SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH WORKS OF FAITH

Did you know that we are saved by grace through works of faith? Yes, consider the 11th chapter of Hebrews; the Bible never says we are saved by faith alone, but rather in James 2:24 “You see a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone”. James said elsewhere that a faith that doesn’t produce good fruit or good works is not a saving faith. Works of obedience are how we demonstrate and vindicate our faith. If you believe in Jesus – you will do what He says; hopefully out of love for Him. Somehow, working out your faith through obedience to God has been construed as salvation by works? Even Paul in Philippians 2:12 tell us to workout your salvation with fear and trembling. The faith alone message has been taken out of context; it’s a truncated gospel. Our behavior is very important to God. Our works of faith are demonstrative of our love for God. If we are not living a life of obedience to Him; it’s because we don’t truly love Him. Plain and simple, we are told time and time again; to put on Christ, and make no privision for the flesh. The Christian life is a daily battle (as Paul said), we must put on the full armour of God every day, and pray unceasingly.

Faith, trust, and obedience are synonymous. Jesus said many times, “Why do you call Me Lord, and don’t do the things I tell you?” And “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”. Jesus was saying that if we truly love Him; we will walk in His will. Today, we are not to follow a set of commandments; rather we are to cooperate with the will of God, through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, yet we still have to initiate much of this. The Christian life is hard; but then again, life itself is hard. The apostle John wrote in his 1st letter “The one who says ‘I’ve come to know Him’ and doesn’t keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. This is the theme of John’s entire letter. Much of the perceived tension between faith and works, comes from a misunderstanding of Paul’s use the phrase, works of the law. When Paul writes about our not being saved by the works of the law or works of righteousness; he is talking about the ceremonial and dietary laws of the Mosaic Law – never the moral law of God; much less His will.

This is further evidenced by one of the parchments of the Dead Sea Scrolls titled “Miqsat Ma’ase ha-Torah” (The Works of the Law). It was a letter written to the Pharisees from the Essenians. These Essenians were writing to instruct the Pharisees how to, better keep the Mishpatim (ceremonial law). When Paul refers to the works of the law, or works of righteousness; he is referring to the Mishpatim. Could you ever imagine Jesus telling us, that we are not to keep God’s moral law?

The way of righteousness, is by loving God supremely, loving your neighbor as yourself; though yielding to the Holy Spirit. In doing so we will walk in the will of the Lord. We must daily, ask God to live through us, and teach us to love Him and other people, as He does.

IS RESPONDING TO GODS GRACE A WORK OF THE LAW?

Some folks try to reduce, or boil-down salvation to just one condition. They seem to think there is some virtue in this, some even believe that faith is a work of the law, or that obedience to God is a work of the law. I’ve heard them say things like “Jesus + nothing”, or that “baptism is a work”, or “good works nullify the grace of God”, “saved by grace through grace”… This is crazy, the entire biblical message is a call to righteous living. 1 John reads “Little children, let no one deceive you: the one who does righteousness is righteous.” These folks often appeal to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 2:8 “For we have been saved by grace through faith, it is the gift of God, so no one can boast”. So, how can faith (trusting and obeying) in Christ be a work of the law? Consider a benefactor graciously, freely giving you a gift, such as buried treasure. All you have to do is read the treasure map, and dig up the treasure. Is digging up the treasure a work, does it nullify the free gift?

Grace is the power given to us by God; to live the life He calls us to live. Paul wrote in the book of Romans 6:1-23, telling us that if we have been baptized into Christ, we are to be dead to sin, for we are not under the law, but grace. Titus 2:11-12 tells us that God has given us the grace to say no to sin, and live for Him. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor. We see God’s grace at work throughout the entire Bible. His providing a blood sacrifice for Adam and Eve. His choosing Israel and giving them the Law was an act of grace. His giving us the indwelling Holy Spirit to have fellowship with Him, is grace.

Yet, grace is most often taught as God turning His head or ignoring our sin; this is not grace. God created mankind to have fellowship with Him. He ordained us to be in communion with Him, and to mirror His nature (which includes His morality). Since the fall of mankind, God has been extending His arm to mankind, to enable us back into fellowship with Himself. His final act being the New Covenant; and enabling us to commune with Him, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. And, Anyone in Christ is a new creation! We have always been free to take up His offer, or live apart from Him. Please don’t mistake the grace of God as a get out of jail free card.

WHAT IS FAITH?

When I was a boy, I was in the basement getting my haircut by my father. For some reason I asked him what faith is? He said to me; son, do you see that staircase across the room? I said yes. He then said; I can look at those stairs, and assess that the lumber is fresh, and the staircase is well constructed; and it will safely carry me to the top. He then said, this reasoning alone is not faith; rather faith is walking up those stairs. Wow what a gem he imparted to me. Faith & belief are verbs, faith is taking-action.

If claim to be followers of Jesus, we need to do some self-reflection and make sure that our love for Him is reflected in obedience. If not, we have a hollow faith. Faith, without works is dead, being by itself. If we truly love Jesus, He will always be on our minds. Just like a boyfriend or girlfriend. Jesus in Revelation 2:4 compares Himself to the Ephesians first love. There are no get out of jail free cards. We either love God with all of our heart, or we don’t; we have to free will and power of the Holy Spirit to do so, or not! At our final judgement, we will stan before God without excuse for He has equipped us to do His will.