One cannot possibly understand Paul's writings if he or she holds the traditional view of redemption.

Let us look once again at the traditional view of redemption; the five terms we have redefined; and the goal of the Apostle Paul. Remember, the question we are asking in the present paper is whether salvation is by faith alone or whether faith of necessity must live in works.

The traditional view of redemption. Salvation is a blanket forgiveness of our sins, an unconditional amnesty, the purpose of which is to grant us escape from Hell and entrance into the spiritual Paradise when we die. To this has been added a flight to Heaven just before the great tribulation commences. Once in Heaven we will live in golden mansions and have many material delights in a spiritual setting. What happens after that seems to be uncertain. This salvation is for Gentiles only. The inheritance of the Jews is a kingdom on the earth.

The five terms we have redefined.

Righteousness is that which pleases God and is accepted of Him. We have said that the new covenant includes both legal (imputed) righteousness and actual righteousness of behavior. We have stated further that the bulk of the passages of the New Testament emphasize actual righteousness of behavior.

Eternal life is the Life of God in Christ given to us as we continue in a state of righteousness before the Lord. Eternal life is a kind of life, as is true of the life of flesh and blood.

Grace is the Divine enablement in Christ that stands ready to receive and transform whoever will receive.

Faith is a willingness to trust God in every aspect of personality and behavior.

Salvation is deliverance from Satan and entrance into the image and Person of God.

The goal of the Apostle Paul. The goal of the Apostle Paul was perfect righteousness in God's sight and the resulting eternal life. Paul viewed eternal life as complete union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Paul was seeking to attain the out-resurrection from the dead, that is, the resurrection and ascension that will take place when the Lord appears.

Paul groaned for the redemption of his mortal body, not that he might escape fear and pain but that he might be righteous in the sight of God. Paul's ideal was the possession of a spirit, soul, and body filled with Christ's Presence.

Paul never contrasted righteous behavior and the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. Paul understood better than anyone else that the saving grace of the Lord is for the purpose of creating righteous behavior in us.

Paul strongly emphasized we are not saved by the works of the Law of Moses but by the enabling Virtue that is in Christ and is Christ. Paul was reacting against the Law, not against man's attempts to practice righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

To be continued.