Perhaps one of the greatest controversies of long standing in the church has been the relationship of works and faith.
The Scriptures plainly state that faith is the means of salvation. But what about works? Do we not have to do something for God in order to be saved?
Some have held the teachings of Paul and the teachings of Jesus to be contradictory. As we study, we shall discover that there is no contradiction between them.
- Faith that is not saving faith
- Faith that is merely intellecutal
- Such faith is non-productive
- It does not help the person in need
- Faith and works are not in competition
- Faith is that which enables us to reach out to God to receive what He wants to give us
- Works is the practical result of such faith
- Examples of true faith
- Abraham’s actions were the result of faith
- Rahab, the harlot
Thus, we see that there is no conflict in the Christian life between faith and works. True faith is trusting in God alone to give us what we need. True works express thanks and appreciation for what has been done, and a desire for others to experience it as well.
