The following is from my correspondence with a dear friend on the issue of faith and works.
The question you raise about the historical reformed and conservative contemporary reformed  understanding of justification and its relation to works/obedience is often misunderstood and not well represented, especially by its opponents.
I first would like to say, that I find [...]

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. (Romans 2:6-8)
There is a way [...]

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear… (Philippians 1:14)
why?  This doesn’t make much sense if you think about it.  If I see someone park in a handicap parking spot and get a ticket for it, it doesn’t encourage [...]

I have just posted a new revision of an old paper that I would appreciate your feedback on.  Critical feedback welcomed!  Click on the “papers” tab, and then click on the Understanding Esther: A Tale of Two Feasts link… or just click here.