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Who Claimed Works Justify?
Sermonette by Craig SablichMartin Luther, feeling 'God's' (the Catholic church's) standards were too hard to obey, found solace in Romans 1:17 and the idea of 'faith alone.'
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffFaith without works is dead! This truth is of utmost importance, as God emphasizes it through repetition in His Word. The apostle James, in chapter two of his epistle, clearly teaches that faith and works are inseparable. He illustrates that faith apart from works is barren, unproductive, and ineffective, much like a desolate land that cannot bear fruit without rain. Just as both sunshine and rain are needed for growth, active faith and active works are both required to produce godly, spiritual life in us. The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:8-9, declares that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one may boast. Yet, in the very next verse, he affirms that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. God desires us to perform good works in the name of Jesus Christ, as they are a major part of the purpose for each true Christian's life. We cannot truly be Christians without them. There is no contradiction between Paul and James on this matter. Faith is required, and works are required. Works toward God are to do His will, to perform His work, and to obey His laws. Works toward our neighbors are to serve them and to do good for them. Such works promote the growth of godly character and provide a shining example of true Christian living. Faith without works is dead, but faith with works is life—eternal life!
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace is central to our relationship with Him, and justification by faith, rather than by works, is a critical aspect of His plan for salvation. Ephesians 2:10 establishes that God requires works of us, but their purpose is not to earn salvation. Instead, these works glorify Him and internalize His character within our hearts during the period of sanctification, as we are formed into the image of Jesus Christ. Our works are the fruit of His grace, meaning they cannot earn what He has already enabled us to do. Justification by works, as perceived by some religious Jews of the apostles' day, was seen as an entitlement based on their sincere efforts to please God. However, this view is flawed when isolated from God's entire purpose for salvation. If justification were earned through works, it would open the door for human pride to enter the relationship with God, a deadly problem. Pride, as seen in Satan's rebellion, destroys relationships by fostering a sense of equality with God. Therefore, God chooses us while we are still sinners, ensuring that pride cannot be part of the equation. This prevents us from creating character in our own image, which would mirror the world shaped by Satan's pride. Romans 3:19-20 clarifies that no flesh will be justified by the deeds of the law, for the law's purpose is to reveal sin, not to save. All have sinned and fall short of God's glory, burdened with a debt that can only be paid by death. Since justification cannot be claimed through law-keeping, it must be received as a gift freely given by God. Romans 4:1-8 uses Abraham as the primary example, showing that he was justified by faith, not works. His belief in God was accounted to him as righteousness before circumcision, a symbol of works, was introduced. This demonstrates that justification is not earned, and as spiritual children of Abraham, we are justified in the same manner—by faith. Genesis 26:1-5 further illustrates that Abraham's obedience to God's commandments did not negate justification by faith. Justification by grace through faith does not do away with God's law, as Paul emphasizes in Romans 6:1. Instead, it frees us in Christ to keep the law as He did, aligning with God's purpose for our spiritual creation.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe have been called, not just to believe in Christ, but also to overcome sin, which takes a great deal of effort. Justification requires a response.
On Works
Sermon by John O. ReidWorks are necessary for a Christian, and have not been neutralized by grace. Good works serve as the evidence of faith; faith without works is dead.
The Traditions of Men
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist did not end the law, but fulfilled the law, providing a lasting pattern for His saints to follow. We have a responsibility to seek biblical proof.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
Living By Faith and God's Grace (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh'Grace' is a term that represents God's awesome generosity toward us, His continuously flowing blessings and saving acts. It goes beyond just forgiveness.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe two men who go to the Temple to pray contrast in character, belief, and self-examination. The contrast shows how to be justified before God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
The Jerusalem Council's Conclusion
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 addressed whether Gentile converts had to follow Jewish customs and additions to God's law to be saved.
Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God's Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennActs 5:32 declares that God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, yet some argue that keeping God's law is not necessary. What is the truth?
Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul's writings, because of their complexity, are frequently twisted to say that he was anti-law. By denigrating God's law, the unconverted set their own standards.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRighteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Scriptures place a paramount importance on sacrifice. Abraham's 'sacrifice' of Isaac confirmed him to the position of father of the faithful.
The Promises of God
Sermon by John O. ReidIn this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:9-10 is a favorite crutch of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. However, Paul's meaning is quite different.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.
Where Is God's True Church Today?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhere can we find the true religion, the true church, in all this confusion? Only the church Christ founded and heads today has the answers to eternal life.
The Providence of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus and Abraham rose above their emotional pulls by exercising living faith—a faith built on acts of obedience. Faith can never be separated from works.
Sow for Yourself
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidA harvest depicts the reward of diligent management of time and resources. We have to be careful what we sow, proving our faith by concrete deeds.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughForgiveness is only the beginning of the grace process, enabling us to grow to the stature of Christ. Paradoxically, grace puts us under obligation to obey.
Hate the Sin, But Love and Forgive the Sinner
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne of the deadliest afflictions we can develop is a self-righteous, vindictive 'Phineas' complex, seizing the sword of the Lord to correct a fellow member.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.
'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.
Deuteronomy: Fear
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people allow fear to rule them, they lose their mind. Fear of God, however, is not mind killing, but inspires a reverential awe of the Creator.