Faith and Works
By Timothy Glover
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith...” All religious groups have widely accepted Salvation by faith. It is probably the most taught topic in all the Bible. Think about another passage with me. John records in 12:42-43 that many chief rulers believed on Jesus; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” Would you agree that the faith of these rulers who would not confess Christ was not acceptable to God as the faith of the 3,000 who obeyed the gospel on the day of Pentecost? If so, can we not agree that “faith only” is a dangerous doctrine and full of deception. James speaks of two faiths: a “dead faith” and a “living, working faith”. He states in 2:17, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Living faith like a living body is manifest by activity. If there is no activity or works in faith, then it is dead just like a human body (verse 26).
A living faith is one that obeys. James teaches that we “show our faith by our works. The example used by James to illustrate saving faith is Abraham. Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac, his son upon the altar. Abraham obeyed God because he believed God’s words of promise. Paul speaks of this faith in Galatians 5:6 “that works by love”. Hebrews 11 corroborates with this view of faith, giving cases of Old Testament characters who were saved through faith:
- Abel by faith offered a more excellent sacrifice.
- Noah by faith built an ark as God directed.
- Abraham by faith left Ur of Chaldees and offered his son (verses 8 and 17).
It is important to understand that when the bible speaks of “works”, it does not always refer to the same kind of “works”. For example, the works of the flesh described in Galatians 5:19-21 are condemned. In the second chapter, Paul speaks of the works of the law. Both in Galatians and Romans, the works under consideration is meritorious works. In other words, no one can be saved by depending on his own performance. The Jews of the Lord’s day are perfect examples of such arrogant attitudes. They expected salvation because they felt they deserved it. Of course, Paul warns that any violation of law results in death (Rom. 6:23). This is true even if the offender breaks only one law. Pure law is not designed to save us but convicts us of sin. Consequently, no one can be justified by the works of law. This is what Paul refers to in Eph. 2:8 when he says we are not saved by works.
Yet, this does not nullify works of obedience done by faith. James teaches we are justified by works of this kind (2:24). Joshua did not earn Jericho by marching around the walls. God said, “I have given you the city Jericho” (Josh. 6:1ff). It was by grace! Yet, they had to make some effort in taking it. A gift does not negate the efforts of the beneficiary. A preacher was told that he would be given a suit as a gift. Yet, he had to borrow a car and travel several miles over dirty and muddy roads in this old Model T to pick it out and have it fitted. He returned home and after a week borrows the car again to get his suit. In all that time and effort, the suit was still a gift. He did not earn it yet some effort was necessary in receiving it. Similarly, God in his great love, did for us that which we could not do for ourselves. He gave his son to die so we might live. Trusting God and his promise of life, I must act in faith by repenting of my sins, confessing Christ and being baptized for the remission of sins. After doing that, at no time can it be said, that I have earned salvation. If you doubt that Baptism is necessary, remember that it is not a work of law. It is a work of faith (Gal. 3:26-27)in God who promised us eternal life. Please study this and if you find it true, accept it.
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