Why We Are Justified by Faith Alone

[Robert Pate]

I don't see much on the Forum about justification by faith. The reason that we are justified by faith and by faith alone, is because we are justified by Christ and by Christ alone. The word "Justification" is a legal word. Here is the meaning.

JUSTIFICATION: Justification may be defined as "that judicial act of God, by which, on the basis of the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to the sinner and received by him through faith, He declares the sinner absolved from his sins, released from its penalty, and restored as righteous." (Zondervan Bible Dictionary)

In the judgment, the justified sinner will stand before God's holy court as perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10. God will not be able to find any sin in those that have confessed with their mouth and believed with their heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and that God has raised him from the dead, Romans 10:8-11. No works or religion needed.

Justification is the results of the Gospel. In the Gospel Jesus comes into the world as God's new Adam and our new humanity. Jesus, in our name and on our behalf, offers to God the Father a life of perfect obedience according to his holy law. It is this life that was lived for our justification, Romans 3:26. God's Holy Law has been fulfilled and abolished for the Christian, Ephesians 2:15,16. Where there is no law there is no condemnation.

That was not enough, something had to be done about our sins and the sins of the world before we could be justified. Again, Jesus, in our name and on our behalf takes our sins upon himself and becomes sins for us, 2 Corinthians 5:21. "That we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
We had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with our justification. It was all of God and Christ. We simply believe and accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. No works or religion needed.

 

[Jdorman]

I don't see much on the Forum about justification by faith. The reason that we are justified by faith and by faith alone, is because we are justified by Christ and by Christ alone. The word "Justification" is a legal word. Here is the meaning.

JUSTIFICATION: Justification may be defined as "that judicial act of God, by which, on the basis of the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to the sinner and received by him through faith, He declares the sinner absolved from his sins, released from its penalty, and restored as righteous." (Zondervan Bible Dictionary)

In the judgment, the justified sinner will stand before God's holy court as perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10. God will not be able to find any sin in those that have confessed with their mouth and believed with their heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and that God has raised him from the dead, Romans 10:8-11. No works or religion needed.

Justification is the results of the Gospel. In the Gospel Jesus comes into the world as God's new Adam and our new humanity. Jesus, in our name and on our behalf, offers to God the Father a life of perfect obedience according to his holy law. It is this life that was lived for our justification, Romans 3:26. God's Holy Law has been fulfilled and abolished for the Christian, Ephesians 2:15,16. Where there is no law there is no condemnation.

That was not enough, something had to be done about our sins and the sins of the world before we could be justified. Again, Jesus, in our name and on our behalf takes our sins upon himself and becomes sins for us, 2 Corinthians 5:21. "That we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
We had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with our justification. It was all of God and Christ. We simply believe and accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. No works or religion needed.

We are Justified by Faith and Faith includes obedience.

"
Paul emphasized justification by faith more than any other writer, yet he strongly insisted that saving faith is inseparably bound up with obedience. He taught that the mystery of God's redemptive plan, the church, has been "made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (Romans 16:26). The New International Version translates this last phrase as "made known… so that all nations might believe and obey him" God's grace brings "obedience to the faith" (Romans 1:5). Christ worked through Paul to "make the Gentiles obedient" (Romans 15:18). Similarly, Luke recorded that a great number of priests were "obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7). Faith and obedience are so closely linked that a lack of obedience to God is proof of a lack of faith: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" (Romans 10:16).

Many other passages reiterate the essential link between obedience and salvation. Jesus said, "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" (Matthew 7:21). Only the man that both hears and does the Lord's Word will be saved (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15); "If a man love me, he will keep my words" (John 14:23).

The Lord will punish with everlasting destruction those who "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 1:7-10). Christ has become "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9). Peter said, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17).

John gave the following test for a Christian: "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (I John 2:3-5). We know God, have the love of God perfected in us and are in God only when we obey God. The true believer will obey God's commandments and will thereby know that he has love (I John 5:1-3).

When God sent the death angel to visit every household in Egypt, the Israelites were not automatically protected simply on the basis of their mental attitude. They had to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to their doorposts (Exodus 12). Only when they expressed their faith through obedience to God's command were they safe. "Through faith he [Moses] kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them" (Hebrew 11:28). Likewise, saving faith today includes active obedience." (David K Bernard)

 

[jamie]

In the judgment, the justified sinner will stand before God's holy court as perfect and complete "In Christ" Colossians 2:10.

You don't give God much credit for being intelligent do you?

Why in the world would God waste his time judging someone who was perfect and complete?

Perfect and complete would mean there are no charges against the person ... nothing to judge.

There must be a basis for judgment or there will be no justice.

 

[Robert Pate]

We are Justified by Faith and Faith includes obedience.

"
Paul emphasized justification by faith more than any other writer, yet he strongly insisted that saving faith is inseparably bound up with obedience. He taught that the mystery of God's redemptive plan, the church, has been "made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (Romans 16:26). The New International Version translates this last phrase as "made known… so that all nations might believe and obey him" God's grace brings "obedience to the faith" (Romans 1:5). Christ worked through Paul to "make the Gentiles obedient" (Romans 15:18). Similarly, Luke recorded that a great number of priests were "obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7). Faith and obedience are so closely linked that a lack of obedience to God is proof of a lack of faith: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" (Romans 10:16).

Many other passages reiterate the essential link between obedience and salvation. Jesus said, "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" (Matthew 7:21). Only the man that both hears and does the Lord's Word will be saved (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15); "If a man love me, he will keep my words" (John 14:23).

The Lord will punish with everlasting destruction those who "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 1:7-10). Christ has become "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9). Peter said, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:17).

John gave the following test for a Christian: "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (I John 2:3-5). We know God, have the love of God perfected in us and are in God only when we obey God. The true believer will obey God's commandments and will thereby know that he has love (I John 5:1-3).

When God sent the death angel to visit every household in Egypt, the Israelites were not automatically protected simply on the basis of their mental attitude. They had to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to their doorposts (Exodus 12). Only when they expressed their faith through obedience to God's command were they safe. "Through faith he [Moses] kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them" (Hebrew 11:28). Likewise, saving faith today includes active obedience." (David K Bernard)

Justification has NOTHING to do with obedience. How can it when we are all sinners, Romans 3:23.

Included in Justification is the Holy Spirit. All that have come to Christ as repentant sinners to be saved by him are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

"In whom you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom after that you also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" Ephesians 1:13.

It is the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer that produces the Christian life and good works.

"For we are HIS workmanship,created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2:10

It is all of God so there is nothing to boast about. The Gospel calls for holy living, we are to be witnesses for Christ and his Gospel.

But your Christian life has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with your justification.

 

[Robert Pate]

You don't give God much credit for being intelligent do you?

Why in the world would God waste his time judging someone who was perfect and complete?

Perfect and complete would mean there are no charges against the person ... nothing to judge.

There must be a basis for judgment or there will be no justice.

"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" including you.

 

[Jdorman]

Justification has NOTHING to do with obedience. How can it when we are all sinners, Romans 3:23.

Included in Justification is the Holy Spirit. All that have come to Christ as repentant sinners to be saved by him are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

"In whom you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom after that you also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" Ephesians 1:13.

It is the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer that produces the Christian life and good works.

"For we are HIS workmanship,created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2:10

It is all of God so there is nothing to boast about. The Gospel calls for holy living, we are to be witnesses for Christ and his Gospel.

But your Christian life has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with your justification.

True Faith includes obeying God's commands. We are justified by faith. Therfore if there is no obedience, there is no justification.

Grace through faith

In other words, justification has to do with faith and faith has to do with obedience. Therfore justification has to do with obedience

I am not saying that we save ourselves. I'm saying God will save us if we obey Him.

 

[jamie]

"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" including you.

Fine, but if a person is perfect and complete what is the purpose of a judgment? Are some people more perfect and complete than others? What's the deal?

 

[Robert Pate]

True Faith includes obeying God's commands. We are justified by faith. Therfore if there is no obedience, there is no justification.

Grace through faith

In other words, justification has to do with faith and faith has to do with obedience. Therfore justification has to do with obedience

I am not saying that we save ourselves. I'm saying God will save us if we obey Him.

So your salvation depends upon you, who is a sinner.

Paul wrote, "But to him that does no works (obedience) but believes on him (Jesus) that justifies the ungodly, his faith (not his obedience) is counted for righteousness" Romans 4:5.

It appears that you are trusting in your obedience, which is not worth much because you are a sinner, Romans 3:23.

 

[Robert Pate]

Fine, but if a person is perfect and complete what is the purpose of a judgment? Are some people more perfect and complete than others? What's the deal?

Perhaps those that are perfect and complete in Christ will skip the judgment, will have to wait and see.

 

[Jdorman]

So your salvation depends upon you, who is a sinner.

Paul wrote, "But to him that does no works (obedience) but believes on him (Jesus) that justifies the ungodly, his faith (not his obedience) is counted for righteousness" Romans 4:5.

It appears that you are trusting in your obedience, which is not worth much because you are a sinner, Romans 3:23.

Even for "belief only" doctrine, your salvation depends on if you believe or not. God saves but it's up to us to take the necessary steps for receiving salvation.

Works there is not obedience, it's the law.
Besides this is not a works based salvation.

When two people are married they are done so by one who has the authority to marry. They may be required to get a marriage license first but they are still not marrying themselves nor is their marriage of their own power. It's still completely based on the priest or judge or what have you.

In the same way, God requires obedience for salvation but it is still completely by His grace that we are saved. Acts 2:38

 

[Robert Pate]

Even for "belief only" doctrine, your salvation depends on if you believe or not. God saves but it's up to us to take the necessary steps for receiving salvation.

Works there is not obedience, it's the law.
Besides this is not a works based salvation.

When two people are married they are done so by one who has the authority to marry. They may be required to get a marriage license first but they are still not marrying themselves nor is their marriage of their own power. It's still completely based on the priest or judge or what have you.

In the same way, God requires obedience for salvation but it is still completely by His grace that we are saved. Acts 2:38

The law demands perfect obedience. You don't have it to offer. Even your very best falls short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23.

If God required obedience as a condition for salvation no one would be saved because..."There is none righteous, no, not one" Romans 3:10. You need to come to grips with the fact that there is NOTHING that you can do to please God, except to believe on his Son Jesus Christ. We are called to live our lives before God as sinners, saved sinners.

Salvation is a free gift from God. Your obedience counts for NOTHING.

"Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" Titus 3:5.

 

[Jdorman]

The law demands perfect obedience. You don't have it to offer. Even your very best falls short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23.

If God required obedience as a condition for salvation no one would be saved because..."There is none righteous, no, not one" Romans 3:10. You need to come to grips with the fact that there is NOTHING that you can do to please God, except to believe on his Son Jesus Christ. We are called to live our lives before God as sinners, saved sinners.

Salvation is a free gift from God. Your obedience counts for NOTHING.

"Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" Titus 3:5.

The Scripture I put shows obedience does play a role. Of course we fail sometimes but His saints will persevere.

It is still God's grace that saves us when we obey

 

[Robert Pate]

All my hope is in Jesus who saved me! If I as the spiritually paralytic were told to do anything then I would have to say I cannot! I am fully justified and sanctified in my faith in Jesus whom blotted out all the sins of the world.

How refreshing.

 

[Catholic Crusader]

Why We Are Justified by Faith Alone

We are not justified by faith alone. The rest of your post is nullified

All my hope is in Jesus who saved me!........

Me too, but that does not mean we are justified by faith alone.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

I don't see much on the Forum about justification by faith. The reason that we are justified by faith and by faith alone, is because we are justified by Christ and by Christ alone. The word "Justification" is a legal word.

The Christian's justification in the eyes of God is also said to be by the blood of the Lord Jesus:

"Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him!" (Ro. 5:9).​

The sentence upon sin is death: "For the wages of sin is death" (Ro.6:23). When a man sins he becomes spiritually dead. "Death" does not mean ceasing to exist, but instead means a "separation". Physical death is the separation of a man's soul from his physical body. Spiritual death is the separation of spirit of God from a man's soul. On the very day that Adam sinned by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he died spiritually:

"...for in the day that thou eastest therefore thou shall surely die" (Gen. 2: 17). Adam did not die "physically" on the day that he ate from the forbidden tree but instead he died "spiritually". Paul also speaks about being "alive" before he sinned and then says that his sin "slew him":

"For I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died...For sin taking occasion by the commandment, decived me, and it slew me" (Ro. 7: 9, 11).​

That is why Paul refers to the law as the "ministration of death":

"...for the letter killeth...the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones" (2 Cor. 3: 6-7).​

Therefore, when a man sins the sentence upon him is death. No amount of good deeds can bring him righteousness after he sins. If he is ever to be justified in the sight of God it must be by the penalty being paid. He must be justified by death, "justified by blood" (Ro. 5: 9).

Once a sinner believes the gospel, then, at that time, he is identified with the death of the Lord Jesus. And at the same time when the Holy Spirit baptizes him "into Jesus Christ" (the Body of Christ; 1 Cor. 12: 13, 27) he is also baptized into the death of the Lord Jesus:

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death" (Ro. 6: 3-4).​

The sins of the Christian have already been judged on the Cross so now the Lord can declare him righteous despite the fact that personally he is not righteous:

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Pet. 2: 24).​

AMEN!

 

[Jerry Shugart]

We are Justified by Faith and Faith includes obedience.

Paul emphasized justification by faith more than any other writer, yet he strongly insisted that saving faith is inseparably bound up with obedience.

Please quote just one Greek expert who says that the Greek word translated "faith"means more than believing and includes obedience.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" including you.

Yes, that judgment will be in regard to judgment for the "work" or "service" for the Lord (1 Cor.3:13). And here is what is said about that judgement:

"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1 Cor.3:15).​

 

[Jdorman]

Please quote just one Greek expert who says that the Greek word translated "faith"means more than believing and includes obedience.

either way, my previous post actually had scriptures that talked about obedience in relation to faith.

 

[jamie]

Please quote just one Greek expert who says that the Greek word translated "faith"means more than believing and includes obedience.

Is faith the basis of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen such as belief and conviction?

The lack of evidence indicates the lack of faith. Faith must be proven, talk is cheap.

In Jesus' day some people had faith that Jesus could heal. Why?

People believed because Jesus' ability to heal was seen, it was demonstrated by action.

 

[Catholic Crusader]

Yes actually we are. The sacrifice is an isolated event apart from me. I had nothing to do with it! Therefore I am saved by his works!

The scriptures do not agree. The NT is full of commands that Jesus says we must "do" to be saved. Works,commanded by Christ, and prompted by the Holy Spirit, are necessary for our salvation. The NT is saturated with examples. Here is a post of mine from another forum, which is why the link does not work here:

A great magazine article by Tim Staples from "This Rock" magazine:

We Can Work It Out
By Tim Staples
source: LINK We Can Work It Out

James 2:24 is remarkably clear: "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone." Yet millions of Christians teach the opposite: They claim that we are "justified by faith alone"—saying good works are unnecessary for Christians in the process of justification.

This misconception is rooted in the misinterpretation of a few key texts, such as Romans 3:28: "For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law." Romans 4:5 is another: "And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness." On the surface, St. Paul seems to be saying works are not necessary for our justification or salvation in any sense, but that is not the case when we examine the context of these passages. Not only would this interpretation contradict the words of James 2, but it would also contradict Paul himself.

Work in Christ

Paul made very clear in Romans 2:6-8 that good works are necessary for attaining eternal life, at least for those capable of performing them: "For he will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury."

So what about the fact that Paul also said we are "justified by faith apart from works of law?" He was writing to a church in Rome struggling with a very prominent first-century heretical sect known today as the "Judaizers." These heretics taught that belief in Christ and obedience to the New Covenant was not enough to be saved. A man also had to keep the Mosaic Law (which, according to Hebrews 7:11-12, has been superseded in Christ) and be circumcised in order to be saved (cf. Acts 15:1-2). Paul gave us one clue—among many—that he had this sect in mind when he wrote in Romans 2:28-29, "For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal . . . " Paul told us in Colossians 2:11-12 that this true "circumcision of Christ" is baptism.

It is in this context that Paul says we are "justified by faith apart from works of law." He did not in any sense say that works are unnecessary. He specified works of law because these were the works without which the Judaizers were claiming one "cannot be saved."

Paul does not specifically say works of law in Romans 4:5, but if we read from Romans 3:28 to Romans 4:5 and beyond, the context makes it unmistakable: Paul was referring to circumcision in particular and the same "works of law" he was referring to in Romans 3:28. Romans 4:5-10 will suffice to make the point:

And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness . . . Is this blessing pronounced only upon the circumcised, or also upon the uncircumcised? We say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.​

Paul used the example of the "Judaizers" to teach the truth about the nature of justification and works. The works that justify us—as we saw in Romans 2:6-11 and James 2:24—are works done in Christ. Indeed, in Romans 2:4, before Paul even begins to talk about the works we must do to be saved, he says, "Knowest thou not, that the benignity of God leadeth thee to penance" (Douay-Rheims). It is only God’s goodness that leads us to repentance so that we can perform good works. How do we get "in Christ" according to Paul? Through baptism: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death . . ." (Rom 6:3-4). It is only after we are in Christ and trusting in the power of his grace at work within us that we have the power to remain in him: "Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God" (Rom 5:1-2).

Moreover, in Romans 6:16, Paul tells us that after baptism, obedience to Christ leads us to justification while sin will lead us to death (see also Romans 6:23): "Do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness" (Gk. eis dikaiosunen, unto justification).

Paul’s emphasis is not just on good works, but works done in and through the power of Christ. Thus, in Romans 8:1-14,Paul tells us in no uncertain terms that we must be in Christ in order to do works that please God.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . . who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit . . . and those who are in the flesh cannot please God . . . So, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.​

Remember that Paul is emphasizing our continuing in Christ, in his grace or "kindness" as he says in Romans 11:22. "Note then the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off."

Work through Love

When Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, he had these same "Judaizers" in mind:

Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh . . . Now I Paul say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness (Gk. dikaiosoune, justification). For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love. (Gal 3:2-3, 5:2-6)​

Evidently, some of the Galatians were giving in to the false teaching that commanded them to return to the Law of Moses for salvation. He warns them that returning to the old Law is to reject Christ. But he in no way even hints at any idea of a "justification by faith alone" that would deny the necessity of "faith working through love." Paul writes in the simplest of terms, in Galatians 5:19-21 and 6:7-9, that if Christians allow themselves to be dominated by their "flesh," or lower nature, they will not make it to heaven. While on the flip side, Christians will only reap the reward of eternal life if they continue to "sow to the Spirit" or perform good works:

Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . . . Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption (eternal death); but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.​

Work out Salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9 declares: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast." This is another text commonly used to dismiss good works as necessary for salvation in the life of a Christian. However, once again, context is the key to understanding Paul. In verses 4-6, he says: "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ . . . and raised us up with him . . ."

Context reveals that St. Paul was talking about the initial grace of salvation or justification by which we are raised from death unto life. The construction of the Greek text of Ephesians 2:8-9 makes clear that both grace and faith are entirely unmerited. Many Protestants are shocked to discover this is precisely what the Catholic Church teaches—and baptizes babies to prove it. How much more can the Church do to demonstrate this truth? What kind of works could a newborn baby have done to merit anything? However, once that baby grows up and reaches the age of accountability, he must begin to "work out [his] own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in [him], both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). Or, as Paul says in Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Are we justified or saved by faith, according to Jesus? Certainly! But by faith alone that would exclude works in every sense? No way. In John 11:25, we read: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." That is faith. Yet, in Matthew 19:17-19, Jesus declared: ". . . If you would enter life, keep the commandments . . . You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." That is works.

In Matthew 12:37, Jesus puts any thought of justification by faith alone to rest: ". . . for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."


About Tim Staples:
[url]http://www.catholic.com/profiles/tim-staples[/URL]