Faith vs Works (Part 5): Conclusion.
Those who still believe salvation comes by works and observance of the Law, I have a final question. Based on your belief that it’s the good works you add to your faith that makes you justified, what good works did the thief on the cross perform? What about the man who genuinely puts trust in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior (faith) for the first time in his life, only to be struck and killed by a bus before he has the opportunity to be baptized, take communion, go to church, partake of the sacraments, perform any good deeds (or whatever else you require of a man for salvation)? Where does that man stand before the very God that he just put his trust in?
If you say that there are exceptions to the rule, then that would mean that God is not just and He’d be a respecter of man—giving one man exceptions to rules, laws, and ordinances that He’d hold another man to.
In the Scriptures a question is posed to Paul and Silas in relation to what a man must do to gain eternal life. The jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
What do you think Paul and Silas said? Observe the law? Do good? Get baptized? Partake of the sacraments? No! They answered him with the simplicity that is found in salvation, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
God offers you salvation as a free gift (Ephesians2:8-9). How do you earn a gift? If you could earn a gift, then it would make that gift a wage, and thus, it would no longer be a gift; negating the very essence and definition of what a gift is. Those who continue to hold to the belief that we are saved by works, and continue in vain to add to a sacrifice that they can never add to, you must understand that you are putting faith in your own works which can never save you. You have severed yourself from Christ and have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). Please let these words echo in your ears now–leading to repentance–rather than ringing in your ears in Hell when it’s too late.
PART FIVE
Christ Alone Wyoming 
Great job on all parts!
LikeLike
Pingback: Good Series of Posts about Faith + Works = Error « Answering the Church of Christ
So many who are opposed to sola fide try and argue that we don’t ever use any passages that may sound like they contradict such doctrine. You’ve preety much done away with that. Good work!
The only thing I could add is this simple illustration. If you have works, that means you’re saved; doing works does not make you saved. Likewise, if you’re smart, you’ll get A’s in school; getting A’s in school does not make you smart. The one is evidence of the other.
LikeLike
What about the man who hears the gospel and is about to believe,but has a massive heart atack and dies, will he be saved??
When you read the first gospel message preached by Peter, the men believed as evindenced by them being hurt in their hearts-BUT, after having faith in what Peter preached, they ask “what shall we DO” DO?? Do about what?? I thought sins were forgiven upon faith alone in Christ, not according to Peter. Peter could have said “what do you mean by asking “what shall we do” you just believed didnt you, so you are saved by your faith alone. Nope, Peter said “Repent and be Baptized” FOR the remission of sins. Does this mean that repenting is a work?? NO. It’s an act of faith. Does this mean baptism is a work?? NO. It’s an act of faith. To be honest repentance is harder to DO that it is to be baptized, seeing all one does in baptism is submit himself to the watery grave. So, are we saved by works? God forbid. Salvation is by grace THRU faith and when someone repents and get baptized, it’s an act of faith, not of works lest he should boast.
LikeLike
Good points all – true faith leads to good works – very well said. I still am wondering whats going to happen to prophet and king David. He apparently had faith which led to good works for a time and then apparently abandonced his faith leading to horrible works, murder and adultery. Sad story. Maybe it should be true faith leads to good works and perserverance to the end with that true faith or watch out!
LikeLike
Faith not works (Sola Fide). It’s just another difference between true genuine Christianity and all other religions and cults.
I hope you were able to read all five parts.
LikeLike
So is it correct in me saying that Commandments of the Lord as are throughout the Bible are just there for nothing? Do I not need to follow any of the teachings of Christ? I just need to believe that he died for me and I’m okay? I feel that that is completely absurd. I know that Christ wouldn’t have given us “commandments” if he didn’t want us to follow them or at the very least strive to follow them. “Commandment” is a strong word that doesn’t mean that he thinks its something that he may want us to do but rather is a requirement. He requires us to do these things else he wouldn’t have said them. So am I wrong in assuming that we are required to follow the commandments in order to enjoy eternal life and the blessings of the atonement of Christ? Granted I see throughout the article you refer to it as “the Law”. In the scriptures I see that you referenced “the Law” refers to the law of Moses. Which was fulfilled by Christ’s great and final sacrifice. However works as referred throughout the scriptures as well as James 2 refers to following his commandments.
As for the example above, about the man dying by being hit by a bus, nothing is expected that cannot be obtained, the Lord figures in to his great plan ways to solve these problems. There also is the issue of “deathbed” repentance. It is too late however the Lord has a plan to overcome it. It is through your works (following the COMMANDMENTS) that you have access to the grace of the Lord and you must have both faith AND works. Anyone who does live a truly faithful life would also have good works to show as well. I exhort you and all those who read this article to prayerfully ponder the scriptures and to logically think of commandments as being requirements. I leave you with a quote by C.S. Lewis, “Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or Faith in Christ. I have no right really to speak on such a difficult question, but it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
LikeLike
Dear Clay D;
Thank you for your comment. You seemed to assume a whole lot that I did not say.
I never said that the Commandments or the Law had no place in the believer’s life. I have already addressed your arguments (rather thoroughly I believe) in parts 1-4. I deal with both sides of the issue in this five-part post: Those like yourself who claim one has to attain his own salvation, and those who claim cheap grace as their life standard (say a prayer and live however you want).
Your comment leads me to believe that you did not read all of the posts. For the sake of not repeating myself, please refer to parts 1-4 to understand the whole point of the Faith vs Works debate.
Sincerely,
– The Pilgrim
LikeLike