Faith vs. works
The age-old debate. Faith vs. works! “But someone will say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (Jas. 2 .18). We know we are saved by grace through faith alone, not of works. So, why the argument? What’s the point?
It seems to be centered on the fact that your deeds after believing by faith (a gift from God) reflect your true identity. Abraham heard the call, he left home, and along the way was willing to sacrifice his son. Faith demonstrated by an incredible deed. David repented as seen in Psalm 53 and became an evangelist for the Lord. Jesus believed his Father, but his work on the cross was evidence of his faith. Countless others in the Old and New Testament.
Life actions
Many believe in God, but the true believer demonstrates it by their life actions. Your deeds in the Lord reflect your faith in the Lord. And your faith in the Lord leads you to works in the Lord. It’s like two views of the cross and salvation. Are you standing looking at the cross and doing works that will please God and earn salvation? Or, are you looking back at the cross, and out of gratitude for your salvation, serving him with good works that glorify him? It makes all the difference.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Eph. 2.10. Apart from him, we can do nothing good. It’s only by faith in Christ that good works happen. And always give him the glory!
