Faith and Works

The United States is ripe with people that are eager to know God and Jesus personally, but have not yet had the opportunity of meeting him because of the cowardice, apathetic attitudes, and fear of many Christians today in sharing the life saving word that is Jesus Christ.  Christians need to change their attitude and ways in which they do life, or suffer a slow and painful withdrawal from the society we have been sent to save through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. 

Although it is true that works do not save a person as noted in Psalm 127:1, Rom 3:20, and many others, they do and should play a significant role in the life of the true Christian.  Works should not be seen as something we have to do, but as something we get to do for the glory of God.  In the final judgment, works are an evidence of faith as shown in Matthew 25:34-40.  Here we see the sick being cared for, the hungry fed, and so forth, showing that in faith, Jesus’ words and actions were followed.  By accepting the free gift of salvation by the grace of God through the work of Christ, if truly accepted, the Christian will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and will, in biblical language, “bear much fruit” as stated in John 15:5.  James 2:14-20 is often used to show that works are needed for salvation, but what must be understood is that James is saying that works are a sign that we are Christians.  We are justified by faith and our works are evidence of that inner-working and justification. 

One further note must be emphasized, and it is that works in and of themselves are not good, but are only deemed such when the object is for the glory of God.  Works as a means to an end are nothing but selfishness.  Just as love is purest when reciprocation is not sought, so are works the most pure when they are exclusively to glorify God.