Faith and Works

So much of Scripture speaks to the topics of faith and works and for very good reason. We can waste a lot of time and energy and we can render ourselves ineffective for the Kingdom if we don't understand the relationship between faith and works. As God's men, we need a clear understanding of how these two things work in our lives so that we can have true victory in our daily walk with Christ.

First and foremost, our salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone because of God's grace alone. There is absolutely no other way to eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus and not of our own works so that we don't have to earn our way into Heaven. Faith is critical, not only for our eternal security, but for the daily process of being transformed into the image of Christ. Faith is absolutely necessary for us to trust God and his eternal purpose and plan for our lives.

So if works can't save us or aren't needed to earn God's favor, then where do they fit in? James 2 provides us with answers. Verse 17 tells us that faith by itself without works is dead. In other words, we can profess faith in Christ, but if our lives and actions don't show a resulting change, our faith will point no one to Christ. James goes on to say that it is foolish to think that faith can be shown to others apart from good works (v. 18-20). Faith that saves not only embraces the Gospel, but responds in ways that show thankfulness and a desire to please God and serve others out of gratitude rather than obligation.

Abraham not only had faith in God, but he was also willing to obey Him; even to the point of willingly offering his son as a sacrifice. God spared his son and the Bible says his faith was active along with his works, his faith was completed by his works and he is called a friend of God (v.22-24). Because faith apart from works is dead, we have a clear picture of what is needed to live.