Tuesday; September 24

I have been doing some studying about the perceived conflict between “works” and “faith” in the New Testament.  If you haven’t spent much time delving into this discussion, the issue boils down to what saves us – faith or works.  Can we do enough good things to overcome the sin in our lives?  Is having faith in Jesus Christ enough to save us?  The problem with these questions (and the whole “faith vs. works” debate) is that it assumes that it is one or the other when, in fact, the answer isn’t “faith or works”, the truth of salvation is found in relying on “faith AND works”.  We cannot read the book of James without seeing the need for a life filled with faith and works, but his discussion isn’t the only insight we have into the issue.  You see, after Paul squelched self-righteous salvation by writing, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” he went on to explain, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10).  While Paul is very pointed in saying that we can’t do enough good to save ourselves, he is also very clear in noting that good works are a part of Christianity.  In essence, James’ and Paul’s teachings do not oppose each other, they compliment and support one another.
When we have faith in God’s salvation through His Son, we will relish the opportunity to “work out our own salvation” (Philippians 2:12).  Let’s have the confidence that God loves us enough to save us and the conviction that we have a responsibility to Him to do His good works on earth.
       Think About It!

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