For Sunday, we reading Romans 4:1-15.
It's the classic face off--Faith versus works. Is it just me or does it seem like people struggle with the whole faith vs. works thing? Here's the deal, scripture is absolutely clear that faith is all we need for salvation. But, works do play an important role once we take that step and become a Christian. Bottom line--Works won't get you saved, but they are certainly important after you're saved. Tami W.
P.S. For a little more on faith vs. works, take a look at Ephesians 2:8-10.
I agree
Faith without works. Team Effort, after we have Joined “ The Team “ we need to roll up sleeves so to speak, and get to work. Finding out what position to play, Share the gifts ( the Blessings ) we have been given with others. I been thinking in the terms of Football lately. I don’t want to be just a beach warmer ( Faith without Works ). What position does God want me to play, After consistently suiting up and going to practice it seems that after a while I am able to see better what positions I am gifted in to play. It doesn’t mean I can’t play other positions. Practice, Study ( Learn the Rules of the Game )and get them in my heart, Learn how the opposition works, Practice, Practice, Study ( Renewing My mind ), Play with my whole heart, Play to win…….Remember that each position is God’s most valuable player. I need to Have Faith in the Coach ( Our Lord Jesus ) and that the plans he has for me will always be what is best for me. I’m so glad that Jesus invited me to join the greatest Team and play for him, and I chose to join the team in which I am now in training. Praise be God.
Tami,
You know, we always hear it stated this way: "faith-VS-works". Could it be better said "faith-INCORPORATING-works" because the word "versus" implies the negative: "against or as an alternative to"?
Scripture is so clear on both of these principles of faith and works that its hard to understand what the controversy is all about. James says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:29 NIV)
You directed us to Ephesians 2:8-10: Verse 10 is great: For we (His Church) are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to DO good works, WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO...and by His grace, He has equipped us to do those good works: with His Word, with His Holy Spirit, and with His gifts of faith. But just what ARE good works? Summed up: We practice good works when we live up to the the Light that is within us...walking in a way that brings glory to God our Father and our Lord, Christ Jesus.
It all goes back to our new identity in Christ who we are shows in what we do.
You're right, good works is not a requirement for salvation,
although good works is the evidence of a person who received salvation as stated on Eph. 2:10("...for good works..") , but it doesn't necessarily follow that a person doing good deeds is a saved person. This is a unidirectional truth, it can't be made vice versa.