Is believing/faith a work ?

[Brightfame52]

Many have objected to the reality that Faith/Believing is a work because they read in scripture where faith is contrasted to works like Eph 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Yes Faith/Believing are contrasted with works, and the reason for that, Faith and or Believing are not of ourselves, but are Gifts of Gods Grace to a person, its only when we hijack that which finds it originating source from the Grace of God, and say, no my faith or believing originated from me and my nature, my freewill, then thats when the contrast no longer exists, then Faith and believing become your acts of the flesh, and that makes them your works.

To say one is Justified by Grace Rom 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

and one is Justified by Faith Rom 5:1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Its saying the same thing if we keep in mind that Faith originates from Grace, and not of ourselves. If we believe that our Faith/Believing is because of the operation of Gods Grace, His Spirit, that its the Work of God in us being manifested Jn 6:29

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

2 Thess 2:13

3 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Sanctification of the Spirit is describing the work of God the Spirit, and what follows is belief of the truth or faith. The word belief here is the noun pistis and translated faith 239 times in the NT

And what is the Truth that the work of the Spirit leads to ? Its the Gospel, notice vs 14

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that word whereunto, its the prep eis which means towards, into, (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.);

The point and result of the sanctification of the Spirit was to result in the belief of the truth of the Gospel.

This passage shows that #1 Believing the truth is a work of God the Spirit confirming Jn 6:29 and #2 that regeneration is before and unto Faith in the Gospel.

But if we deny this, and insist that faith/believing is of ourselves, then you fall into the snare of Salvation/Justification being by your works.

 

[Brightfame52]

If our believing/faith is inherent, then its our work, our action to believe in God/Jesus Christ for all Salvation, but if its not naturally inherent, and it be the work and operation of the Spirit of God in us, also the effectual working of Gods grace, then its not of ourselves, but the Gift of God, then the proper contrast of Faith vs works is manifested.

Christ is the author of our Faith/Believing by giving us His Spirit 1 Pet 1:21

21 Who by him[Christ] do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Eph 1:19

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power,

Paul attributes his believing and the believers at Ephesus to the mighty working of Gods power, the same power that was exerted when He raised up Jesus from the dead.

So believing, having Faith and Hope in God in the matters of Salvation is Gods work for us and in us.

But if we insist that our believing and faith is of ourselves, then we make these things our work ! 29

 

[Dah'veed]

If our believing/faith is inherent, then its our work, our action to believe in God/Jesus Christ for all Salvation, but if its not naturally inherent, and it be the work and operation of the Spirit of God in us, also the effectual working of Gods grace, then its not of ourselves, but the Gift of God, then the proper contrast of Faith vs works is manifested. Christ is the author of our Faith/Believing by giving us His Spirit 1 Pet 1:21
21 Who by him[Christ] do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power,
Paul attributes his believing and the believers at Ephesus to the mighty working of Gods power, the same power that was exerted when He raised up Jesus from the dead. So believing, having Faith and Hope in God in the matters of Salvation is Gods work for us and in us.
But if we insist that our believing and faith is of ourselves, then we make these things our work ! 29

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Cor 4:3-4

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, John 3:18 Mark 16:16

 

[Brightfame52]

Is Faith/believing a work ? Yes, but in its proper context its a work done through grace,the grace of the Spirit following new birth or new creation. Its written Eph 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now believing Faith is one of those good works God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Acts 13:48

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

So believing follows the workmanship of God, being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, versus because of good works. Thats why works and faith in scripture can be contrasted, since believing is not of ourselves as natural men, but as new creatures in Christ. Its only when we claim faith/believing as coming from the natural man that the contrast is no longer valid!

 

[zoidar]

Is Faith/believing a work ? Yes, but in its proper context its a work done through grace,the grace of the Spirit following new birth or new creation. Its written Eph 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now believing Faith is one of those good works God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Acts 13:48

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

So believing follows the workmanship of God, being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, versus because of good works. Thats why works and faith in scripture can be contrasted, since believing is not of ourselves as natural men, but as new creatures in Christ. Its only when we claim faith/believing as coming from the natural man that the contrast is no longer valid!

It's not the same word translated "ordained" in Eph 2:10 and Act 13:48. Proetoimazó and tassó. Ordained in Act 13:38 does not refer to be preordained rather as something determined believers.

And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined (tassó) that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
— Acts 15:2

 

[Dah'veed]

Is Faith/believing a work ? Yes, but in its proper context its a work done through grace,the grace of the Spirit following new birth or new creation. Its written Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now believing Faith is one of those good works God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

So believing follows the workmanship of God, being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, versus because of good works. Thats why works and faith in scripture can be contrasted, since believing is not of ourselves as natural men, but as new creatures in Christ. Its only when we claim faith/believing as coming from the natural man that the contrast is no longer valid!

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Cor 5:15-18

 

[Brightfame52]

zoidar

It's not the same word translated "ordained" in Eph 2:10 and Act 13:48.

It doesnt matter, the point Im making stands. And tasso has that same meaning, its translated determined here Acts 15:2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And other translations capture that

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.NKJV

When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.NLT

And the Gentiles, hearing this, were glad and gave glory to the word of God: and those marked out by God for eternal life had faith.


When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying [praising and giving thanks for] the word of the Lord; and all those who had been appointed (designated, ordained) to eternal life [by God] believed [in Jesus as the Christ and their Savior].


When the Gentiles heard Paul say this, they ·were happy [rejoiced] and ·gave honor to [praised] the ·message [word] of the Lord. And the people who were ·chosen [destined; appointed] to have life forever ·believed the message [L believed].

So the point stands, believing is an work ordained by God, and so if we make believing a condition we do to get saved, thats works salvation.

 

[Dah'veed]

And the Gentiles, hearing this, were glad and gave glory to the word of God: and those marked out by God for eternal life had faith.
When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying [praising and giving thanks for] the word of the Lord; and all those who had been appointed (designated, ordained) to eternal life [by God] believed [in Jesus as the Christ and their Savior].
So the point stands, believing is an work ordained by God, and so if we make believing a condition we do to get saved, thats works salvation.

Don't get entangled with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. 2 Cor 6:14-16

 

[zoidar]

zoidar



It doesnt matter, the point Im making stands. And tasso has that same meaning, its translated determined here Acts 15:2

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And other translations capture that

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.NKJV

When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.NLT

And the Gentiles, hearing this, were glad and gave glory to the word of God: and those marked out by God for eternal life had faith.


When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying [praising and giving thanks for] the word of the Lord; and all those who had been appointed (designated, ordained) to eternal life [by God] believed [in Jesus as the Christ and their Savior].


When the Gentiles heard Paul say this, they ·were happy [rejoiced] and ·gave honor to [praised] the ·message [word] of the Lord. And the people who were ·chosen [destined; appointed] to have life forever ·believed the message [L believed].

So the point stands, believing is an work ordained by God, and so if we make believing a condition we do to get saved, thats works salvation.

My point was that those Gentiles were determined (not predetermined) for eternal life through being followers. When they heard the message of the gospel going out to the Gentiles they rejoiced over and believed the fact the gospel was indeed for them.

Compare it to the twelve apostles. They were (except Judas) determined as followers of Christ to believe the message of the forgiveness of sins through the cross. They were not predetermined to believe the gospel, but determined as followers to believe the gospel.

Who do you think those Gentiles were that came to listen to Paul and Barnabas? And how would such a Gentile be to rejoice over this message?

Btw, sorry for tons of editing!

 

[Brightfame52]

zoidar

My point was that those Gentiles were determined (not predetermined) for eternal life through being followers.

And thats false.

Appointment to eternal life was arranged before the world began Titus 1:1

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Promised to Gods Elect,

1 Jn 2:25

25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

So it was predetermined before the world began,

However, the point still stands, if we condition our salvation on anything we did, its a work, action, based salvation which denys Grace.

 

[Brightfame52]

If we say that we are Justified before God or saved by Him because of our act of Faith or believing, then we are saying God saved or justifies us because of our works. Its a work because its acting obedience to a command just as much as its a command to love, notice 1 Jn 3:23

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

To obey a command, injunction is a work !30

 

[Dah'veed]

@zoidarAnd thats false. Appointment to eternal life was arranged before the world began Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Promised to Gods Elect, 1 Jn 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
So it was predetermined before the world began,
However, the point still stands, if we condition our salvation on anything we did, its a work, action, based salvation which denys Grace.

He was appointed before the world began, however, we are included in Christ through faith, [Ephesians 2:18-21]
which of course affirms that it is indeed by grace. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people; Titus 2:11
Through Him we received grace and apostleship to call all nations to the faith for His name’s sake. Rom 1:4-6

 

[Brightfame52]

When we misconstrue Faith/Believing to be that which is a condition performed by man in order to get God to save us, then we invalidate it being opposed to woks/law, and unwittingly make it a law. The principle of law works is this, when we deem it necessary to do something to gain the approval of God, and it not done, its to our eternal peril, that's the principle of law works at work in our mind, because the law work principle requires man to do something for eternal life, or Gods acceptance and approval, or favor. Moses wrote of the law principal Rom 10:5

5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

So it matters not what we make the condition to be, if the nonperformance of it be to our eternal peril, or the performing of it be to the gaining of Gods blessing and approval, we put ourselves under and confirm ourselves under law, and hence become obligated to keep the whole law for our final salvation, having forsaken the way of grace.32

 

[Brightfame52]

He was appointed before the world began, however, we are included in Christ through faith, [Ephesians 2:18-21]
which of course affirms that it is indeed by grace. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people; Titus 2:11
Through Him we received grace and apostleship to call all nations to the faith for His name’s sake. Rom 1:4-6

All error you utter, the elect were in Christ and union with Him by election that took place before the foundation Eph 1:4

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

And of course Eternal Life was promised to them in Him before the world began Titus 1:1-2

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

So you havent a clue friend.

 

[Dah'veed]

All error you utter, the elect were in Christ and union with Him by election that took place before the foundation Eph 1:4
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
And of course Eternal Life was promised to them in Him before the world began Titus 1:1-2
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
So you havent a clue friend.

Believers are certainly aware that Christ is the source of eternal salvation. Hebrews 5:8-10
After He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, Heb 10:12-14
The Son, is the exact likeness of God’s being, the brightness of His glory;
When the Son  provided purification/cleansing for sins [Heb 9:14-15], He sat down at the right hand of God. Heb 1:3
Through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Rom 5:11
Jesus is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12

 

[Brightfame52]

The proper understanding of Faith not being a work condition that man performs in order to get God to save them, it is to understand that Faith to believe is all of grace, and not of us, and hence eliminates any grounds for boasting, as I believed and you didn't, and so, God saved me and not you because I believed in Christ, and you didn't.

Now everyone is familiar with Eph 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

This passage clearly shows that Faith in the realm of Salvation isn't of us , its included, comprehended in Grace Salvation, a Gift of God.

Understand here Paul is saying comprehensively #1 Grace is a Gift, #2 Salvation is a Gift #3 Faith is a Gift, so where is boasting ? If all these phases are of Grace, where is room for boasting?

Notice Rom 3:27

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Now what is the Law of Faith that excludes works ? Its the Law of Grace. The scripture consistently shows this contrast Rom 11:6

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

This is True because Faith is the product not of mans freewill, but of Grace Rom 4:16

16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

It cant be any plainer that Faith here is the product of Grace,

The word by as in by grace in Vs 16 is kata and it means according to, so faith is according to Grace, so Grace is the principle of operation that produces Faith, hence the of Faith versus the law of works in Rom 3:27

So thats the way and only way that Faith is in contrast to works, when its understood to be the product of supernatural grace. So in that regards, there is no room for boasting, not even in our faith or believing in Jesus Christ. Remember even the believing is by grace Acts 18:27

27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through/because of grace: 32

 

[Dah'veed]

The proper understanding of Faith not being a work condition that man performs in order to get God to save them, it is to understand that Faith to believe is all of grace, and not of us, and hence eliminates any grounds for boasting, as I believed and you didn't, and so, God saved me and not you because I believed in Christ, and you didn't.

This will continue until we are in unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. Eph 4:13

Now everyone is familiar with Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This passage clearly shows that Faith in the realm of Salvation isn't of us , its included, comprehended in Grace Salvation, a Gift of God.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith; Col 1:21-23

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ...

It cant be any plainer that Faith here is the product of Grace,

They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom 3:24
Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Col 1:12-15

 

[Brightfame52]

Believing is a work because its something we do Rom 10:9

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Believe here is in the active voice which:

Represents the subject as the doer or performer of the action. e.g., in the sentence, "Jesus returned to Capernaum" Jesus performs the action.

Again a work by definition, the greek word ergon:

1. any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind
2. an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work

Also To believe is a work of mental ability of the mind and ; the understanding, and the will, conscience and affections. Paul wrote of receiving the Love of the Truth 2 Thess 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

So If I say Im saved because I believed, God saved me because I performed that action, that's Salvation by my works, even if we count it as a work of righteousness, what does Titus 3:5 say

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 32

 

[Dah'veed]

Believing is a work because its something we do Rom 10:9

Also To believe is a work of mental ability of the mind and ; the understanding, and the will, conscience and affections. Paul wrote of receiving the Love of the Truth 2 Thess 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

They will all be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you through the gospel to partake in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2:12-14

 

[Yarddog]

So how are we saved then? Paul says it's through faith we are saved, but if faith is a work and salvation is not of works how is that possible?

There is a difference man's works and the Holy Spirit's works. Faith is the work of the Spirit.