Im convinced that the persons of God cannot be separated from their works. Interesting how John shows us this by defining God as love and then defining love as Gods saving work in the Gospel (1 John 4:8-10). This makes perfect sense to me and is expressed quite clearly in the relationship that exists between true faith and works (the obedience that comes by faith). Faith is not saving faith unless it bears fruit in the form of works. As its been said, faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone. And so to be partakers in the divine nature (2 Pe 1:4) is not just to believe in divine truth (dead faith) but to believe in such a way that fruit is born (saving faith). Now understanding the relationship between faith and works is very helpful. Many believe we are to pursue faith and works with equal amount of effort, overlooking the fact that the only acceptable works to God are those that stem from faith (Ro 14:23). Now the Scriptures are clear that sanctification comes exclusively by faith in the Word (John 17:17). Our pursuit therefore is one of true faith. Fruit will take care of itself. We are to abide in Christ over and above all other endeavours, pursue him with reckless abandon through his Word as enlightened by the Holy Spirit, constantly checking ourselves to see whether our faith is genuine as evidenced by our works, even actively proving the genuineness of our faith by our works, but ALWAYS guarding against giving the same position to works in our lives as we do faith. For anyone interested in an extensive biblical study on the topic, John Pipers book Future Grace was truly life-changing. I highly recommend it, especially for those in pastoral and teaching positions, but generally for anyone who is desperate to live out their faith in holy, joyful, spirit empowered obedience.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 21:44:57 +0000
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