Romans 4:2-5 comments on how to be “just” after sinning, where the phrase “Pertaining to the flesh” is found.
These concepts are illustrated in Gal 2:16 and 5:19.
Ga 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law (Mosaic Sacrifices), but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Ga 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
When the Mosaic “Works” were performed, the person was forgiven, however, they were not taught to deny ungodliness by God. Grace and truth came through Christ, John 1:17.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
In John 6:28-29, Jesus is commenting on how people are to do the works of God.
The People asked What work should we do? How can we be enabled to do what God says?
In that context, Jesus said “Labor” to believe.
Work to learn to deny ungodliness.
Jesus said that they needed to believe, which is how they access God’s grace, which then teaches them to deny ungodliness.
Denying ungodliness is the “work” which results from believing, Titus 2:11-12.
So – yes, we have to “work” to learn to deny ungodliness, and not receive the Grace of God in Vain, 2 Cor 6:1.
We do not have to “Work” by offering the Mosaic sacrifices anymore.
2Co 6:1 ¶ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Romans 4:2-5 and John 6:28-29 represent two different concepts.
Complying with the “Law” in order to be forgiven involved the “works” someone had to do in order to be forgiven by God.
These works were replaced, under the new Covenant, and now we simply “Confess” our sins to Jesus to obtain forgiveness.
The “action/work required to be forgiven” is what Paul refers to as the repayment of a debt in Romans 4:4.
Debt repayment involves the concept of “compensation” for something “incurred”, such as a transgression.
“Offering a sacrifice” after sinning in order to be reconciled to God after violating one of His commandments, obtained forgiveness from God, but not ungodliness.
If a person could be taught to deny ungodliness through making a sacrifice to God, Rom 11:6, then Grace would not be grace.
Ro 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise, work is no more work.
The process of “Reconciliation after having sinned” had nothing to do with Abraham’s “faith” being initially recognized as the “right way” to approach God.
Abraham was recognized as having had “Faith” in God, regardless of whether He kept the Law or the commandments of God.
Abraham was uncircumcised when he put His faith in God in or around Gen 12:4, at age 75.
He did not receive the sign of Circumcision until Gen 17:10 when He was 99.
Then he was given the “sign of Circumcision,” which was a seal of right standing before God.
He was just before God because He had “faith,” not because He was circumcised or uncircumcised.
A person’s action regarding being reconciled after having sinned did not have a bearing on Jesus’ statement regarding having faith, because God offers faith to both Jew and Gentile.
The Circumcised Jews were those who were aware of and kept the Mosaic Law.
The uncircumcised Gentiles were those who were unaware of and did not keep the Mosaic Law.
Jews are justified “by” being circumcised, and Gentiles can be justified “through” being circumcised, Rm 3:30.
Circumcision is a shadow (1 Cor 7:19) of “keeping the Commandments of God”, or rightstanding (Rm 4:11).
Under the New Covenant, we are in right standing with God after we confess our sins to Christ Jesus.
1Co 7:19 (KJV) Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Faith is how we access God’s grace, and we can have faith whether we are sinful or not (Eph 2:8).
God’s grace teaches a person to deny ungodliness, so we need faith to access it.
When the process of –
Making a sacrifice (Doing a Work) to obtain forgiveness
is not distinguished from the process of
“working out one’s salvation” (Phil 2:12) or as Jesus referred to the same process, “Laboring” to believe” (John 6:28 and 29)
Confusion can occur.
When the mistaken conclusion is drawn in this situation, one can conclude that simple mental assent is needed to obtain salvation from God, and that work is not necessary, or that we “work” only out of a sense of gratitude to God instead of obligation.
The opposite is actually true, as Jesus alluded to when He said that a person must “lose their life to obtain salvation”, Mk 8:35.
Mr 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
This position of mental assent originates in Eph 2:8.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
These verses do not suggest that we are exempt from the “Works” of learning to deny ungodliness and from making the sacrifice called “Confession of sin”.
“Confession” is the necessary New Covenant sacrifice for sin, and replaced a “work of the Law” which served the same function under the Old Covenant.
Eph 2 verses 8 and 9 say that man is not capable of doing what God’s grace can do.