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Dr Cathy Northrup
The Reverend Doctor Cathy Northrup was born in Ft. Meade, MD, and was raised in a variety of places in the United State and Germany, as her father was in Counter Intelligence with the Army. She graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, with a double major in English and Religion. She graduated from Georgetown Law Center in Washington, DC, and practiced law with the Federal Reserve Board for a number of years before attending Union Theological Seminaryin Richmond, VA. She graduated from Union, and served several churches in North and South Carolina, at the same time obtaining her Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Northrup is currently the Pastor/Head of Staff of First Presbyterian Church, Wichita, KS. She is married and has two black Labrador dogs who were rescued from abusive situations. You can contact Dr. Northrup at cnorthrup@firstpresbywichita.org or by phone at (316) 263-0248, ext. 26.
Religion
2008-04-01 12:10:00
Are these Bible passages contradictory?
Question: In several passages of the New Testament (e.g. Matthew 16:27 and Romans 2:6), it is stated that man is justified by his works, and they should shine like a light before men. Yet, in other passages (e.g. Ephesians 2:8), it is stated that salvation is through faith and grace, not by works. In the Gospel (Matthew 6) Jesus advises to keep our good works secret. Is the Bible contradictory in this regard?
Answer: The Bible is not contradictory with regard to faith and works. We are saved by grace through faith. Our salvation is totally God’s work and God’s initiative. Various passages in the Bible emphasize works, however. Each passage must be read in its context. Some emphasize works to indicate that true faith bears itself out in good works; by one’s fruits you will know. Other passages emphasize works to show that they are the natural and right response to God’s gift of faith. Still other passages emphasize that we are to witness to God through good works. Those passages which seem to diminish works also must be read in their contexts. Usually, if they seem to diminish works, they do so to say that works are to be done humbly, not for show. Or, they may be saying that works should not be done in a way that makes them “empty”; they should be done out of love and gratitude.
 
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