Faith and Works
What is a Christian to think about Faith and Works? If we are saved by Grace, do we need works? In this article1 I will make three main points.
- We are saved by grace through faith for works;
- real faith leads to action; and
- we should be doers of the Word.
1) Saved by Grace through Faith for Works
First, let’s turn to Ephesians 2:8-102:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
We are saved by grace, through faith, for works. Grace is God’s undeserved favour, sending Jesus to die for our sins to take the punishment for us. There is nothing we have done or could do to deserve it. Our works or good deeds cannot get us into a right relationship with God. Salvation is the gift of God. In verse 9 Paul says our salvation is not by works so that no one can boast. But then in verse 10 we read we are created to do good works. Works is part of the purpose for us being saved but it is not how we are saved.
Faith is trusting God. Now, we can say things like, “I trust that Jesus has died for my sins”, or “I trust that God knows best how I should live”, or “I trust God will provide for me”. But does this faith (or trust) have consequences for our action? Can we just say “I trust God” and not do anything?
2) Real Faith Leads to Action
Let’s look at James 2:14-17:
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good [or benefit] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James is saying that the saving faith is the faith that works. James gives an excellent example in this passage. Lets look at three fictitious conversations (exaggerated for effect) similar to the example James gives, between two friends, John and Peter.
The Car Insurance Bill
Peter: Hey John what up?
John: Oh Peter, I’m a bit worried lately because I received this car insurance bill, and its like $600 due in a week. I don’t have any money, I only have $200 in my bank account.
P: That’s so funny because right now I’m the complete opposite. I just got my tax return back. Huge! I’m off to go buy an iPod, the new one that plays the videos. Did you want to come help me choose one?
J: Oh, no thanks.
P: OK, anyway good luck with that car insurance, I’ll see you later.
The Winter Clothing Collection
J: Hey Peter, what’s up?
P: Oh John, I’m so cold, this weather, I can’t get warm.
J: You’re cold, yeah it has been cold lately, and you don’t have a jacket!
P: I know, I left my jacket at home.
J: You know that’s way too bad. You know that’s funny we’re talking about clothes because I’ve just been trading in my winter collection of clothes because I renew it every year to get the new season’s fashion. And look at this new jacket I bought, it’s really warm. I just sling it over my shoulder because it looks really cool. So anyway, stay warm. Hope you have a great day.
P: Thanks.
A Confused Bible Reader
P: Hey John, how’s it going?
J: Hi, I’m just reading this Bible passage James 2:14-17, and I’m a little confused, I’m not really getting it. I’m trying to understand it but it’s tough. I don’t have commentary’s and stuff so I’m just going on what it says here to work out what it means.
P: Yeah, that’s a really good passage. Last week at our church, our minister preached on that exact passage.
J: Yeah?
P: It was so clear, and awesome. It’s like the best. It has totally helped me in my daily walk.
J: Oh that’s great.
P: But it’s well worth reading and figuring out, so good luck with that. Catch you later.
J: Oh OK, bye.
So there are three examples. Someone has a problem, the other obviously has a solution. However no help is actually offered, just well wishing words. Do you think the person really meant those lovely thoughts? No! If they did they would have helped.
In the same way, what good is it if we say we love God but do not obey him? James is saying that the saving faith is the faith that works. Real faith leads to action. Therefore we should be doers of the Word.
3) Be Doers of the Word
Now let’s read James 1:22:
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
A Christian should read the Bible, and do what it says, not just keeping it in our heads, but acting it out in real life. What does the Word say? It says many things, but for now, let’s look at a summary that Jesus gave in Matthew 22:36-39:
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
An excellent summary of how a Christian should live. Elsewhere, we read that there are various patterns of behaviour that are associated with a transformed life. Let’s look at Galatians 5:22-25:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
These are the fruits of a life transformed by God. These fruits are the patterns of behaviour that we can prayerfully work with God to live out in our lives. Verse 25 is similar to the message in James. Let us hear the Word and do what it says.
AMEN
1 This article is based on a talk given at the Ignite youth group at Toongabbie Anglican Church.
2 Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© Danny Haynes
