A Constructive Look at Faith and Good Works
by: Jason Weimer
Many major religions of this world believe in a 'works based' salvation, simply meaning; If I do enough good works and abide by the correct rules, which I believe to be true or that which were dictated to me by somebody else, I might go to heaven, that is, if there is such a place.
Oh yeah, then there is that little thing we call 'faith'. What is it? How does true faith compare with good works? There is a small passage in the book of James that has been misinterpreted by many who believe in a 'works based' salvation. Let's set the record straight. First, read the passage below.
James 2:14-26: NIV
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14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.
20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
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Many an argument has been made because of this passage James has written. By a quick read-over, the average person will probably misunderstand this passage regarding faith and good works. Some use this passage to justify their hole-hearted belief that a 'works based' salvation is endorsed in scripture. They are wrong and here is the reason.
There are 3 types of Faith that are presented in this passage. I've included a simple example of each.
1. Dead Faith (v. 14-17) This faith only involves the intellect, knowledge of, or an acknowledgement of something. No changes in life are evident.
For example:
You say you have faith that a certain chair will hold your weight if you attempt to sit down on it. But without actually doing the action of sitting down, your faith is no-good. It is dead.
2. Demonic Faith (v. 19) This faith involves the intellect and emotions. John Calvin said, “It is Faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone”
For example:
You say you have faith that a certain chair will hold your weight if you attempt to sit down on it. You are happy to know that if you did sit down you would not fall to the ground. But without actually doing the action of 'sitting down', your faith is no-good. Even the demons practice this kind of faith and belief system.
3. Dynamic Faith (v. 21-26) This is the true saving faith. This faith involves the intellect, emotion and the will. "The mind understands, the heart desires and the will acts." True saving faith will always lead to an active will and good works.
For example:
You say you have faith that a certain chair will hold your weight if you attempt to sit down on it. You are happy to know that if you did sit down you would not fall to the ground. Without second thought, you sit down and act out your faith. This is dynamic faith in action.
Good works or good acts of the will, because of the Holy Spirit working from within, will always accompany true saving dynamic faith. The word 'dynamic' means the following; "continuous change, activity, or progress". This is how our faith should be, progressively changing for the better, active and full of vigor. The way this is expressed and made evident is by the work of the will.
Good works is a vital part of a believer's life but not that which saves him. Good works is the result of a believer who's practicing the saving dynamic faith which the Lord has gracious bestowed upon them.
Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Sources: Warren Wiersbe Bible Commentary, Bible
Posted: 10/03/2003 9:10:53 AM   |
