There seems to be some confusion (from the author of confusion) concerning faith and works. Many confuse obedience with works. Here is a clear example of how man benefits from God's works by OBEDIENCE.
John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
* Jesus declared that God's works would be demonstrated. *
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
* God's works did not benefit the man UNTIL he OBEYED *
John 9:8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? John 9:9 Some said, This is he: others [said], He is like him: [but] he said, I am [he]. John 9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? John 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
* The blind man's "obedience" did not "cheapen the grace of God" (as some false preachers imply when they confuse "works" with "obedience".) The blind man was saved by FAITH, through GRACE. *
People who obey Acts 2:38 become Christians by FAITH, through GRACE.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.
* A commandment with a promise. Just as Jesus commanded the blind man to wash (and he was not healed until he obeyed); people are commanded to be baptised in Jesus name "for the remission of sins" (and they remain "in their sins" until they obey.) *
Rev. Steve Winter