The path to salvation can be confusing, especially when it comes to the roles of faith and works. We’re here to clear up these misunderstandings, shedding light on what salvation truly means in the Christian faith.
Understanding Salvation
Salvation, or “Yeshua” in Hebrew, is God’s way of saving us from our sins and their consequences, gifting us eternal life. Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are at the heart of this divine rescue mission.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
This verse reveals the depth of God’s love for us, offering salvation even when we were lost in sin.
Faith: Our Lifeline to God
In the Christian context, faith (or “pistis” in Greek) means to trust and depend on God wholeheartedly. This concept of faith goes beyond simple belief. It requires active trust, akin to entrusting one’s life into someone else’s hands and relying on them for survival. In this case, it’s entrusting our spiritual lives to God and relying on Him for salvation. It’s this faith in Jesus Christ that allows us to receive God’s gift of salvation.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
This passage from Ephesians succinctly encapsulates the relationship between grace, faith, and salvation. It’s God’s grace that offers salvation, and faith is the channel through which we receive it. This grace isn’t something we earn or deserve, but a generous gift from God.
However, faith doesn’t stop at just receiving salvation. It’s the spiritual lifeline that sustains us throughout our Christian walk. It helps us overcome challenges, gives us hope in times of despair, and guides our actions to align with God’s will. Faith is what allows us to grow in our relationship with God, and to live out His purpose for us.
“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Matthew 17:20(KJV)
Jesus illustrates the power of faith in this verse. Even faith as small as a mustard seed—the smallest of seeds that grows into a large tree—can enable us to overcome monumental challenges, symbolized by the mountain. This teaches us that the size of our faith isn’t as important as its existence. Even a tiny bit of real, active faith can tap into God’s power and make the impossible possible.
Good Works: The Fruit of Genuine Faith
Christian faith isn’t merely about intellectual acceptance of God’s existence, but about a life-altering commitment that transforms the believer from within. This transformation leads to observable actions, often referred to as ‘good works’. These works are the outward manifestations of our faith, and they play a critical role in the Christian life.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
In the original Greek, the term translated as ‘workmanship’ is ‘poiema’, which means something made or crafted, and is the root of the English word ‘poem’. We are God’s ‘poiema’, His masterpiece, created in Christ to do good works. These works aren’t random acts, but rather, they are actions that God has prepared in advance for us to accomplish.
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
James 2:20 (KJV)
In his letter, James warns believers of a faith that is devoid of action, likening it to a dead, lifeless thing. He isn’t suggesting that good works replace or earn faith, but that they are the evidence of it. The Greek term used here for ‘dead’ is ‘nekros’, which refers to something that is inactive or ineffective. In essence, faith that doesn’t result in good works is ineffective and doesn’t fulfill its purpose.
Jesus also stressed the importance of good works, but with a focus on the motive behind them:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
The ‘light’ Jesus refers to here is the transformed life of a believer, and ‘good works’ are the glow of that light. The aim of these works is not to draw attention or gain praise for ourselves but to glorify God. This implies that the motivation behind our good works should be love for God and for others, rather than self-promotion or legalistic duty.
Faith and Works: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Many people often stumble over the idea of faith and works, considering them as opposing concepts. However, in the Christian doctrine, faith and works are not adversaries; rather, they are two sides of the same coin, intricately linked and mutually reinforcing. This relationship can best be explained through several passages in the Bible.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 1:22 (KJV)
This verse emphasizes the necessity of acting upon the faith we profess. In the original Greek text, the word for ‘doers’ is ‘poietes’, which signifies a performer of the law, not merely an observer. Similarly, ‘hearers’ translates to ‘akroates’, suggesting the idea of an auditor. It’s not enough to only listen to God’s word; we need to actively implement it in our lives. To do otherwise would be to deceive ourselves.
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
James 2:17 (KJV)
James, in his letter, addresses the misconception that faith and works can exist independently. The Greek word for ‘dead’ in this verse is ‘nekra’, meaning lifeless or useless. Faith, when devoid of good works, is like a body without a spirit, lifeless and unproductive. Faith that does not produce good works is not saving faith.
“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
James 2:18 (KJV)
Here, James challenges the notion that faith and works can be demonstrated separately. He insists that faith is made visible through works. Without works, faith remains an abstract concept, unseen and unverified. Works are tangible proof of the faith within us.
In essence, faith and works in the Christian life are like the heat and light produced by a flame; they are distinct yet inseparable. Faith is the internal transformation brought about by our relationship with Christ, and works are the external manifestation of this transformation. One without the other remains incomplete. A Christian life requires the harmony of both faith and good works, each enriching and validating the other.
