The Jews had to work for their salvation. Should I also?
Israel have always been under a covenant program. If they did what God commanded, they were blessed. If not, they fell under a curse. The very essence of the law was built on a foundation of works. This is why the book of James hammers home the need to prove your faith with works. Even the need to endure in these works was needed to be able to enter into the Kingdom. There are many verses in the Gospels that demand the need to endure, Matt.24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Further statements that emphasis this point are, that they had to prove their faith, or be counted worthy, or pick up their cross and follow, or sell all they had and follow their Messiah. Works and endurance were key to the Jewish existence and salvation. One more example that can imply this is the parable of the faithful servants. The end of the parable reads as follows, Matt.25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For ...