Although it may be true that some theologians attempt to teach that we are "saved by works alone", I have never experienced this doctrine stated as such.  I found, when I looked into the Bible, that faith without works, literally, does not exist.

 

How can this Biblical clear point of view and inarguable literal reference to works being an essential part of our salvation be reconciled without compromising to the point of condoning the false notion that acts of righteousness will one day outweigh our misdeeds and sins?

 

FAITH ALONE?

 

In order to understand exactly what motivated Martin Luther, let's turn back a page or two of our church history. The Catholic Church arbitrarily applied penance to the forgiveness of sins, requiring that suppliants repeat certain phrases over and over again.  In some cases monetary offerings were requested for "spiritual favors" and forgiveness of sins. Martin Luther (in my opinion) overreacted. The idea of salvation by faith alone(if we must add the word "alone") simply does NOT exist in Scripture. As a matter of fact, the nearest reference to "faith alone" is found in the book of James, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17)

 

Could it be any clearer that faith without works is dead "being alone"? When will the modern church face this scriptural, doctrinal reality? No, we are not saved by works alone - but, neither are we saved by faith alone!

 

FAITH IS WORK!

 

John 6:29, "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

 

Yes, a long time ago, the church became "hamstrung" by the false doctrine that we are saved by faith alone and this foundational idea has continued to permeate the faith and practice of modern Christians around the world. The people called "Jehovah's Witnesses" have long been criticized on works and faith because they believe that knocking on doors and witnessing to people will get them into heaven.  They are often criticized by people accusing, "They believe that their works will save their souls."

 

I think we would do well to answer the question asked by James:

 

James 2:20, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, [a man devoid of such works] that faith without works is dead?"

 

It is as if he is asking us to turn and view our doctrine from a different standpoint. If faith requires works to be true faith, and our lives exemplify essentially no works at all, doesn't that fact expose our empty faith?

 

I submit that this piece of information is our signpost.  This evidence should be a glaring neon sign that our faith is nonexistent!

 

When we examine our lives and find no apparent differences -not necessarily differences between us and the worst person we know - we will find clear and inarguable distinctions in our before and after lives.  In spite of our claims to have been filled with the Spirit of God, we are without evidence of salvation. According to the Scriptures we may no longer use the excuse, "Salvation is not of works."

 

A BIBLICAL WARNING

 

The Biblical writers had a particular purpose for everything they wrote. Along with faith without works Jesus taught us that we have works without faith; and of this the Bible gives us warning! Many people raised in Christian households by Christian parents, were taught the difference between right and wrong.  Many having learned the difference between right and wrong by painful experiences have developed a "preferred" lifestyle that just so happens to conform to the Commandments of God. Many, realizing the dangers, confusion, penalties, and miseries of particular sins, have merely chosen not to engage in them.

 

Most of us are never tempted to commit murder but this does not make us a child of God. We would never think of committing adultery - for love of our spouse, love of our family, or even love of our fellow man and his rights, but this does not mean we are born again. Many of us simply prefer "Christian atmospheres" and the pleasure of the acquaintance of "good people". 

 

From its pages, the Bible shouts this warning, "By compliance to the law shall no flesh be justified"! The Scriptures clearly teach that we enter into our covenant by faith; however, it is a mistake to think that because we have faith, no works are necessary. Have we become so deluded to believe that Jesus is our Lord, Boss, Guide and Overseer yet our obedience is merely voluntary?

 

When I read in the Apocrypha the story of Tobit, I was astounded.  His narrative described his

almsgiving and kindnesses extended to his fellow man. He explained these alms and good deeds would mark eternally the judgment of his life.

 

Nehemiah prayed, "...remember me, oh my Lord for good."

 

These men were under no delusion that their good deeds should outweigh their evil ones in order to enjoy eternal life.

 

HOWEVER,  once a person is "in the faith" works are vitality important!

 

The laziness of mankind translated, converted, and carried into Christian life has been facilitated and even encouraged by the perceived axiom, "We are saved by faith alone". The book of Sirach (also in the Apocrypha) makes numerous references to good works ensuring a pleasant outcome at the time of judgment.

 

And to those who agree with our near-contemporary church fathers who removed the Apocrypha from the Bible and therefore believe it has no bearing upon "new testament" Christians, consider for a moment that our Lord Jesus Christ confirms the doctrine of faith AND works in almost every parable. He concludes the Sermon on the Mount with these red words in Matthew 7:21-27: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

 

It is clear that hearing only (that is, believing) is not enough! The words, "...not every one" should haunt us.  What do they mean? Not every one except those who believe? Those who hear? Those who do?  It is only those who, "...hear AND do the will of my Father..." whose house is built upon a rock will be safe!

 

Faith may open the door, but we should not forget that this door opens into world of works; and if works are not a part of your life, it shows that you have never stepped through this door.