That is true at the beginning when converted, but that rigidity of doctrine is what I do not agree with, as it became lop-sided in the Reformation into dead faith. "Faith without works is dead." The following two verses seem to contradict one another, but the truth lies in the complexity of faith - it is perfected by works. You can't just choose which verse to believe. We have to dig a little deeper and believe them both. The lop-sidedness of justification by faith alone is what this thread is discussing.
Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Here is what happens when you only believe one of the verses (Romans 4).
Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign. It suffices that through God’s glory we have recognized the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day.
Do you believe this quote from the Reformation is truth, or falsehood? Is it based on just the first verse, or the second also? Does it produce faith that is alive in Christ, or dead in sin.