Salvation By Faith Alone
The term “Salvation by faith alone” has caused many an argument between different Christian groups. Therefore, in this article, I intend to explain how this statement is correct. Many will quote from James 2:24 and claim this is absolute proof works are needed for us to be justified with God.
Jas 2:24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith.
Now is the perfect time to look deeper into God’s word to see if there are other verses that shed a different light on this topic. To use this one scripture by itself is to ignore what God is telling us in other parts of His Holy Scriptures. Take, for instance, Romans 3:28.
Rom 3:28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
And what about Romans 4:5?
Rom 4:5 But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Clearly, here we are told “he who doesn’t work” is justified by believing in Jesus Christ and his faith has made him righteous in God’s sight.
In Ephesians 2:8 – 10, we find a passage of scripture that in my mind wraps up the whole argument about works and faith. In verse 8, we read we are saved through faith, and then it is very important to understand that this is a gift from God. If you receive a gift from anyone, you do not need to work for it, otherwise you are receiving a reward for your works, and it is not a gift. The same with faith. This is a gift from God (no works needed) and then notice verse 9: That no one would boast.
Not By Works
If I were to be justified with God by the works I do, then I have every reason to brag about how good I have been and tell of all the goods works that I have done. But what does God say in verse 9? Not of works that no one would boast. We are all on an even playing field here with God. Faith and faith alone has saved us, and no amount of good works can accomplish this. Good works cannot save.
Now, notice verse 10. We were created in Christ to do good works. What does that mean? It means we will do good works because we have already been saved. Our way of saying thank you to God is to follow the example of His son Jesus Christ, and do any good works we can do.
Consider the different works that we may do. A very rich person can do many good deeds and can help maybe hundreds of less privileged people. Some people are so poor they can only help through their prayers. They are both doing good works, so why should one be seen as doing more than the other? Therefore, God does not judge on the amount of good works you may do. If He did, then the rich man is more justified than the poor man. No, we are all made righteous by faith and our works (either great or small) result from our being saved.
Saved By Grace
Eph 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Eph 2:9 not of works, that no one would boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Therefore, Faith is a gift from God. We do good works because we know what God has done for us. Made us righteous because we believe in Jesus Christ.
Anyone who claims to have faith, but refuses to change their lives to please God, has a dead faith.
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