FAITH AND WORKS There is much confusion and misunderstanding in religious circles about the relationship between faith and works. Passages like Eph. 2:9 make it obvious that some kinds of works are excluded from having a part in salvation. Other passages like James 2:24 indicate that some kind of activity is necessary. And then there is Gal. 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” There is definitely some relationship between faith and works! 1. We are not saved by works without faith. The idea of being saved by works without faith is the false hope of millions. Many assume they will be saved by being a “good” father, mother, citizen, neighbor, etc. Or by NOT being a murderer, thief, etc.. “I pay my debts, mind my own business, am kind to those less fortunate...” This the precise thing Paul tells Titus WILL NOT be the basis of our salvation. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us...” (Titus 3:5). None of us will be saved because we were too righteous to have ever been in danger. Any of us who are saved at all will be saved by God’s mercy. God’s mercy has made it possible for us to be born again, “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). 2. We are not saved by faith without works. “You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?... You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:19-26). 3. We are not saved by faith plus meritorious works of human origin. For centuries the Roman Catholic Church has thrived on the teaching that after a man has fallen short in one area, he can go beyond the call of duty in some other area to supply the lack, and balance the scales. Penance, giving up things for lent, partial fasts, etc., are examples. The truth is, it is impossible for us to go beyond the call of duty in serving God. That which is not according to His will is no service to Him at all, and that which is according to His will is nothing more than our duty, Luke 17:10. If a man could devise his own plan of salvation and his own system of righteousness, and be saved by it, he could boast of saving himself. Such works can never produce salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). 4. We are not saved by faith plus works of the Old Testament Law. Sabbath keeping, food restrictions, tithing, etc., will not be the basis for our salvation. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20). See also Gal. 2:16, Rom. 3:28, and Gal. 5:4. That is precisely why “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything...” (Gal. 5:6). But, what does avail? 5. We are saved by faith that works, Gal. 5:6. Faith enough to do what God commands. Godly men of old were saved by the faith which prompted them to obey God’s instructions. Faith at work is called faithfulness. To receive the “crown of life,” we must be faithful, Rev. 2:10. It is the faithful servant who has true hope of a home in heaven, Matt. 25:21-23. If your car doesn’t work, repair it. If your employee doesn’t work, fire him. If your clock doesn’t work, throw it away and buy another one. And if your faith doesn’t work, you’d better do something about that, too, because it is dead and useless and a burden to you. The faith that avails is a faith that works through love, Ga. 5:6, James 2:24. --CRJ
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:27:09 +0000
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