How Do you Define Sola Fide (Faith Alone) and is it Biblical?

[Bible Highlighter]

I believe Sola Fide (Faith Alone, or Justification by Faith Alone without works) only is accurate to say when we first come to the Faith. It is also accurate in the sense that is the foundation upon which we build, as well (For if a believer stumbles into a sin, they have God's grace not as a license to sin, but as a means to overcome it by confessing their sins to Jesus Christ). God's grace though faith is the foundation of our faith. From my reading on Sola Fide (Faith Alone), it is suggesting that one is saved by Faith without any works but that Faith is followed by a changed new nature being unity with Christ and issues forth love (Which would then bring forth works).

Sola fide - Wikipedia

The equation for Sola Fide (or Faith Alone) for a believer's whole life is:
Faith = Salvation = Works.

The opposing view is Faith + Works = Salvation. But Sola Fide is suggesting that one can still be saved if they are not exactly always fruitful or if a believer stumbles into a grievous sin. For the basis for salvation is a belief alone in Jesus. So while Sola Fide not at an exclusion of works altogether in some cases, it can appear to be that way in other cases. For the merit is not based on works for salvation. So this suggests to a person that they can sin and still be saved on some level and not doing good works at certain times and still be saved. For one is not saved on the basis of their own merits or work. But the Bible does talk about how grievous sin can separate a believer and GOD and it talks about how the unprofitable servant can be cast into outer darkness. We are told to "Continue in the Faith" (Colossians 1:23), "Continue in Love" (Hebrews 13:1), "Continue in the Grace of God" (Acts of the Apostles 13:43) as a part of our walk with God. So this is not some kind of automatic thing where God forces unity of love upon us. This is why we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

 

[com7fy8]

God's grace though faith is the foundation of our faith.

And if there is grace included, then faith is not alone. And if there are things God has a person doing as he or she comes to trust in Jesus, then those actions . . . works . . . are included.

And one work which the Bible seems to say is essential is the preaching of the cross. And if faith comes by hearing, then hearing is included . . . an action . . . a work.

But there are works which are not essential, not included.

But Paul says we need "faith working through love," in Galatians 5:6. So, what is this "working" which is "through love"? Does this working include certain works which God in us has us doing in His love?

I think that whatever God has us doing is included in what we need in working out our salvation. But these are not copy-cat things which we humanly can get ourselves to choose and do, but >

"it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (in Philippians 2:13)

I think that whatever God works in us is essential, and the works resulting are essential, since they are included. They have us living in love, instead of in sin which would deeply degrade us in Satan's spirit. And in exercising in what God has us doing, we get stronger and healthier in His love, in sharing with Him so this is preparing us to share so for eternity with our Groom Jesus.

So, we do need to submit to however God in us has us becoming and whatever He has us doing.

Plus, Hebrews 12:4-14 says every child of God gets correction which makes us "partakers of His holiness", and without His holiness we will not see Him. So, His correction is essential > we need to do whatever God has us doing in order to get this correction . . . whatever these works are, including actively seeking our Father for this correction.

 

[Tree of Life]

Justification by faith alone means that our righteous status before God is a free gift that is imparted to us. In Justification, God imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ to our account so that we are seen as perfectly righteous. We can do nothing to add to the righteousness of Christ. Our "good works" which proceed from faith are always imperfect and, if they were imputed to us, would only tarnish the perfect righteousness of Christ which is freely given to us.

We receive this imputed righteousness with the empty hand of faith alone. No amount of good works merit this gift for us, either initially or in an ongoing sense. And none of our works contribute to our righteous status in God's eyes. They could not possibly do so because even our best works fall short of God's perfect demands.

 

[Ken Rank]

I believe Sola Fide (Faith Alone, or Justification by Faith Alone without works) only is accurate to say when we first come to the Faith. It is also accurate in the sense that is the foundation upon which we build, as well (For if a believer stumbles into a sin, they have God's grace not as a license to sin, but as a means to overcome it by confessing their sins to Jesus Christ). God's grace though faith is the foundation of our faith. From my reading on Sola Fide (Faith Alone), it is suggesting that one is saved by Faith without any works but that Faith is followed by a changed new nature being unity with Christ and issues forth love (Which would then bring forth works).

Sola fide - Wikipedia

The equation for Sola Fide (or Faith Alone) for a believer's whole life is:
Faith = Salvation = Works.

The opposing view is Faith + Works = Salvation. But Sola Fide is suggesting that one can still be saved if they are not exactly always fruitful or if a believer stumbles into a grievous sin. For the basis for salvation is a belief alone in Jesus. So while Sola Fide not at an exclusion of works altogether in some cases, it can appear to be that way in other cases. For the merit is not based on works for salvation. So this suggests to a person that they can sin and still be saved on some level and not being doing good works at certain times and still be saved. For one is not saved on the basis of their own merits or work. But the Bible does talk about how grievous sin can separate a believer and GOD and it talks about how the unprofitable servant can be cast into outer darkness. We are told to "Continue in the Faith" (Colossians 1:23), "Continue in Love" (Hebrews 13:1), "Continue in the Grace of God" (Acts of the Apostles 13:43) as a part of our walk with God. So this is not some kind of automatic thing where God forces unity of love upon us. This is why we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

I think the question is "How do you define faith?" We do live by faith alone, that really isn't debatable. A Psalm says "the just live by faith." So the question isn't faith alone, the question is, "What is faith?" And my answer is submitting to God so that we can HEAR HIM and when we hear Him we act on what we hear. In other words, the just live by hearing God and doing what God tells them to do. That could be in the written word, or by that soft still voice. Either way, shema... faith... they are equal. Hear and do, Hear and obey, Hear and act, Hear and stand firm in Him.

 

[Tree of Life]

In discussions like these it should be noted that Sola Fide deals strictly with the doctrine of justification. But "salvation" is a broader concept than justification.

Justification is an act of God whereby he, by his free grace, forgives us all our sins and counts us as righteous in his sight for the sake of Christ.

But "salvation" also includes regeneration, sanctification, perseverance, and final glorification. We are justified by faith alone but God also regenerates and sanctifies all those whom he justifies. So someone who professes to believe in Christ and yet shows no signs of regeneration and sanctification ought to doubt whether or not he really believes. Because God does not justify anyone whom he does not also regenerate and sanctify.

But the reality of our regeneration, the quality of our sanctification, and the consistency of our perseverance do not in any way contribute to our justification. They simply accompany it.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

And if there is grace included, then faith is not alone. And if there are things God has a person doing as he or she comes to trust in Jesus, then those actions . . . works . . . are included.

And one work which the Bible seems to say is essential is the preaching of the cross. And if faith comes by hearing, then hearing is included . . . an action . . . a work.

But there are works which are not essential, not included.

But Paul says we need "faith working through love," in Galatians 5:6. So, what is this "working" which is "through love"? Does this working include certain works which God in us has us doing in His love?

I think that whatever God has us doing is included in what we need in working out our salvation. But these are not copy-cat things which we humanly can get ourselves to choose and do, but >

"it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (in Philippians 2:13)

I think that whatever God works in us is essential, and the works resulting are essential, since they are included. They have us living in love, instead of in sin which would deeply degrade us in Satan's spirit. And in exercising in what God has us doing, we get stronger and healthier in His love, in sharing with Him so this is preparing us to share so for eternity with our Groom Jesus.

So, we do need to submit to however God in us has us becoming and whatever He has us doing.

Plus, Hebrews 12:4-14 says every child of God gets correction which makes us "partakers of His holiness", and without His holiness we will not see Him. So, His correction is essential > we need to do whatever God has us doing in order to get this correction . . . whatever these works are, including actively seeking our Father for this correction.

I think the issue if confusing the Theological term with our own definition based on how that term is stated. Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is not stating that there is an absence of God's grace. God's grace is assumed or a part of Sola Fide. Where I disagree with Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is the issue of works. Sola Fide says that works will be there as a result of having union with Christ and his love, but Sola Fide (Faith Alone). I believe works are necessary for salvation after we are saved by God's grace. We first receive Christ by faith without works for salvation and we build upon this grace as our foundation. Works then come into play after this point. These are not our works alone but it is the work of Christ flowing through us by our obedience to His commands. For loving God and loving your neighbor is a part of inheriting eternal life (See Luke 10:25-28). But we first need God's grace through faith without works first. That is the foundation we first need to have. I believe the Bible teaches:

Grace by faith (without works) + Works of Faith = Salvation.
We are Initially and Ultimately saved by God's grace, but we also need works of faith as a part of the salvation process.

So Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is not true.
It is stating Faith = Salvation + works.

The equation is wrong.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

In discussions like these it should be noted that Sola Fide deals strictly with the doctrine of justification. But "salvation" is a broader concept than justification.

Justification is an act of God whereby he, by his free grace, forgives us all our sins and counts us as righteous in his sight for the sake of Christ.

But "salvation" also includes regeneration, sanctification, perseverance, and final glorification. We are justified by faith alone but God also regenerates and sanctifies all those whom he justifies. So someone who professes to believe in Christ and yet shows no signs of regeneration and sanctification ought to doubt whether or not he really believes. Because God does not justify anyone whom he does not also regenerate and sanctify.

But the reality of our regeneration, the quality of our sanctification, and the consistency of our perseverance do not in any way contribute to our justification. They simply accompany it.

What it comes down to is does Sola Fide cover a person's present disobedience without confession and or future disobedience? I would say that in some level that Sola Fide is teaching that (even if it is not explicitly stated). Granted, it states that there will be works of love because of unity to Christ, etc.; But it is not teaching that these works of love are essential for salvation.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I think the question is "How do you define faith?" We do live by faith alone, that really isn't debatable. A Psalm says "the just live by faith." So the question isn't faith alone, the question is, "What is faith?" And my answer is submitting to God so that we can HEAR HIM and when we hear Him we act on what we hear. In other words, the just live by hearing God and doing what God tells them to do. That could be in the written word, or by that soft still voice. Either way, shema... faith... they are equal. Hear and do, Hear and obey, Hear and act, Hear and stand firm in Him.

I agree.

 

[Tree of Life]

What it comes down to is does Sola Fide cover a person's present disobedience without confession and or future disobedience? I would say that in some level that Sola Fide is teaching that (even if it is not explicitly stated). Granted, it states that there will be works of love because of unity to Christ, etc.; But it is not teaching that these works of love are essential for salvation.

Works of love are essential to salvation. There is no salvation without works of love. When we are perfectly glorified we will only ever be doing works of love. So to say that they are not essential destroys the very idea of salvation. It's like saying: "living a free life isn't essential to freedom."

But works of love are not essential to justification - at least not our works. Our justification depends entirely and only upon Jesus' works of love.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Works of love are essential to salvation. There is no salvation without works of love. When we are perfectly glorified we will only ever be doing works of love. So to say that they are not essential destroys the very idea of salvation. It's like saying: "living a free life isn't essential to freedom."

But works of love are not essential to justification - at least not our works. Our justification depends entirely and only upon Jesus' works of love.

I believe Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is not teaching what we believe about how we need works of love as a part of the salvation process. I understand that other things are included or assumed in Sola Fide, but I do not think this is one of them. Sola Fide does not say that it works in harmony with the necessity of works of love that also plays part in the salvation process.

 

[Tree of Life]

I believe Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is not teaching what we believe about how we need works of love as a part of the salvation process. I understand that other things are included or assumed in Sola Fide, but I do not think this is one of them. Sola Fide does not say that it works in harmony with the necessity of works of love that also plays part in the salvation process.

Then either you don't understand Sola Fide or you don't appreciate the distinction between justification and salvation.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Then either you don't understand Sola Fide or you don't appreciate the distinction between justification and salvation.

Please show me where it states in the Sola Fide definition at Wikipedia that works of love are necessary for salvation.

Sola fide - Wikipedia

 

[Tree of Life]

Please show me where it states in the Sola Fide definition at Wikipedia that works of love are necessary for salvation.

Sola fide - Wikipedia

The doctrine of justification by faith alone is not focused on the broader concept of salvation in which works of love would be included.

 

[Tree of Life]

A good question to get to the heart of your confusion might be "how does justification relate to good works?"

 

[Bible Highlighter]

A good question to get to the heart of your confusion might be "how does justification relate to good works?"

I believe the following equation is correct:

Grace by faith (without works, Justification) + Works Faith (Sanctification) = Salvation.

I just do not see the Wikipedia article on Sola Fide agreeing with that.

 

[Tree of Life]

I believe the following equation is correct:

Grace by faith (without works, Justification) + Works Faith (Sanctification) = Salvation.

I just do not see the Wikipedia article on Sola Fide agreeing with that.

I don't have a problem with that equation as long as you don't say that works contribute to our justification. Good works are certainly entailed in our broader salvation such that they are essential to it. But essential in what way? They necessarily follow from regeneration and sanctification. They do not contribute to justification.

If you can agree with my paragraph above then you don't disagree with Sola Fide, you only think you do because you've misunderstood it.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I don't have a problem with that equation as long as you don't say that works contribute to our justification. Good works are certainly entailed in our broader salvation such that they are essential to it. But essential in what way? They necessarily follow from regeneration and sanctification. They do not contribute to justification.

If you can agree with my paragraph above then you don't disagree with Sola Fide, you only think you do because you've misunderstood it.

"You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24).

Jesus agreed with the lawyer that loving God and loving your neighbor was a part of inheriting eternal life (See Luke 10:25-28). Jesus did not correct the lawyer in his thinking of inheriting eternal life. He did not say to just believe on him alone and not worry about loving God and loving your neighbor (Because those would be after effects of believing, etc.).

 

[bcbsr]

I believe Sola Fide (Faith Alone, or Justification by Faith Alone without works) only is accurate to say when we first come to the Faith. It is also accurate in the sense that is the foundation upon which we build, as well (For if a believer stumbles into a sin, they have God's grace not as a license to sin, but as a means to overcome it by confessing their sins to Jesus Christ). God's grace though faith is the foundation of our faith. From my reading on Sola Fide (Faith Alone), it is suggesting that one is saved by Faith without any works but that Faith is followed by a changed new nature being unity with Christ and issues forth love (Which would then bring forth works).

Sola fide - Wikipedia

The equation for Sola Fide (or Faith Alone) for a believer's whole life is:
Faith = Salvation = Works.

The opposing view is Faith + Works = Salvation. But Sola Fide is suggesting that one can still be saved if they are not exactly always fruitful or if a believer stumbles into a grievous sin. For the basis for salvation is a belief alone in Jesus. So while Sola Fide not at an exclusion of works altogether in some cases, it can appear to be that way in other cases. For the merit is not based on works for salvation. So this suggests to a person that they can sin and still be saved on some level and not being doing good works at certain times and still be saved. For one is not saved on the basis of their own merits or work. But the Bible does talk about how grievous sin can separate a believer and GOD and it talks about how the unprofitable servant can be cast into outer darkness. We are told to "Continue in the Faith" (Colossians 1:23), "Continue in Love" (Hebrews 13:1), "Continue in the Grace of God" (Acts of the Apostles 13:43) as a part of our walk with God. So this is not some kind of automatic thing where God forces unity of love upon us. This is why we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

I think the principle of 1John 3:9 takes care of issues of behavior once one has come to faith in Christ. "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God." 1John 3:9

Thus it's a mere strawman argument typically used by justification by law Christians to say that those born of God may continue to sin. It simply doesn't happen. Righteous behavior is an effect, not a cause of salvation. To make salvation contingent upon one's ongoing performance is justification by law and a rejection of the gospel of grace.

 

[Tree of Life]

"You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24).

Jesus agreed with the lawyer that loving God and loving your neighbor was a part of inheriting eternal life (See Luke 10:25-28). Jesus did not correct the lawyer in his thinking of inheriting eternal life. He did not say to just believe on him alone and not worry about loving God and loving your neighbor (Because those would be after effects of believing, etc.).

I don't believe I've ever seen you grapple with the true doctrine of Sola Fide. This time is no exception.

 

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

Being justified by Faith ... therefore there is no condemnation (innocent) for those who are in Christ Jesus.

In Him,

Bill