I have many people write to me asking about Faith vs.
Works; a lot of this confusion comes from a
misunderstanding of Grace vs. Law. We will cover
Grace and Law at a later time. Today I want to
focus on the part that Faith and Works play in the
Christian's life.
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he stated that we are
saved by Faith and not as a result of works, so no one
can boast. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 Jesus Himself in
speaking said that He is the Resurrection and the Life
and that those believed in Him would Live. ~ John 11:25-26 But, Jesus also said, when He promised
the Holy Spirit, that those who love Him will keep HIs
commandments, or perform the works that he has told us
to do. ~ John 14:15-24 But James tells us that
Faith without works is dead; that even the demons
believe that Jesus is one with God and shudder at the
thought, so that knowing this to be true is not enough
for Salvation! ~ James 2:14-26
So, what are we to take from all of this? Must one
perform works to be saved? Or is one saved by
Faith alone?
True Faith brings about works in the believer's life.
When we love the Lord, we will want to keep His
commandments. If we claim we are "saved by grace" but
we act just like the world, then we should take a hard
look at ourselves. A Christian will desire to perform
Christian Works. A Christian will be kind, loving,
generous, and forgiving. Our actions will set us
apart from the world. James, in the above passage,
goes on to tell us That Abraham proved his faith by
works. Abraham did not simply say "I believe in
God", but was willing to put Isaac on the altar and
sacrifice him until God stayed his hand. ~
Genesis22:1-19 This is Faith in action; God had
promised Abraham that he would be the Father of nations,
and Isacc was his only son, yet Abraham never questioned
God, but acted on his faith that God would keep His
promises. Understand that even in the times before
Christ it was Faith that justified, as Paul states about
Abraham in Romans 4:3.
But...Abraham's Faith was proven in actions. Had
Abraham simply said "I believe God will make me the
Father of Nations" and went on about his business,
assuming that he was wrong to think God was telling him
to sacrifice Isaac, then he would not have had Faith,
only knowledge.
This is important! Knowledge of the Bible, God's
desires, and Christ's commandments does not save you!
As James said, even the demons believe this and shudder
at the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!
True Faith changes a person so that they no longer act
as the world, or in other words work for Satan.
Instead, the truly born-again believer begins to act, or
take action, based on what God desires in their life.
Their actions become what God intended for us to do, in
as much as we can in this corrupt body.
What will be the actions of the Christian? What
Works will the Christian do that proves their Faith?
It is not the works of the Church in modern-day times;
most of those works are the works of man, not God. The
Church has drifted far from the works of the First
Century Church. The Works that we do for God, that
show a Christian change in our lives, will both help
others and honor God. If your works do not help
others they are suspect, and if your works do not honor
God, you need to see where your heart is! Too many
"Christians" are just church goers who perform works
because they are told those works are what a Christian
does. Money in the offering plate, food at the
church dinner, or other works that have little to do
with God.
Let's look at a church dinner; when you bring that food
are you bringing it to truly feed your brothers and
sisters in Christ, or is your main concern that your
brothers and sister see what a great cook you are?
Is your focus on Christ or is it on yourself. If
you take the food so as to be complemented then you have
your reward! ~ Matthew 6:2 How would you feel if a
homeless person came in and ate the entire pie you
baked? Would you be upset that none of your
friends could taste it and compliment you? Or
would you be happy he ate it and offer him more food?
True faith brings about true works; our faith is brought
about by the interaction of the Holy Spirit with us, and
true works will come from that communion with the
indwelling Spirit.
Let's say that again: True works will come from
our communion with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Our corrupted physical bodies cannot do works on its own
that will please God. Regardless of the work done,
it will always be of the flesh unless the Holy Spirit
guides us. I fear that too many Christians operate
on their own instead of going as the Spirit leads them.
God has plenty of work for you to do. Waiting on
the guidance of the Holy Spirit will not put a damper on
how much work you can accomplish. Now this is not
to say that you cannot find out what to do from the Word
of God, but through prayer you will make your works
pertinent. You can go out and give away stuff and
it end up with people who will just have a yard sale and
make money off of it, or God can lead you to give to
those who truly need it. God sees the hearts of
people and knows who has a need and who is taking
advantage of the giver.
Our works are varied; some will preach, some will teach,
some will judge the spirits, some will assist the poor,
some will look after the church and its money. All
are parts of the body where Christ is the head. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 But all works must come from
the Holy Spirit to glorify God. The Holy Spirit is
our teacher, comforter, and helper. The Holy
Spirit leads us while Christ is with the Father,
interceding for us. ~ Romans 8:34
It is through faith in Christ that we are justified, yet
it is the indwelling Holy Spirit, the seal of our
salvation, that leads us to perform the works that God
desires. Without Faith our works are useless, and
our Faith is not that of God if the Spirit does not lead
us to work.
Next time...Growing in Grace
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Bibliography Page
Faith - πιστις - pistis -belief - Strong-s 4102.
Also the word used by Jesus in Matthew 8:10 when
describing the faith of the Centurion who confessed that
all is under the poser of Jesus. From Strongs: to
be persuaded of, to give credence to, to believe with
conviction. Implies more than just knowing,
but instead placing trust ni and be convicted that
something is true.
Works - εργα αυτου - ergon, from ergo - toil or deeds -
Strong's 2041. The Greek word used to describe
God's acts in creation from which He rested on the
seventh day. |
