hypocrisy, because the source of such goodness is egoistic search of a "good image" and not love.

While your conclusion here is certainly possible and there are those who fall into this, your blanket declaration that it always leads to hypocrisy is false...It does NOT always lead to hypocrisy.

The person who becomes Catholic, or who renews their commitment to Christ in the Church, begins at the point of belief - of faith - a faith freely accepted. This is a crucial aspect to keep in mind. For we all know that works alone are insufficient.
The rules (Law) of the Church are disciplines provided for the help of the person on their spiritual journey.
The person - especially a "new" Christian - one who is spiritually immature - might say to themselves, "There is so much I don't understand. I will commit myself to obeying the discipline of the Church in order to become more conformed to Christ."
Such commitment and obedience in order to be 'good" works within the person to build up their spirit. To aid in their understanding.
It's not unlike a person training for the Olympic team. They use many different disciplines and exercises, both physical and mental for a larger purpose. To be the best that they can be. In the Olympics, it is for the honor of being invited to represent the country, in faith, it is for the honor of serving our God more fully and being invited into heaven.

Peace
James