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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 clearly teaches that faith and works are inseparable, for faith apart from works is barren, unproductive, and ineffective. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, declares that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Yet, in the very next verse, Paul affirms that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. There is no contradiction between Paul and James on this matter. Faith is required, and good works are also required. Doing good works in the name of Jesus Christ is a major part of the purpose for each true Christian's life; we cannot truly be Christians without them. 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 with works brings life—eternal life!
Works of Faith (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod's grace does not abolish His law, for the issue is not law or grace, but law and grace. His spiritual law coexists with His grace, and even blessing us with His law is an act of His grace. Faith does not replace good works, as works do not save us but are required as evidence of our faith. The issue is not works or faith, but works and faith, since faith without works is dead. We must do good works to be blessed with eternal life, and all who have eternal life do such works. Our Savior expects us to become coworkers with Him in our salvation, as well as the salvation of all mankind. It is a tragic error to believe that we need perform no works in our salvation, that Jesus will keep the law for us through the Holy Spirit. The purpose of His reconciliation and God's grace is to get us to quit transgressing His law, to stop doing bad works and begin doing good works, to quit practicing selfishness and start practicing godly love. He pleads with us, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Jesus tells us we must do something, not just believe, to gain salvation, instructing us to keep the commandments if we want to enter into life. God's goal is to bring all of us to the point where we cooperate with Him in our salvation, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletMillions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWorks cannot earn us salvation. However, they play many vital roles in our Christian walk toward the Kingdom of God, especially in developing holiness.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod expects works from all He has called. We show our faithfulness and loyalty to God by our works or conduct - what we produce by what we have been given.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
As I Breathe
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSome in the church of God have succumbed to the lie that we do not need to be overly concerned about sinning because we are under God's grace.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
Eternal Security (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasMisguided theologians have tried to create a false dichotomy between grace and works. We do works of obedience to build character, not to earn salvation.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
Keeping Love Alive (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks demonstrate our faith, our response to God's calling and His freely given grace. Reciprocity is always a part of our relationship with God.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.