The emphasis of the Bible is on the work of the Redeemer, not on the work of the redeemed.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
That's the big difference between Christianity and other religions. The difference between Works and Grace or Do and Done.
In the Old Testament, we are continually told that our good works are not enough, that God has made a provision. This provision is pointed to at every place in the Old Testament.
One may preach a covenant of grace more clearly than another... But when they preach a covenant of works for salvation, that is not truth.
But the more we search the Scriptures, the more we perceive, in this doctrine, the fundamental truth of the gospel - that truth which gives to redemption its character, and to all other truths their real power.
The whole Bible is the story of men and women trying to get back to God, to overcome that sin with sacrifices, good works, sermons, prophesy, witnessing, giving all kinds of things. It never worked.
Red Letter Christians believe in the doctrines of the Apostle's Creed, are convinced that the Scriptures have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and make having a personal transforming relationship with the resurrected Christ the touchtone of their faith.
The work of healing is not my work, but by faith, healing is done. The work of deliverance, great and mighty deliverance, is not my work but is my faith in Him. It is not the works of righteousness which I have done, but according to His grace. I am a product of His grace.
Scripture is not inerrant; believers are called to interpret biblical texts in light of tradition and reason.
If you look at the Bible as a whole, it's redemptive and beautiful, and it's God's love story to mankind.
Some have said that the power of a Redeemer would depend upon two things: first, upon the richness of the self that was given; and second, upon the depths of the giving. Friend and foe alike are agreed on the question of the character of Jesus Christ.