After All I Do

    A common disagreement between Christians, and part of the reason for the Protestant Reformation, is the idea of how one exactly becomes saved. Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe that faith in Christ only saves you initially, however, one must continue to practice many works, such as the Sacraments, in order to maintain one’s salvation. In the eye of a Catholic or an Orthodox Christian, grace can be fallen out of. The disagreement lies in a misunderstanding of two passages in the Bible: Ephesians 2:8-9 and James chapter 2. I believe it is evident that James and Paul are actually in agreement; saying the same thing, but just from different angles. Both are stating, though, that one is justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works, but James elaborates on this by pointing out, simply, that good works are the proof of one’s faith. With that said, I will say that we are definitely saved by works, albeit not by our works, but by Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.

                              Ephesians 2
    Let us first take a look at the words of Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV); “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Here Paul is clearly stating that we are saved by grace through faith, not as a result of works. He isn't, however, saying that works are separated from faith entirely, but that it is only faith that actually saves you. He makes it very clear again in Galatians 2:16 (ESV) when he states, “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” There it is folks. We are not justified by our works, because if we were, no one would be saved, and Christ’s work on the cross would be rendered meaningless. Works-based salvation was essentially what the Jews followed at the time already, so why change it if that was the way we were supposed to do it anyway? If it was possible for us to earn any part of our salvation, then why would Christ die on the cross for our sins? By stating that we can earn salvation, we have told Jesus Christ that we do not need Him. This is the danger in believing in works-based salvation. Did Christ die for few sins or for all sins? This includes past, present, and the future sins of the faithful. If it didn’t, then all believers would still be doomed to hell, as all believers sin, even after being saved.

                          James 2
    But then we arrive at James 2:17 (ESV), “so also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” As we continue reading, we then arrive at James 2:24 (ESV) which says, “you see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Well, this seems like a contradiction! However, it actually is not. Let me explain what James means by showing you one more verse in chapter 2, verse 18 (ESV). “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James is not saying that good works save you! He is saying that good works are simply evidence of one’s salvation! “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Thus, the misunderstanding comes in a misreading of the order. In other words, good works are the result of salvation, not the reason for it. Likewise, faith is the reason for salvation, not the result of it. You see the order now? Firstly, one is saved by grace through faith, the Holy Spirit is then gifted to dwell in a person’s body, and then good works come as a result of that. Remember, The Holy Spirit is the seal of approval for the Christian (2 Corinthians 1:22). Therefore, it is the Holy Spirit that drives a person to perform good works, not themselves. We are thereby saved by grace through faith in Christ, which then gives us the Holy Spirit as our seal of approval, that then leads us to perform good works as the natural result of salvation, and for the glory of God. Do not misunderstand me, good works are a necessity for faith. If one does not have works then they do not have faith.  Finally, I will leave you with this one last verse that I believe will sum this all up: “on that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” Matthew 7:23 (ESV). 

Selah & Amen
Liam D. Hoyt