The Saving Faith

[emekrus]

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

The major essence of God’s gift of righteousness or justification is eternal salvation.

From scriptures, we understand that the major salvation of God through the Lord Jesus Christ is salvation from sin and its consequent punishment. Hence, even the very name of our Lord Jesus, means savior.

The bible tells us in Matthew 1:21:

“And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”.

Then again, the bible is also very clear that the only way to receive this eternal salvation from God through Jesus Christ is, Faith.

Let’s see some scriptures that assert this fact apart from our opening text:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

“And he said unto them, go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be condemned”—Mark 16:15-16

“And brought them out, and said Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house”—Acts 16:30-31.

But the question here is: what kind of faith or believe is the bible referring to, that gives this eternal salvation? To understand the kind of faith that is required for salvation, we need to examine two kinds of faith as presented by Saint James.

“Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God; you do well: the demons also believe, and tremble. But will you know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20

From the above scripture, Saint James helps us differentiate between two kinds of faith. These are: the demonic faith and the perfect faith.

The Demonic Faith

The demonic faith is the faith that believes in God, but regardless, is not submissive or obedient to God’s commandments. It is the faith that says Jesus is Lord, but does not treat him as Lord indeed. It is the faith that says Jesus is the Lord with the mouth but denies him in deeds.

The demonic faith is the faith without corresponding good works or actions. The demonic faith is a dead faith.

And unfortunately this kind of faith is what has become dominant in Christendom today. A greater percentage of Christ’s believers walk in this kind of faith. Yes, they believe and have even confessed Jesus as their Lord and personal savior.

They confess they are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. They even preach the gospel with all vigor. Most of them are involved in service groups in the church. They even include: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Deacons and Deaconesses, Choir Masters and Mistresses.

But in spite of all these, they deny and reproach Christ in their actions and daily lifestyles.

They deny and reproach him in their words, in their dressing; they deny him in their relationship with their spouses and neighbours. They deny and reproach Christ in their business dealings. Yet they believe in Jesus and even profess same with their mouth. To the folks that belong to this group; with this kind of faith, the Lord Jesus asks: “And why call me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say?”—Luke 6:46.

So to believe in Jesus and not do his commandments is to be walking in demonic and dead faith. And of course, this kind of faith doesn’t justify, neither does it give eternal salvation.

The Perfect Faith

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his Son upon the altar? See how faith worked with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”—James 2:21-22

The scripture above tells us clearly how our father in the faith, Abraham was justified. The scripture tells us that Abraham was justified by faith, but his faith was a perfect faith. His faith was perfected by his work of obedience and love for God.

Hence, we can define the perfect faith, to mean, the faith that is backed with obedience or compliance to God’s instructions. The perfect faith is the faith that works with the fear of God. For after Abraham has laid Isaac on the altar, the Lord said to Abraham, I know that you fear God (Genesis 22:12).

The perfect faith is the faith that works with love for God and people. James 2:15 says:

“If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace; be warmed and filled; yet give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit?”

Hence, perfect faith sacrifices for God and man. The perfect faith is the faith that bears or shares the burden of others. Thus, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit tells us in Galatians 5:6, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love”.

So the perfect faith is the justifying and saving faith in Christ Jesus. Put the other way, the saving faith is the perfect faith. And it is the faith that goes along with good works. The word of God tells us that a man is not justified by faith alone, but also by works—James2:24. And of course, works here means, Love, Obedience and godliness or holiness.

The bible also tells us in that same book of James 2:26 that “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”.

So my beloved friend, if you already believe in Jesus Christ, congratulations! You have faith. But to obtain absolute or perfect justification, according to scriptures, engage your faith in good works for God. And as you do and continue doing so to the very end, you’re guaranteed of eternity with Christ in paradise.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

 

[bcbsr]

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

The major essence of God’s gift of righteousness or justification is eternal salvation.

From scriptures, we understand that the major salvation of God through the Lord Jesus Christ is salvation from sin and its consequent punishment. Hence, even the very name of our Lord Jesus, means savior.

The bible tells us in Matthew 1:21:

“And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”.

Then again, the bible is also very clear that the only way to receive this eternal salvation from God through Jesus Christ is, Faith.

Let’s see some scriptures that assert this fact apart from our opening text:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

“And he said unto them, go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be condemned”—Mark 16:15-16

“And brought them out, and said Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house”—Acts 16:30-31.

But the question here is: what kind of faith or believe is the bible referring to, that gives this eternal salvation? To understand the kind of faith that is required for salvation, we need to examine two kinds of faith as presented by Saint James.

“Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God; you do well: the demons also believe, and tremble. But will you know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20

From the above scripture, Saint James helps us differentiate between two kinds of faith. These are: the demonic faith and the perfect faith.

The Demonic Faith

The demonic faith is the faith that believes in God, but regardless, is not submissive or obedient to God’s commandments. It is the faith that says Jesus is Lord, but does not treat him as Lord indeed. It is the faith that says Jesus is the Lord with the mouth but denies him in deeds.

The demonic faith is the faith without corresponding good works or actions. The demonic faith is a dead faith.

And unfortunately this kind of faith is what has become dominant in Christendom today. A greater percentage of Christ’s believers walk in this kind of faith. Yes, they believe and have even confessed Jesus as their Lord and personal savior.

They confess they are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. They even preach the gospel with all vigor. Most of them are involved in service groups in the church. They even include: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Deacons and Deaconesses, Choir Masters and Mistresses.

But in spite of all these, they deny and reproach Christ in their actions and daily lifestyles.

They deny and reproach him in their words, in their dressing; they deny him in their relationship with their spouses and neighbours. They deny and reproach Christ in their business dealings. Yet they believe in Jesus and even profess same with their mouth. To the folks that belong to this group; with this kind of faith, the Lord Jesus asks: “And why call me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say?”—Luke 6:46.

So to believe in Jesus and not do his commandments is to be walking in demonic and dead faith. And of course, this kind of faith doesn’t justify, neither does it give eternal salvation.

The Perfect Faith

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his Son upon the altar? See how faith worked with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”—James 2:21-22

The scripture above tells us clearly how our father in the faith, Abraham was justified. The scripture tells us that Abraham was justified by faith, but his faith was a perfect faith. His faith was perfected by his work of obedience and love for God.

Hence, we can define the perfect faith, to mean, the faith that is backed with obedience or compliance to God’s instructions. The perfect faith is the faith that works with the fear of God. For after Abraham has laid Isaac on the altar, the Lord said to Abraham, I know that you fear God (Genesis 22:12).

The perfect faith is the faith that works with love for God and people. James 2:15 says:

“If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace; be warmed and filled; yet give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit?”

Hence, perfect faith sacrifices for God and man. The perfect faith is the faith that bears or shares the burden of others. Thus, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit tells us in Galatians 5:6, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love”.

So the perfect faith is the justifying and saving faith in Christ Jesus. Put the other way, the saving faith is the perfect faith. And it is the faith that goes along with good works. The word of God tells us that a man is not justified by faith alone, but also by works—James2:24. And of course, works here means, Love, Obedience and godliness or holiness.

The bible also tells us in that same book of James 2:26 that “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”.

So my beloved friend, if you already believe in Jesus Christ, congratulations! You have faith. But to obtain absolute or perfect justification, according to scriptures, engage your faith in good works for God. And as you do and continue doing so to the very end, you’re guaranteed of eternity with Christ in paradise.

Remain Blessed!

Emeke Odili

As I see it, a man is justified by faith apart from works.

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about— but not before God. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Rom 4:1-8

I agree with Martin Luther that James contradicts Paul on this point. Note that both reference Gen 15:6, so both are talking about the same righteousness, but they contradict one another. Paul's point is the between the time of the promise given in Gen 15:5 and Abraham being declared righteous in Gen 15:6, Abraham did no work. And thus Paul's proof that justification is by faith apart from works. But in James 2:23 James views Gen 15:6 as merely a prophecy not fulfilled until over a decade later in which he attempt to sacrifice Isaac, prior to which Abraham had faith without works and thus was not "saved" until Genesis 21, which is incompatible with Paul's statement on the matter.

James is not an apostle. Paul is. And despite being Jesus' brother, Jesus does not support nepotism. As I see it, James is not authorized scripture. And there are other such evidences of such from his epistle and the events of Acts 15.

However I would say that incorporated into saving faith is the INTENTION to do what Jesus said. One does what Jesus says as a saved, eternally secure person, and not in order to be saved, which would be salvation by works.

 

[συνείδησις]

As I see it, a man is justified by faith apart from works.

A man is justified apart from works of law. That doesn't mean saved apart from works of faith.

 

[συνείδησις]

James is not an apostle. Paul is. And despite being Jesus' brother, Jesus does not support nepotism. As I see it, James is not authorized scripture. And there are other such evidences of such from his epistle and the events of Acts 15.

James was the head of the church. Paul submitted to his authority (Acts 15).

 

[amariselle]

As I see it, a man is justified by faith apart from works.

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about— but not before God. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Rom 4:1-8

I agree with Martin Luther that James contradicts Paul on this point. Note that both reference Gen 15:6, so both are talking about the same righteousness, but they contradict one another. Paul's point is the between the time of the promise given in Gen 15:5 and Abraham being declared righteous in Gen 15:6, Abraham did no work. And thus Paul's proof that justification is by faith apart from works. But in James 2:23 James views Gen 15:6 as merely a prophecy not fulfilled until over a decade later in which he attempt to sacrifice Isaac, prior to which Abraham had faith without works and thus was not "saved" until Genesis 21, which is incompatible with Paul's statement on the matter.

James is not an apostle. Paul is. And despite being Jesus' brother, Jesus does not support nepotism. As I see it, James is not authorized scripture. And there are other such evidences of such from his epistle and the events of Acts 15.

However I would say that incorporated into saving faith is the INTENTION to do what Jesus said. One does what Jesus says as a saved, eternally secure person, and not in order to be saved, which would be salvation by works.

If James isn’t inspired “authorized” Scripture, why did God permit this Epistle to be included in His word?

(I don’t actually believe that James contradicts any of Paul’s writings, just to be clear)

Salvation is indeed NOT of works.

 

[bcbsr]

A man is justified apart from works of law. That doesn't mean saved apart from works of faith.

If a person is justified, he is saved. Paul describes justification in that Romans passage:
David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

Since justification means that one's sins are not counted against them, then on what basis would they end up in hell?

What you're advocating is salvation by works. And furthermore, the point is both James and Paul are talking about justification - yes, the both use the word "justify" and yet, as I and Martin Luther point out, they contradict one another on that point.

 

[bcbsr]

James was the head of the church. Paul submitted to his authority (Acts 15).

James was not head of "the Church". He was simply an institutional leader in the church at Jerusalem. Paul had no say in his decree. And he taught contrary to it. "Eat anything sold in the market" in contrast to James' dietary restrictions imposed on the Gentiles.

 

[bcbsr]

If James isn’t inspired “authorized” Scripture, why did God permit this Epistle to be included in His word?

(I don’t actually believe that James contradicts any of Paul’s writings, just to be clear)

Salvation is indeed NOT of works.

As Luther also points out "this epistle of St. James was rejected by the ancients". I believe it was included to support the salvation by works soteriology of Catholicism. But it wasn't God who "included" it in the Bible. It's not scripture.

 

[συνείδησις]

If a person is justified, he is saved. Paul describes justification in that Romans passage:
David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

Since justification means that one's sins are not counted against them, then on what basis would they end up in hell?

What you're advocating is salvation by works. And furthermore, the point is both James and Paul are talking about justification - yes, the both use the word "justify" and yet, as I and Martin Luther point out, they contradict one another on that point.

The race doesn't begin at the finish line. Believers have to endure in faith to the end to inherit the promises. That takes a lot of work.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Understood in context, Scripture doesn't contradict.

We ARE justified by faith - but by a living faith. Not simple mental assent. After all the demons believe and even tremble, but that doesn't "save" them.

If we have a living faith in Christ Jesus, we will become like Him. We are transformed by the grace of God, and that through our works (which can be mediation, prayer, fasting, praising God, giving to the poor, preaching, avoiding evil, fighting temptation, gathering with believers, or many other things - it is how we live our lives). If we do not do those things, we do not believe. We are not transformed. We are not "saved".

We don't do those things to "earn" salvation. That's the problem with an over-emphasis on legal standing in western Christianity. We can never earn salvation. That was never the point. But we must be healed from the effects of sin and set free and transformed to be like Christ. That is what salvation looks like. And that happens by us cooperating with God. And the way we cooperate with God is through "works" as listed above - or how we live life.

I think many people assume "works" means going out and preaching to crowds or building a church or donating large amounts of money because they think of big things to "buy salvation" and that's why they oppose the idea. They are right to oppose it in that case.

But that's not what "works" means. It's the totality of how we live our lives. If you met someone who didn't even try to fight any temptation to evil, who never prayed or read the Bible, who wasn't at all considerate in any way of any other person - you'd probably have a hard time believing he was "a saved believer" if he claimed to believe. So you would be agreeing with James here.





By the way, James was the leader of the Church at Jerusalem. Because the council in Acts took place in Jerusalem, James presided. But it WAS a Council, which means the leaders of the Church got together and sought the Holy Spirit for what they should do. It was never about this man outranking that man and telling the others what to do. That was how Christ established the Church - a Body working together and seeking the Holy Spirit together.

But James is just as authoritative as Paul is just as authoritative as Peter etc. - their Epistles were all canonized as Holy Scripture. And understood in full context, they don't contradict.

 

[συνείδησις]

James was not head of "the Church". He was simply an institutional leader in the church at Jerusalem. Paul had no say in his decree. And he taught contrary to it. "Eat anything sold in the market" in contrast to James' dietary restrictions imposed on the Gentiles.

Yeah I know Paul taught contrary to James' decree, but we don't know if that letter was written before the Jerusalem council, or if by the time Paul wrote that letter gentile believers were no longer going to synagogues for church, which would have made James's decree to observe those 4 "laws of Noah" no longer necessary or relevant.

 

[amariselle]

As Luther also points out "this epistle of St. James was rejected by the ancients". I believe it was included to support the salvation by works soteriology of Catholicism. But it wasn't God who "included" it in the Bible. It's not scripture.

If that’s the case, then why should we trust anything in the Bible? Perhaps none of it is inspired.

Luther was wrong in his desire to take James out of the Bible. Nor does James actually teach salvation by works, when correctly understood.

 

[amariselle]

James was not head of "the Church". He was simply an institutional leader in the church at Jerusalem. Paul had no say in his decree. And he taught contrary to it. "Eat anything sold in the market" in contrast to James' dietary restrictions imposed on the Gentiles.

James was not written to Gentiles, it was written to Jews.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. - James 1:1

 

[bcbsr]

The race doesn't begin at the finish line. Believers have to endure in faith to the end to inherit the promises. That takes a lot of work.

So - salvation by works.

 

[bcbsr]

If that’s the case, then why should we trust anything in the Bible? Perhaps none of it is inspired.

Luther was wrong in his desire to take James out of the Bible. Nor does James actually teach salvation by works, when correctly understood.

You're logic doesn't actually follow. You look in Galatians and Paul rebukes Peter for sinning. Do we then discard Peter's writings? Jesus, the apostles and prophets, these proved themselves by miracles in conjunction with teaching that which was consistent with scripture. James was support by neither point.

 

[bcbsr]

James was not written to Gentiles, it was written to Jews.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. - James 1:1

And yet James is quoted by the author of this thread and applied to Gentiles advocating salvation by works.

 

[συνείδησις]

So - salvation by works.

That appears to be the way the lawless grace mindset views it.

 

[bcbsr]

That appears to be the way the lawless grace mindset views it.

Oh, you mean like the apostle Paul. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph 2:8,9

 

[συνείδησις]

Oh, you mean like the apostle Paul. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph 2:8,9

Paul's referring to the gift of justification. Salvation is more than simply justification.

 

[Romansthruphilemon]